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Ali Bushnaq in Portland
By Lance Trumbull | December 9, 2009
Although I have communicated frequently with Ali via email, instant messenger, Facebook, and phone - I had not physically seen him since I was at his home in Abu Dhabi in October 2006. As he walked through the back entrance to our place our dog Joey ran to him and gave him an enthusiastic greeting. As he got closer I remembered what I had forgotten: Ali is a big guy! At least 6 foot 6 inches and a good 240 pounds Ali is built like a football player. I’m 6 foot and compared to Ali I look small.
The entire family was there to greet him - me, my wife Tikky, Joey - and the latest Trumbull addition: Kaden. Time was brief; Ali could only stay for the next 24 hours for his trip from the Middle East was going to be a short one, and he was there to visit and to help his son Nader take care of school business. Nader is going to the same great college - St. Martin’s University in Olympia - where Ali attended in the early 80’s.
And so we made the best of our time. After a very nice lunch we drove to Multnomath Falls - about a 45 minute drive. As usual it was beautiful, but damn it was cold and windy. It almost felt like being back on Everest once again! We left Tikky and Kaden in the car to relax and we decided to get some much needed exercise and take the many switchbacks up to the top of the falls. It was certainly nothing to brag about - but seeing both of us were stuffed from lunch - and both a bit out of shape, we were happy to get the exercise. Of course, Joey was there and he had absolutely no probably running up to the top. Even at 10 he is still in great shape, just like a puppy. I have been up on top several times and each time I go the view seems to get better! We took a few pictures and then made for a very quick journey back down.
Next stop - the Columbia / Mountain Hardwear employee store. Fortnately, I live near the Columbia headquaters. And fortunately, I have a friend who works at Mountain Hardwear - for this gives me the opportunity to get into the employee store by my house and get great deals on Columbia and Mountain Hardwear gear. Ali had a great time there - basically buying his entire family presents all in one shot. I love gear - and being in this store is like being a hungry kid in a wonderful candy store. It can be dangerous if you have your credit cards with you!
Later on that night we had a great dinner at Siam Cuisine in NW Portland; the best Thai food in the area! Two things that Ali really appreciates is good food and good beer; they have both there.
Unfortunately, before we knew it - the next morning was here. Ali slept on the couch; fortunately we have a big couch! We had a nice morning and then Ali was off back to go see his son in Olympia. It was wonderful to see Ali. In person everyone likes Ali - he is warm and engaging and nice to be around. Kaden is going to miss his new uncle.
Ali, Kaden, and Lance.
Hopefully we will see each other once again soon…
Lance Trumbull
Topics: Everest Peace Project |
One Response to “Ali Bushnaq in Portland”
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May 12th, 2010 at 7:54 am
Охотно принимаю. Тема интересна, приму участие в обсуждении. Я знаю, что вместе мы сможем прийти к правильному ответу….
As he walked through the back entrance to our place our dog Joey ran to him and gave him an enthusiastic greeting. […….