Then there was Dubai

The journey home for vacation involved a stop over in Dubai for a training course - not a bad deal with 3 extra days to see some of the sights.  Of course one of the most notable landmarks in Dubai -

 A few other attractions were the incredible malls and the aquarium.  The intended clients for shopping obviously had more disposable income than I do as it all seemed a little too expensive, neat and proper.

I suppose blogging is probably supposed to involve more writing than this but what more can I say here?  The pictures give the idea - money, money, money glitz and glam and more money.

 Even the hotel seemed a little over the top.  After spending so much time in the desert, maybe it was a little too much for me.  It really was a good time that I hope I won't soon forget.

Journey home

Well I began my lengthy journey home yesterday.  It is a long way to travel to be sure, however my trip this time will be rather drawn out.  I began yesterday with a flight from my base to the main base in the south aboard an Osprey.  Very interesting aircraft - part plane and part helicopter.  Once 20 plus Marines and a few of us contractors were loaded on, the engines revved up and we jumped off the ground straight up about 1000 feet.  The next part is even more interesting as they rotate the propellers from horizontal to vertical, all the upward thrust shifts to forward thrust.  I was second seat from the back (without my seat belt fastened) and had to hang on as we very quickly accelerated forward.  The problem with this transition is there is very little upward thrust left and not enough forward speed to create much lift from the wings.  I noticed we were getting closer and closer to the ground.  The tail gunner even lifted the ramp a little more and seemed to look concerned.  I enjoyed the rest of the flight as we zigged and zagged around some increadible mountains with the second Osprey following close behind.  They could charge good money for rides in those birds.
Here are a few photos (not mine - no cameras were allowed on this flight) but very close to what I saw.

Flight position of the props

Take off and landing position of the props

I will be staying at the main base with joint operations for a week before continuing on to Dubai. I will be there for a week or so attending a training course before finishing my journey home.  Here is something to consider.  The British / American air field here is supposed to be the 3rd busiest compared to Brittain (Heathrow of course number 1).
Hopefully I will be able to take some pictures while in Dubai.

countdown

I am well into the countdown to vacation.  As always the plans have changed up a bit but I suppose for the better.  I had a visit this week from the boss and co-worker which was long overdue.  Running the base here myself was not the original plan and has been difficult but I'm glad to have that effort noticed.  I will begin my travels home sooner with a pause on the way home for a training course.

The weather has sure changed into what I can only assume is the winter normal of near freezing tempertures overnight and comfortably warm in the day.  Still expecting some heavy rain in the near future but I hope to miss most of that mess.  Imagine six inches of flour like dust with a deluge of rain on top.  Lots of deep tread boot traffic in and out of buildings, tents, office will make for a nice mess.

I don't seem to have a lot of cheerful things to write about - but hey - Christmas is coming and I'm so glad I don't have to spend it here. Listening to Christmas music as I write this as a matter of fact.

Value

I don't know if I really can describe what it is like to be here on Remembrance day.  I have learned to appreciate what I have back home so much more now.  What do you value?  Are you able to be with family and friends?  Are loved ones close or I suppose close enough to reach out and touch with a simple phone call?  Do you really like your job - come on, it's not that bad.  How about going to church every week?  What do you do with your free time (every evening, weekend or holiday)?  Do you enjoy heading to Tim Hortons for an early morning coffee or afternoon tea with friends.  What do you buy with the groceries just because you can?  How about health care?  How about freedom and safety?  Think about it.  I did and can say I truly am thankful.

Thoughts to remember

Remembrance day is next Thursday so I thought I would share a piece that I wrote for my brother Kevin to share at his church for Remembrance day.

For many, Remembrance Day is not easy.  There are those among us who have direct experience with conflict and war. The memories of these experiences are often difficult to dwell on.   Some have family and loved ones that were lost in combat.  Others have been blessed to know peace and safety their whole lives.  Each has their own reasons to remember.

There is an ongoing conflict in Afghanistan today that may seem distant and insignificant to a lot of the western world.  Soldiers arrive to a culture that is so different.  Hundreds of years removed from technology.  The environment is often very hot and very dusty.  Home is now at best a tent shared with several others.  Showers and bathrooms are community style with no privacy.

