Snowed in in Entebbe

John Padilla and I traveled on the 3rd of Dec. We were supposed to leave Entebbe at 1:45 am, but because of snow in Europe our flight was delayed 3 hours.  When we arrived in Amsterdam at 10:30 am, we had already missed our connecting flights, along with most of Europe, it seems.  Amsterdam was a nightmare.  I got a flight out at 5:30 that night. I got the ticket at 5:00 pm and the flight was at 5:30 so I had to run.  John was in line right behind me, so I do not know when he was able to get out and home to Albuquerque, as I had to go. The lines were just awful--people were getting upset and the overworked clerks were losing it  My checked bag, with all my tools in it, did not arrive in Portland, but I kind of expected that. All in all, it was  a great trip for me except for the flight home. I enjoyed doing the blog and hope you all enjoyed it, as well.

last work day

I was out hanging transformers today with the same crew as yesterday. The guys seem to be picking up the connections and are learning how to wire the pots quite well. I am packed and ready to go.  The plane is due in Maridi at about noon tomorrow. Today was Bob's birthday and he had some people over tonight--Alma and some other people from her work.  It was a nice gathering., but I'm up and gone tomorrow. The first picture tonight is of the generators sitting on their pads. The second is of one of the peanut gallery watching us hang a pot. He has what I think is the most popular toy in Maridi--the stick has a string going to the truck and they just pull it around.  The 3rd is a poster on the referendum--there is info on it every where     

generators show up

The generators showed up about 7:00 tonight, so I should be able to see them sitting on the pads built for them. It should make for a big day tomorrow.  We spent today seeing the guys off and hanging transformers. I also presented Augustine with Doug Stockdale's hooks and belt. The guys here have to share tools, including their hooks. Bob said whoever got Doug's stuff, would not have to share. Augustine was a good choice in my opinion. They have a hard time coming up with hand tools, so I decided to  leave most, but not all, of mine. The first picture tonight is of the kind of meter they are installing here--Lane Electric guys take note--2 wire, 240 volt--that is phase to ground-- took a little getting used to when wiring things up--that it was just 2 wires for 240. The next one shows the kind of peanut galleries we get here every time we stop to do any kind of work. The last is me and Augustine with Doug's tools.I thought Doug might like to see who got them. Not much else to report. I'm looking forward to seeing the generators tomorrow and going home the next day.

cutting loose in Maridi

We ran couple of services this morning and then the employees had a going away party for all of us who are leaving this week. The first picture is of John and the guys he worked with dancing. The next needs no explanation. There was lots of good food and drink and everyone had a good time, even though they were sad at us leaving. I'm sure the long term guys will be missed most. Those guys leave for Kampala tomorrow and then I go on Thursday. I kind of feel bad about going but am really looking forward to getting home.

Sunday in Maridi

Another slow Sunday here. John and I made pizza for early lunch and then we all went to the U.N. compound for a goodbye party at the Bangladesh area. They gave all the guys who are leaving a good send off--a great meal and presents. They are very hospitable and very friendly people. The first picture tonight is of me helping get a secondary wire over a small wire so we could pull it up to sag. I had to step off the pole onto the building. The second is of one of the small lizards they have here.  There is one trying to take up a home in the house we live in.  He is not around all the time but we see him from time to time. The last is a sunset taken at the compound.

moving on from sub

As expected we have moved on to hanging transformers. We hung the first bank in Maridi today. That took all morning then we moved on to the Old Market where we hung a single phase transformer. Bob is quite anxious to have as many as  possible ready when the generators show up. Many people have contacted him asking when they can have power. As I get out and do more stuff, people come up to me a lot asking when they can have power and what they have to do to get it. John ,Cody and Arron are due to go to Kampala on Tuesday.  That leaves just Bob and me until Thursday when Arron returns and I leave. The crews have asked if they can have a party for everyone who is leaving next week and I'm sure it will be emotional for many, as these guys have formed some close relationships with some of the people here. Picture taking has slowed down quite a bit only--took one picture today it was of some cows blocking the road as I was driving the digger truck back to the compound.

done with sub

For all intents and purpose the sub is done on our end. I felt it came about as good as a wooden sub could. Everyone here but Bob and Arron are gearing up to go home John and Cody leave on Tuesday Cody to head home and John to get a few things done in Kampala for the project.  I leave on the following Thursday. After we finished up with the sub today I went out with Arron and his crew to hang the transformer that will serve the New Market. I think I will either be hanging pots or running services the rest of my time here. The pictures today are all of the finishing up of the substation.