February 27, 2022
This is Carolyn in the Middle,
Geographically, there is very little ‘east’ in the Middle East. So why is the region named this way? This really is fascinating and a quick read. I’m 63 and still learning plenty as I travel.
What exactly is this region to the east of? And what exactly is it in the middle of? In the mid 19th century the British Empire was vast and powerful. They used the phrase ‘Orient’ to describe the East and split it into 3 distinct areas.
- the Near East, included Turkey and the Balkans
- the Far East, included Asian countries along the Pacific Ocean
- and the countries in-between came to be known as the Middle East
1) I’ve seen a map identifying 18 countries that compose the Middle East.
2) We’ve traveled to 9 of them.
3) We left Dubai Monday,
4) spent 2 days in the Kingdom of Saudi,
5) and two more in amazing Bahrain.
6) LDS church services were Friday here, they meet in a converted home. Their baptismal font is quite large.
7) And now we are loving our first day in Oman!
8) Tomorrow we begin a 9 day road trip down the seacoast and back via the Arabian desert,
9) also known as the ‘empty quarter’ or largest continuous sand sea in the world.
10) It covers 250,000 sq miles and is shared by 4 countries
Okay. Class dismissed. This week we both felt deeply concerned that our travel plans might be thwarted in Saudi Arabia. Eventually it all worked out. It was worrisome for only a few hours but we felt completely helpless. We often watch news in our hotel room and sorrow greatly as the Ukrainian people are fleeing from or fighting for their homes, families and freedoms. We have added them to our prayers.
“There will be times when the path ahead seems dark, but keep following the Savior. He knows the way; in fact, He is the way.” Stephen W Owen, former General YM President
Please tell us how you are doing and share photos when you can.
We switched out Lane’s sim card today so emails are the best way to reach him. Or text him on Carolyn’s number.
Important dates:
February 27th - Chris has a birthday today. He is 42!
Somewhere hidden between February 28th and March 1st is the multiverse which is Tesila’s birthday. Happy 14th!
March 6th - Emeline will be a driving force on this birthday.
We love you forever!
February 20, 2022
Hi,
Thursday we fled to the desert.
2) then went dune-bashing in a caravan of ten Land Cruisers,
3) went sandboarding,
4) (our guide was a natural photographer)
5) hopped on a camel🐪,
6) watched the sunset over a Bedouin camp,
7) ingested a BBQ buffet
8) while watching bellydancers,
9) flame throwers,
10) & a whirling dervish.
Another day to remember.
Happy Birthday to:
Britni ~ 39 on the 24th
Chris ~ 42 on the 27th
We leave our sweet little humble Dubai apartment and fly to Saudi Arabia Tuesday. What’s new with you?
We love you forever!
Momma C & Dad Lane (G&G Howell)
Sent from my iPhone
February 13, 2022
Hey everybody.
We may be like Spiderman…'Far From Home’ but we still ‘attended’ Gaylin’s funeral, via Zoom, Saturday 10pm to midnight. Tonight we’ll attempt to watch the Super Bowl.
How y’all doin?
Wanna history/geography lesson? There’s a test at the end...
1) The U.A.E. is an infant country…only 5 decades old
2) formed in 1971 when 7 small emirates (countries) combined to form the United Arab emirates
3) making it a bigger country with a bigger global voice
4) it is slightly smaller than the US state of Maine
5) in the late 19th century the pearling and fishing trades flourished
6) in 1966 oil was discovered
7) and VIOLA! Tick-Tick-BOOM! this country explodes into the fantastical oasis it is today
8) Locals make up 20% of Dubai’s population while the other 80% are expats (people living outside their own countries)
9) Islam is the official religion here and tolerance is a proclaimed virtue
10) law enforcement is highly effective here (FYI - the police force boasts the inclusion of 14 supercars; including the exotic Bugatti Veyron, Ferrari and Lamborghini
if you have 2 minutes we recommend this: https://youtu.be/JUlbcuy1ao0
Coming soon:
14th ~ Valentine’s Day
16th ~ Matt Lindeman (Sarah’s husband) celebrates his birthday with a screaming goat (shhh, don’t tell him, its a surprise!)
19th ~ we observe camel racing live!
Our upcoming travel plans:
February 22nd to March 10th ~ we visit Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar
March 10th to March 20th ~ tour of Egypt
March 21st ~ fly to Seattle for Tesila’s play and Violet’s baptism
March 28th ~ fly to SLC
April, May & June ~ we’ll primarily hang around Utah. So, Utahns, this is an ideal time to redeem a Christmas coupon or two from your punch boards.
We love you forever!
P.S. j/k about the test
February 6, 2022
Hello fabulous family,
Facts about the TALLEST BUILDING IN THE WORLD!!! The Burj Khalifa, Dubai, UAE
1) 163 floors
2) 2,716.5 feet tall
3) It’s held the record since 2010.
4) It is 3 x the height of the Eiffel Tower...
5) …and nearly double the Empire State Building.
6) It took only 6 years to complete.
7) The weight of the concrete used = 100,000 elephants.
8) It’s a 60 second ride to get to the observation deck on floor 124.
(You can go to level 148 but the cost is $150 pp, even more $ if you want to see the sunset)
9) There is a light show on the building every 1/2 hour.
10) Ghost Protocol (MI:4) was literally filmed on the building.
People say the Burj Khalifa is the tallest building but in fact the library is because it has more stories. ;o}
Today we got information about Uncle Gaylin’s funeral from Shelly Jordan.
Friday, 2/11 VIEWING 6-8pm
Metcalf Mortuary
288 W St George Blvd
St George, UT 84770
Saturday, 2/12 FUNERAL SERVICES 11am
Washington Stake Sandia Chapel
628 S 3000 E
St George, UT 84790
(available via Zoom but I’ll have to get more info on how to join)
Happenings:
Today ~ Brennan is twelve years old!
February 12th ~ Joseph will be 22!
We love you forever!