Departing for a week long patrol convoy the next morning, a soldier has trouble sleeping.  Thoughts of the danger then of loved ones back home rotate through the mind.  The convoy proceeds.  It is a long very rough and uncomfortable ride.  The vehicle ahead hits an explosive.  Two friends are killed; the others are injured with serious concussion.

At a forward operating base the medical team is notified of an incoming local Afghan trauma.  The patient appears to be unconscious but not dead.  The team quickly begin to assess the injuries.  A young trauma nurse begins to remove the bandages from a serious leg wound and discovers explosives placed within the wound.  The patient, who has now died, was to have detonated the device once inside the hospital.

A flu bug, or perhaps poorly prepared food, causes an outbreak of illness on base.  Duties must continue.  A rocket propelled grenade is successfully launched into the middle of the base.  God protects those in the area and the device does not detonate.  It is still seven months until going home.

 

Remember and pray for those that are involved in this conflict.

October....the end.

Oh the excitement!  Clouds for the 2nd time since I have been here.  Well maybe not much to get excited about but it gets better.  After the end of the 2 days in a row of cloud I noticed that there were actually some darker more substantial clouds on the horizon.  Lo, and behold we had rain.  Although it was not even enough to get the ground wet it was exciting simply for the fact that it has been nothing but hot sun for 4 month.

Come to think of it, every day is a day at the beach.  You even get to walk on rocks and sand everywhere.

Not very exciting I know - but it's life as I know it.

Hrmmmm

Maybe too much thinking time lately.  I have been reminiscing on hunting today for some reason.  Probably what started me on this mental meandering path was the opportunity to check out the scope on an M16.  One look through that I was was daydreaming of sitting in my treestand surrounded by vegetation and cold crisp air - sigh.  Oh well, no deer hunting for me this year.  Perhaps a rabbit hunt when I make it home for vacation.  I might even be able to talk some into our "annual" boxing day sea duck hunt but I doubt I could handle the cold right now.
The weather has finally turned here and it is cool enough in the early morning and evening to warrant the wearing of a sweater.  Coffee time after breakfast on my "patio" ( read 2 plastic chairs on the rocks and sand covered by a camo net) is quite comfortable now and perhaps the best time of the day.
Lots of folks have been leaving the last few days so it has been sad to say goodbye to some new friends.  hopefully the ones coming in to replace them will be just as friendly.  It has been a nice quiet week on the war front as well as no major issues with my equipment so hopefully things can stay that way  - at least for a while.  40 some days till vacation - can't wait!

I write therefore I .....

Kind of bothering me that I don't have much to write about these days.  I have intentions to get some pictures of my surroundings.  The trick is to do this in a way that would not be considered a security risk.  There are a really interesting sting of mountains north of here that on rare occasion are fully visible and maybe even impressive.  I am hoping to get some good shots of them soon.
Again this week there has been lots of bad news.  Although the mood is not great around here, it is surprising how much people can move on with things if the need is there.
I won't write in detail but I have heard some of the craziest funny stories about the locals here that makes one wonder how they make it to tomorrow.  I will say that common sense is not granted to as many as you might think.  Driving for example is not nearly as bad at home now that I have seen really bad.  A stop sign in any language of your preference is not merely a suggestion.
Hopefully I will come up with something a little more exciting to write about next time.

What are you waiting for?

Christmas! ... or I suppose to be more precise, vacation which happens to co-en-side with Christmas - Bonus!

Anticipation seems to make things that much better.  If it's worth waiting for, the more joy you get.  Sometimes a simple little thing like waiting for meal time or when you are tired just waiting anxiously for that moment when you can lay down, sigh and fall to sleep are all it takes.  Maybe a struggle with patience can be relieved by taking a simple look at what you are most looking forward to in the near future.

In the long term (perhaps), are you anticipating eternity with a confident "know so" hope?

what's up?

