Got me some packages!

I truly enjoy coming back from convoy to find packages and letters sitting on my desk. Frickin awesome! And I've gotten quite a few lately. I got the one from you, Dad, nice stuff in there, I'm actually eating some of those snacks right now. I also got one from Nana and Papa with the biscuits, which were quite delicious. And the coffee came in from Boca Java, thanks Mom! I wrote everyone on the list of emails to say thanks.

And of course Lisa, thank you for the cookies and chocolate covered coffee beans, please continue that trend as it certainly makes my day bearable. I've begun to mimic my dear mother's habit of shopping for hours on end. Small difference being that I do my shopping at the local shops up the hill and buy stuff for prices that would make most American women drool. And its nice stuff usually. The greatest part is them not minding you bargaining with them. Try that at Sears.

Last couple of days have been kinda slow, so I've been getting in earlier than before. It's become apparent that if I leave about 1400 or so, take a nap, then come back, the 2100-2200 nights aren't so bad. Tonight was much earlier though, 1900.

I bought some "Man-jams" from one of our local guys that is a vendor here. I look pretty suave in them, kinda like a handsome ninja.....I have another guy making me a vest for it as well, pinstripe at that. He's studying to be a tailor, and he does good work. Do I need a vest? No, of course not. Am I gonna wear it? Probably!

We recently had a bunch of big-wigs here for a few days. Several generals, some local government officials, the ambassador, and some EUPOL guys. It was the T3C, Train the Trainer Conference (don't ask me who the witty guy that came up with T3C was). It was pretty cool, but it exhausted me. Lots of running around making sure people had what they needed, picking up the generals from the helipad, greeting people when they came in (I'm the visits officer), and just general "What can I do for you, sir?" stuff. It was rewarding in its own way, but I'm glad it's over!

I'm sure you've heard about the missing guy by now. Not sure what you guys heard, but from where I'm standing he's gonna land himself in a lot of trouble with what he's said on tape. