It's always great when you have a zest for action, adventure and sometimes a little suspense, but when you travel with a great passion you will truly find them all.
James Williams, "World Traveler"
By Rodney Wayne Branche
Copa: Where did you grow up?
James: Born in Cleveland, Ohio; raised in Eutaw, Alabama, and picked cotton until the age of seven, then we moved back to Cleveland to escape the wrath of the plantation owner and violent conditions.
Copa: Where did you attend school?
James: Attended Robert Fulton Elementary School, and Graduated from East Technical high School, Cleveland, Ohio. Completed a 4 year Apprenticeship Program at National Aeronautics and Space Administration; as an Experimental Metal Model Maker, Attended Strayer College in Washington DC. Computer Systems.
James: Born in Cleveland, Ohio; raised in Eutaw, Alabama, and picked cotton until the age of seven, then we moved back to Cleveland to escape the wrath of the plantation owner and violent conditions.
Copa: Where did you attend school?
James: Attended Robert Fulton Elementary School, and Graduated from East Technical high School, Cleveland, Ohio. Completed a 4 year Apprenticeship Program at National Aeronautics and Space Administration; as an Experimental Metal Model Maker, Attended Strayer College in Washington DC. Computer Systems.
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Copa: What is your profession?
James: My profession is Aeronautics, satellite technician, business entrepreneur and management.
James: My profession is Aeronautics, satellite technician, business entrepreneur and management.
Copa: How did you land a wonderful job in Kuwait?
James: After receiving an honorable discharge from the US Navy, in September 2003, I could not find a job, that adhered to my desires, so after searching for almost three months, I saw a classified ad in the Washington Post. A company named; ITT Systems was hiring satellite technicians to work in Iraq. Communications and Satellite Technician was my profession in the US Navy. I applied, and within two weeks, I was sent an offer letter of six-figures, with a sign on bonus. I immediately faxed them my YES. I worked in Iraq for one year; moved back to the US, bought a house and a car, and thought that I could live off of my retirement for the US Navy and a part-time job. That did not work, so I re-applied to the same company as was hired again. This time I worked in Kuwait from 2006 until 2013, as a satellite technician. For R&R I flew to Dubai for social activities, because those activities were banned in Kuwait. No alcohol, dancing, outward signs of affection, etc.
James: After receiving an honorable discharge from the US Navy, in September 2003, I could not find a job, that adhered to my desires, so after searching for almost three months, I saw a classified ad in the Washington Post. A company named; ITT Systems was hiring satellite technicians to work in Iraq. Communications and Satellite Technician was my profession in the US Navy. I applied, and within two weeks, I was sent an offer letter of six-figures, with a sign on bonus. I immediately faxed them my YES. I worked in Iraq for one year; moved back to the US, bought a house and a car, and thought that I could live off of my retirement for the US Navy and a part-time job. That did not work, so I re-applied to the same company as was hired again. This time I worked in Kuwait from 2006 until 2013, as a satellite technician. For R&R I flew to Dubai for social activities, because those activities were banned in Kuwait. No alcohol, dancing, outward signs of affection, etc.
Copa: Where did you work before that?
James: Bethlehem Steel, Cleveland, Ohio NASA Research Center, Berea, Ohio John Hancock Insurance Company, Washington DC Fox Investment Corporation, Washington DC Front Desk Clerk, Bluebeard's Castle, St. Thomas USVI US Navy ITT Systems, Iraq; Kuwait.
James: Bethlehem Steel, Cleveland, Ohio NASA Research Center, Berea, Ohio John Hancock Insurance Company, Washington DC Fox Investment Corporation, Washington DC Front Desk Clerk, Bluebeard's Castle, St. Thomas USVI US Navy ITT Systems, Iraq; Kuwait.
Copa: When did you decide to travel to exotic destinations for vacations?
James: When we moved from the projects at an early age, I was determined to explore and experience. In Elementary School, we had to read from a book called "Little Black Sambo", the black kids had to stand on a chair and read from this book. I was defiant, and was determined that I was going to be successful in life.
James: When we moved from the projects at an early age, I was determined to explore and experience. In Elementary School, we had to read from a book called "Little Black Sambo", the black kids had to stand on a chair and read from this book. I was defiant, and was determined that I was going to be successful in life.
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Copa: Would you name a few of your favorite locations?
James: Dubrovnik (restaurants, sights, adventure) Monte Carlo (restaurants, sights, excitement) Nice (restaurants, beaches, sights) Gothenburg, Sweden (museums, sights) Gibraltar (sights, adventure) Norway (adventure) Dubai (rich rewards, hotels, sights, adventure) Rio de Janeiro, Buzios and Bahia Salvadore, Brazil (exotic adventure, history, romance) Columbia South America (history, romance) Panama Central America (fishing; peacock bass) Valencia and Madrid, Spain (historic sights, romance) Venice and Florence, Italy (shopping and romance) |
Copa: I see you love wonderful restaurants, what type of culinary selections do you prefer?