Well I really have not had much new to write about in the last few weeks.  Although it seems slow, time is moving along and I have started to count the days until vacation.  There have been a number of incidents in the last week and the mood here is getting very somber.  I'd like to keep a chipper attitude but it is hard when you know what is going on around you.
  Thanksgiving has come and gone and other than some greetings from friends and family I didn't give it much thought.  I have a lot to be thankful for especially while experiencing what some of the world is like.  I have another opportunity with American thanksgiving coming up.

On January 31st, 1957, Canadian Parliament proclaimed...
"A Day of General Thanksgiving to Almighty God for the bountiful harvest with which Canada has been blessed ... to be observed on the 2nd Monday in October."

Don't forget what you have to be thankful for - especially love, friendship and freedom.

new experiences?

Not quite what I had in mind when I thought this adventure would be great for new experiences.  To be sick for a week now has been tough.  To have to travel a good 300 yds to get to the bathroom when you are sick is not the type of adventure and experience I had in mind.  Never mind any of this crap (pun intended) that it will make you a stronger and better person.  Hoping - no truly praying for an adventure free night tonight.

how long is a dog year?

Time here seems to add double.  It takes twice as long as "normal" to get anything accomplished.  each day seems to take 48 hours to go by.  I'm feeling like time here is taking twice the toll on mind body and spirit.  The exception to this would be good news does not seem to last nearly as long as it should.
For now I will continue to count the days till my first vacation and try to stay positive and look for the up side.
Not sure if it is wise to share this as I don't want anyone to worry about me more than they are already, however; while i was down very ill the other day, a rocket landed somewhere in the area of 100 meters from my bed.  Although I may have felt sick enough to want to die - of course I truly don't wish to.  Thanks to God watching over many of us, the rocket did not detonate.  I'm not entirely sure how much damage it would have caused but I was told it would not have been good.

ill

spent the last 48 hrs dealing with illness.  Let's just say this is not the place you want to be when hit hard by something bad you ate.  Almost got to the point where I needed to get an IV to replace fluids, but thankfully I am feeling much better and hope to soon forget it.  Sometimes there is no place like home!

duck

Missing the annual duck hunt this year for the first time in a long while.  I hear the weather is not going to be the best this year (unless you are a duck).  Hope the guys have a good trip.

"Harvest" moon

Had a really nice moon last night.  Although the picture did not turn out very well (really need a tripod or some way to set the camera down) it was still a nice sight.  I don't think there is much to harvest around here so "harvest" moon may not be quite it - but still impressive.

Temperatures are getting down to something in the range of 5-10 Celsius at night now.  It is usually nice and crisp in the morning before the sun start baking me again by noon.  Maybe I'll try that moon shot again tonight.

Throne

Sometimes you just have to consider that things could always be worse.  All dignity aside, the latrine thrones are a better option than none at all or even the porta-potty.  Once you get used to it, all you can do is say hello to your neighbor and get to business.  It is especially humorous that they put curtain "doors" at the toilet - if you attempt to use the curtain it hangs down right in your face - good luck wiping with that there.  Sometimes you just have to laugh and say to yourself - I guess it could be worse!

reality check

Had a little wake up call this week that kind of has everyone on their toes again.  After a while of settling into a routine you tend to forget what is going on around you.  This is not the place for details so I won't be too specific.  Keep in mind that there are enemies out there that are bent on causing harm.  I'm glad that I don't know very many specific details or I'm sure I would have my bags packed and be on the next flight out of here.  You really have to trust God no matter where you are, whether it's in a war zone or even at home.
Sometimes it's the little things that remind you of home.  There was corn on the cob (at least I think it was) at supper a few nights ago - reminded me I was missing fresh, sweet juicy corn right out of the garden at this time of year.

9/11

Sure is strange to be here on 9/11.  It sure puts things in perspective when you are actually here to see a lot of what goes on.  You never really realize what is involved for our military to go to a foreign place and have to deal with what they do.  I really don't think I will be able to easily accept what I see on tv quite as easy ever again.  Glad I have had the opportunity in my life to see the reality of war so I appreciate what has been sacrificed in our counties history.
Thank God for our country!

