Installment number two has me trying to figure out where to start. I have had a very interesting two weeks. Still no contracts for electrical or mechanical, but not because I have not tried to get them signed. The last two weeks saw me meet with no less than six engineers, all while trying to explain to them what we are trying to do (engineers here are not that quick to understand). Part of me thinks they just do not understand and part of me thinks they want to extend the project so they are able to collect more money.

Part of the contract issue was delayed due the passing of the owner's father. He was an older man that was very well respected. His death enabled me to do something I never thought I would be able to. I went to a Muslim funeral service. Not only did I go and pay my respects, I went to the Mosque. It was by far one of the most beautiful buildings I have been in. The custom was unique and perplexing to me. My driver, Hogr, picked me up and drove me to the Mosque. It was my thought that he would accompany me into the Mosque, if for no other reason than to make sure I did nothing wrong based on custom. But to my surprise as we walked up the steps he instructed me to remove my shoes and go inside. I was very surprised as well as a little nervous. Anyway the custom portion of this, as I later found out, was since I am a "boss," the individual's that work for me, have to stay outside. So there were many people waiting in a greeting line outside since their "bosses" were inside. For example, if all the men from the jobsite went with me to the Mosque, only I would go inside. The service goes on for two days, but I stayed for about 30 minutes. I sat close to another individual that walked in at the same time as I did, and of course I left at the same time he did.

The Mosque was beautiful, my hope is to get back there so I can take a few pictures and post them, but clearly it was not the right time to be snapping pictures!

I have posted some pictures of the country this time around rather than pictures of the job as most of you would probably not see that much progress!! Some of the pictures are from the Citadel here in Arbil. The Citadel here is said to be the oldest inhabited community in the world. How anybody lives there now is beyond me, but it is not my village so that is their choice. Currently the government is trying to "rejuvenate" the buildings, at the rate they are moving my children may not see it complete.

That's all for now, check back in a few weeks for another update!