James: Filet Mignon, Sea Bass, Blackened Red Snapper, favorite wine: France, Brazil, Argentina; Merlot, Margaux (I had bought a $600.00 bottle of Margaux from France, and kept in storage, while working in Kuwait. On one occasion, a friend who I had dated in the early 70's came to visit, when I was transferring my things from storage and we opened that bottle to celebrate. Fantastic; so smooth, and the evening was great! Dom Perignon is fabulous for special occasions.
James: Filet Mignon, Sea Bass, Blackened Red Snapper, favorite wine: France, Brazil, Argentina; Merlot, Margaux (I had bought a $600.00 bottle of Margaux from France, and kept in storage, while working in Kuwait. On one occasion, a friend who I had dated in the early 70's came to visit, when I was transferring my things from storage and we opened that bottle to celebrate. Fantastic; so smooth, and the evening was great! Dom Perignon is fabulous for special occasions.
Copa: Where do you think you will finally settle down and call it home?
James: Somewhere overlooking the ocean, where the fishing is good, and the weather is pleasant.
James: Somewhere overlooking the ocean, where the fishing is good, and the weather is pleasant.
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Copa: What's in store for the next trip that will tickle your fancy?
James: If things go as planned, I hope to spend New Year's 2015, in Columbia South America or with my friend who lives in Madrid. |
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On September 18, 2010, I was on R&R from Kuwait, and I took a Catamaran Tour on the Arabian Gulf Creek, it was a half day trip, and the day was very pleasant. We even swam in the Gulf. If you get the chance to travel to Dubai, I highly recommend this voyage when you visit.
Burj Al Arab Hotel (The sail) $1300.00 p/night single room Address: Jumeira 3 - Dubai - United Arab Emirates Phone:+971 4 301 7777 The distinctive sail-shaped silhouette of Burj Al Arab is more than just a stunning hotel, it is a symbol of modern Dubai. Yet for all the wonder this stunning structure provides when you finally see it in person, it is the service within that really makes the Burj Al Arab so extraordinary. Repeatedly voted the world's most luxurious hotel, this magnificent destination offers you the finest service and facilities throughout – right down to an optional chauffeur-driven Rolls-Royce. Burj Al Arab suite-only accommodation offers discreet check-in within your rooms, a private reception on every floor and a host of personal butlers, each a warm messenger of our unparalleled hospitality. Come and experience it for yourself. Arrive in absolute awe, stay individually inspired. 202 luxurious duplex suites Personalized butler service Nine world-class restaurants and bars Four swimming pools (two outdoor, two indoor) and a private beach Talise Spa Rolls-Royce, Mercedes and helicopter airport transfer service Complementary access to Wild Wadi Waterpark for the duration of your stay Jumeirah Beach Hotel Dubai $255.00 p/night single With its striking wave-like design, Jumeirah Beach Hotel's five-star resort is one of Dubai’s most instantly recognizable structures. Happily for our guests, the Jumeirah Beach Hotel in Dubai is equally famed for its amazing value and sheer wealth of options to enjoying your stay. All the hotel’s 617 rooms, suites and villas are luxuriously furnished and provide spectacular views of the Arabian Gulf.You’ll find everything you’re looking for and much more at Jumeirah Beach Hotel in Dubai. What you see is what you get, only better 598 ocean-view rooms and suites 19 traditional Arabian styled beachside villas Over 19 restaurants, cafes and bars Five swimming pools (including a children’s pool) and private beach Floodlit tennis courts, one multi-purpose court and three squash courts Complimentary access to Wild Wadi Waterpark for the duration of your stay Talise Spa with saunas, massage rooms, hot tubs, Jacuzzi, steam room and plunge pool. Complimentary access to The Hub Teens Club Talise Fitness set up with the latest Technogym Sinbad’s Kids Club Fact Sheet Complimentary Newspaper App Contact Jumeirah Beach Hotel PO Box 11416, Dubai, UAE For hotel inquiries please contact us directly: Tel: +971 4 348 0000 Toll-free: Click here Email:ww[email protected] Atlantis, The Palm DUbai $287.00 p/night single room The resort has two accommodation wings, also referred to as the Royal Towers, consisting of the East and the West Tower, both linked together by the Royal Bridge Suite. The resort’s comprises 1,500 guest rooms and suites with private balconies and views over The Palm and the Persian Gulf. The Imperial Club has over 150 rooms and suites and two private club lounges, one in the 12th floor of the East Tower with views of the Arabian Sea and Aquaventure water park and one on the ground floor of the West Tower with an outside terrace. The Royal Bridge Suite, spanning the Royal Towers, is 22 stories up with views of The Palm, Dubai and the Persian Gulf. The two Underwater Suites are each three stories high with the illusion of view directly into the Ambassador Lagoon. ~Copa |