God bless america too.

routine

Although it is good to settle into a routine, once you have been there for a while you realize that it may stay the same for a long time.  Sure, there are new people to meet and stories to hear but days seem to be rather busy but dull and hard to get excited about.  If you keep a good attitude and try to make your routine what you want, it seems to go a lot easier.  fortunately there are a few regular visitors that help with a little humor and good attitude.

summer??

Normally I would look forward to fall but at the same time still want summer to continue.  Early fall is my favorite time of year - hunting season is coming up, cool crisp days and the beautiful colors of nature.  Here I just look forward to "cooler" days.  I had hopped the hottest days were over but it appears the heat wants to stick around a bit longer.  I do know an easy job here would be a weather forecaster.  At the beginning of the month just do up a report - hot and sunny and repeat for the rest of the month.  Maybe throw in a few windy dusty days.  I have been told that later in the "fall" we will get some rain, however it usually downpours and causes a mess due to no vegetation.
Been fairly quiet around here the last week or so and I hope that is a good sign.  Still, I tend to get that feeling like it won't last.  hanging in there for now - 2 years is going to be very difficult when you feel like a caged animal.

dustdevil

Had a number of dust devils come thru earlier this week.  I had a chance to get a few pics and video of this good size one.  Basically they are just like very small tornadoes that don't really cause any damage except leaving a dusty mess whenever they pass over.  Fortunately this one went just around my compound.  It is cool to see 4-5 of these all at the same time moving in random directions.

This one got within about 100 yds.  I would have to guess that this is at least 150 ft in diameter near the ground.

comfortable

Ahh - finally the weather has changed from sunny and hot every day over the last 6 weeks to cool (windy and dusty) but very nice today.  Feels like about 25 deg instead of the usual 40 something.  It has been busy the last few days but that certainly helps the days go by quickly.  Hoping the cooler weather is here to stay now.  Working on getting some upgrades done here now that the new office can has arrived.  It looks like the base will continue to grow and build for some time now with an expected change-out in the Dec Jan time frame.  The new helipad is complete and the airstrip should be done in a month or so.  I expect this will speed up getting in and out of the base as well as improve the ability to get supplies in.  Just reminding myself that it could be worse and there is always someone that has harder circumstances.

bagpipes?

Just when I figured I was getting used to things around here and becoming familiar with the sounds and sights that are normal...
I was heading to bed last night when something odd caught my attention.  I could swear in the distance I heard bagpipes.  Now this is not a good sign when on a marine base in the middle of the desert in Afghanistan you start hearing bagpipes.  I must be really tired.  Then I heard it again and it was getting louder.  Someone was walking up the "street" playing the bagpipes.  Bagpipe music is not something I enjoy very often, but apparently there is a marine Sargent here that plays.  I sat outside for 10 min and listened... and actually felt a little home sick

Babel

Ever read the story of the tower of Babel?  Over the last day I have communicated with (or at least tried to communicate with) people who spoke no less than 6 different first languages.  Several of these did not speak or understand any English at all.  It really is interesting how a lack of understanding, due to language differences, can turn a seemingly simple task into one that is very slow, frustrating and sometimes near impossible.  I can take this even a step further and consider that a lack of communication ability can be downright dangerous.  I'm still here to tell the story (which will have to wait for a good face to face story telling time) so at least I get to continue on and enjoy a good conversation.

Nerves of steel

Well my nerves of steel are starting to get rusty.  So far today there have been 4 controlled detonations.  I guess I'm not the only one that is getting wary of these as I have seen several marines duck when one goes off.  As you can see in the photo I am quite close to the det location and it really does give a good thump - not like in the movies with a big fireball - but a good feel it in your chest and head, office rattling thump.  At least this gives a little excitement to the day and reminds you where you are.  I also should mention that these occur at set times so a quick check of the watch and you know there is no danger.

conviction....encouragement

Sitting down for dinner in the dining tent the other night, I overheard a marine down the table witnessing!  As I caught little bits of the conversation I was really comforted to know that in a place where it sometimes seems like God is not there, someone was happy and sharing with others why they could be in such circumstances.  I did not get a chance to catch his name, but hopefully over the next while I will have a chance to run into him again.

