Balhaf Recreation

what a motley crew, the Yemgas Globe Trotters. At least the name is accurate. From left to right, we have French, Hong Kong, Austin, College Station and Italian. Not pictured are Venezuelan, Lebanese and a couple more French.
The Yemgas Green team is Yemeni.
The TDD Tankers (they are constructing the cryogenic tanks) are Korean.

Other recreational stuff to do in the very limited off-hours is swim at the beach, jog the perimeter road on the inside of the fenceline. Occasionnally the Euro Ex-pats will organize a Friday afternoon drive to Bir Ali, which is an oasis, literally - you've heard the term, this is really one of them - up the coast to the east. There is nothing there by way of amenities, but the security people have deemed it safe, kindof, and it is an excuse to leave the fenced compound. Actually, as of this writing - Jan 18, 2008 - it is not safe. I have heard rumblings about some kindof of weirdness outside, which has suspended Bir Ali visits for the time being. Didn't pay it much attention, but should have, if only to be more informed-sounding in writing about it. Death was involved, so I'll try to remember to ask the security guys, who work down the hall from me about it. Stay tuned.