They Have A McDonalds!
By Jeff Emanuel Posted in Special Events — Comments (4) / Email this page » / Leave a comment »
Well, I've been here in Kuwait, at tent city on an undisclosed military base, since yesterday afternoon, and am now simply waiting for one of the many flights north to have an empty seat on it for me. Since 90% or so of the people here (military, contractor, press) are in transit - to or from Iraq or Afghanistan - the flights are quite full, and the list for space available travel is pretty lengthy. However, I'm fairly confident I'll be en route to IZ before the day wears on too much longer.
Those going to and coming from the combat zone appear to be doing well; aside from missing their friends and families, there doesn't seem to be a real morale problem at this point. Of course, most of my information comes from those hanging out in the place where the most conversation goes on - the smokers' pit. Though I only smoke the occasional cigar myself, the information is good in the pit, and the tobacco smoke keeps those malarious mosquitoes away - a win-win situation.
For those who haven't been here before, it's very brown - the ground, the sky, the buildings, the tents, the people - and quite humid. The temperature isn't bad at all - mid 80s - because there are rainshowers in the area. Should be a little rain in Baghdad later today, as well, but it won't last long.
The setup here is good - great dining facility (DFAC), internet trailer, AT&T call center, McDonald's, etc., etc. However, it is simply a transit point, and I'll be happy to leave it behind until passing through on the way home.
Well, my internet time is running out. Be well, all - hopefully my next update will be from Baghdad!
Jeff Emanuel
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They Have A McDonalds! 4 Comments (0 topical, 4 editorial, 0 hidden) Post a comment »
McDonalds paper tray liners, I'm assuming they are either in Arabic or at least relate to Kuwait. If you have kids they will treasure them.
I spent a huge chunk of my life in countries not home. My kids were little and didn't get too excited at the clothes, cultural stuff, maps, etc I brought home for them. But they would go crazy over McD's & Burger King tray liners, KFC stuff, Coke & Pepsi cans in foreign languages, local money, etc. It was stuff their friends could relate to and thought was cool and the guys still get a kick out of the stuff.
Twenty years later we've still got a box or two in storage of that stuff. All the stuff Mrs908 & I thought was cool is long since gone and forgotten...
____
Those who live by the sword get shot by those who don't.
Our kid transited thru Kuwait enroute to Afghanistan and called us from there a couple of times. All he could talk about was the Baskin Robbins there! It's funny the things that become important.
In Vino Veritas
the good news- you will soon be surrounded by an extra NYPD police detail
the bad news- they are coming to get you for patronizing an establishment not in sync with Mayor Bloomberg's fat, salt and cholesterol guidelines.
If you could notice along the way what personal items are needed most by our troops (phone cards, supplies, etc.) it would be appreciated.
While there are many great efforts to supply these types of accoutrements, a new perspective always helps.
"Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori"
Contributor to The Minority Report