Joshua 1:9   Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

wake up

Office and connex can

Got a wake up call this morning sometime before 6:00 AM.  A decently loud explosion, the kind that rattles the building and you can feel the shock wave in your chest.  Not sure if it was a controlled explosion or not, but I am surprised that it does not even get my heart rate up.  It really does feel safe here once you get used to what is normal.  Just to counter that point - we were just sitting down to lunch yesterday afternoon when the call went to get to the bunkers.  The all clear came about 20 min later. I have no idea what happened but at least I know someone is watching.

Arnel

Arnel is here with me.  He is the resident satellite expert.  Although his English is not the best we are getting along quite well.  He does seem to miss home in the Phillipeans.

Birthday

There was cake at supper tonight, no birthday is complete without at least a piece of cake.  I did miss my mothers chocolate cake with fudge frosting.  Got a nice birthday greeting from home and brought a tear to my eye when mom told be my dog had been depressed for several weeks after I left.

Home sweet home

Not quite like the house I planned on living in - but considering where I am, this will do alright.  Air conditioned is the important thing, and the metal walls help make it feel a little safer.  The food selection is surprisingly good with pie, ice cream available most days.

Delaram

After spending a few weeks learning the systems I will need to use, I was off to my new posting at base Delaram2.  The helli lift was interesting - had some live fire during the 30 min flight.  All 3 gunners opened up their 50 cal guns and emptied.  Could not see what they were shooting at.  Here is a clip from a co-workers flight 2 days later. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G0_u4vYbHB4

Dust in the wind

Was able to catch a shot of my first dust storm approaching this evening.  It didn't turn out to be much but I'm told they can get quite bad.  Dust gets everywhere (more than usual) and it's like a blizzard only you get sand blasted in the face.  Hopping not to experience too many of those.

New digs

The office and living quarters are quite adequate.  Should not be too bad living here.

Office

Things appear to be quite safe, considering we are in the middle of a very large base in the middle of the desert with gun carrying marines all around - even at the chow hall.  Hard to get used to sitting in a large dining tent with 100's of marines who are mostly all carrying weapons.

communications can

Hot

Decidedly hot here at this time of year.  I'm told that it takes your body up to 30 days to adjust properly, although I'm not sure I want to adjust to this kind of heat.  Fortunately the accomodations have air conditioning and are better equipped than I had prepared myself for.  Spending the next few days sorting things out and getting familiar with the work I will be doing.  Glad to have friends here, it makes it a lot easier than figuring everything out - even the simple things like when is the best time to shower.

I'm flying

July 17, 2010 - Saint John to Toronto AC8951 dep 7:15 PM arr 8:23 PM flying time 2:08
July 17, 2010 - Toronto to Frankfurt AC876 dep 10:05 PM arr 11:55 AM flying time 7:50

Had a bit of a wait in the Frankfurt airport - got a chance to watch my plane getting prepared.

It all started when....

In the beginning, God created the heaven and the earth....well I won't start that far back.  I had been working for MITI -> xwave -> Aliant -> Bell Aliant -> (..Bell??) since 1998 with a small "sabbatical" working on the farm in the middle there.  My future at the company was looking pretty bad with layoffs all around me and pay freezes.  A friend of mine that worked for the company decided to take a job working overseas.  After discussing the details and waiting to see how he made out, I was encouraged to apply for a job as well.  The work required me to travel to Afghanistan, which takes a lot of thinking and some loss of sleep.  In January, 2010, I decided that the timing was right and it was time to go for it.  Thanks to the friends input and feedback I was interviewed for the job and was made an offer for a 2 yr contract.  Probably one of the biggest decisions I have ever made.  At the time I was still trying to complete construction of my new house, so I had to speed things up and try to complete as much as I could.  July arrived and it was time to prepare to leave.  That is where my journey begins - July 17th, 2010 I boarded a plane in Saint John.

bad day

Personal...convicting...but still very discouraging and disappointing.

Away we go

Time to try keeping track of my adventures.

I'm not sure if I will have a lot of time to keep this up on a daily basis, but I guess that is not important. Lets see how this goes and hopefully it will at least be entertaining for myself to look back on and help remember some of the details that get forgotten.