DAY 48: A Different Daily Routine

Thu, 13 October 2005

One of the challenges here are the rules and infrastructure which completely alters your normal way of life. Little things that we take for granted are completely turned upside down and around. Observations that I’ve noted during my stay here:

Food – All-American meat and potatoes. Heavy on starches, salt and cholesterol. My goodness, I’m not sure if they are trying to feed us or kill us?!?! I do miss the mix in ethnic foods back home.

Water – Non-potable in the bathroom sinks. So, that means you have to have carry a bottle of water with you to brush and floss your teeth. Try it at home with the tap off and using only a bottle of water – it is very much tougher than you think.

Clothing – either military uniform or PT (Physical Training) gear. All civilian clothes are in the suitcases gathering dust. At night, we have to wear a safety reflective belt around the waist. Can’t wait to pull out my comfortable pair of jeans and just relax.

Wash Your Hands – outside of every chow hall, you must wash your hands in the outside sink prior to eating. It’s for your own hygienic purposes, but I can’t help thinking that “mom” is lurking somewhere nearby telling us to do this.

No Alcohol – there’s “near beer”, but it also is non-alcoholic. This rule is to observe the local conditions in Afghanistan. Can’t wait to have a sip of Porto Negro Mexican dark beer or a Guinness Stout.

Money – no change. All quarters, dimes and nickels are substituted with poker chip-like objects of same value. No pennies, so all transactions are rounded up or down to nearest five cents (like other military installations).

Island-Fever – due to the security concerns, most of us are not let off base (except for bazaar just outside of gate). I’m an explorer by nature and want to roam the countryside and meet people. But I do understand it is in our best interest to stay within the base compound. Still, I’ve got island fever.

Weapon – all personnel MUST carry either an M-9 pistol or M-16 rifle. This is just in case the enemy attacks and attempts to overrun the base. Probably a good idea that there is a non-alcohol policy – it would be very dangerous given the testosterone level and the availability of these weapons. One of the interesting things is that I now feel “naked” without my M-9 web belt hanging around my waist.

Bunker – concrete bunkers are scattered throughout the base and you need to be aware of the ones in your local vicinity should an attack occur.