« Shopping | Main | Hurry Up And Wait »

Cool Air

Today was my third day in Medan. I woke up at 4 AM and had a hard time going back to sleep. I ended up reading in bed for a while, and then was able to sleep again. They say the second night can be more difficult that the first, when it comes to jet lag. My first night, Saturday, I was so pooped I slept all night. But Sunday night, not being so tired, I woke up early since my clock wasn't adjusted. I hope I do better tonight, but since it's getting late and I'm still not in bed, I'm sure I'll do fine.

Tomorrow I need to be out at the airport early, as I'm finally off to Meulaboh. I would have liked to go sooner, but it was important to help Rob finish getting items for the Banda Aceh install, as well as acclimatize a bit to the time zone and the country. I had thought by the time I got here the internet cafe in Meulaboh would already be up and running, and that I'd help with the install in Banda Aceh. Due to complications, that is not the case, and on Tuesday I'll be helping with the VSAT installation in Meulaboh. The pole for the antenna was put in the cement on Sunday afternoon, so by Tuesday we'll be able to mount the 2.4 meter dish and get going. I'm not sure when we'll be open for customers, but hopefully we'll be there by Thursday or so. I know there are a lot of people eagerly awaiting that.

Rob, Rick, and I went around Medan today with a truck and driver, picking up electrical supplies, and a second mounting pole, all for Banda Aceh. The pole we ordered arrived on a bicycle cart, and when all the work was finally done, was taken off the truck by a Swiss soldier and fork lift. OSHA would have a field day here, as we saw guys moving heavy steel plates in flip flops, grinding without hearing protection, welding with sunglasses or even no eyewear!

It's warm here, and humid, so I found myself looking for places to stand in the shade, or ways to stay in air conditioned places as often as possible. I won't have air conditioning once I reach Meulaboh tomorrow, so I'm enjoying it while it lasts. Actually, I found a store where you can buy sweat in cans. No thanks, I have plenty of my own!