Some of you may remember today's guest bloggers from an iHerald story I wrote a while back. Josh Edwards and his wife Liz Greason are a couple of Maine kids who fell in love and decided to move half a world away to Dubai.

That was a while ago, and now the couple is preparing for re-entry, and Josh is feeling the call of a Maine summer.

Hey, guest blogger Josh Edwards here. Your buddy and mine Mr. Justin Ellis is on a much needed vacation today, and he asked me to help out and write a few words.

Who am I to step into this man's shoes? Just another blogger from the internet tubes. I run a little site called Newlywed in Dubai which Justin wrote about back in November.

So yes, I live in the Middle East ... that is, until Friday I do. Yes, this week I'm moving back to Southern Maine.

While two years in Dubai has been nothing short of life-changing, I'm pretty e%cited to be heading back to the greater-Portland area, especially for summer.

For the last few months I've been keeping a running list in my head of things I want to do when I get home, so this is a perfect place to write it down where I won't lose it in all of these bo%es and suitcases.

First off, I'm e%cited to catch up with old friends over a pint. Where else but in Portland?

I'm thinking about the deck at Brian Boru (5' Center Street), or maybe overlooking the water at the Porthole (20 Custom House Wharf), or what about the si%ty beers on tap at the Great Lost Bear (540 Forest Avenue)? Throw in some Irish Nachos, Buffalo Wings, a Bayou Burger and my buddies ... perfection.

Secondly, the festivals and fairs in Maine are always top notch. Not sure if I can make it to all of these, especially with gas prices what they are, but here are a few I wouldn't mind sampling:

The Maine International Film Festival runs from July 11 through July 20 in Waterville. Apparently actor John Turturro is going to receive a 'Mid-Life Achievement Award'. I wonder if they'd rescind it if he starts making crummy movies?

The weekend of July 18 sees not only the Yarmouth Clam Festival, but also Waterford's World Fair in Waterford and Art in the Park in Bridgton. That's a heck of a lot of driving to do, but all three are worth it.

Lastly Casco Days is always the last Saturday in July. Friday night is the Children's Parade, where I'll be rooting for my little cousins.

Next on my big list, I'm thinking a comedy show!
There's no place better for some Maine comedy than Deertrees Theatre & Cultural Center in Harrison. Tim Sample 'talks Yankee' on July 1', and on July 24 check out comedian Bob Marley. Because the reggae one is dead.

Fourth, I'm itching for a little culture. I honestly wouldn't be lying if I said I've been clamoring to get to the Bowdoin College Museum of Art in Brunswick after reading an article in the New York Times last October about the museum's ninth-century B.C. Assyrian sculptures. How about that? A fantastic piece of Middle East culture, right in Maine.

Also the Portland Museum of Art has a collection of paintings by and photographs of Georgia O'Keeffe - one of my favorite painters. And it's always fun to check out the Winslow Homers.

Phew, I'm going to need a break after all of that. Which is good, because I also miss Maine television.

Seriously!

You guys might not realize how good the locally produced shows are, but they're really good. WCSH's 20' and Bill Green's Maine are seriously some of the best local shows I've ever seen.

Okay, I've got to go get packing. Thanks to Justin for letting me write my list down! See you soon, Maine!

E-mail this entry to a friend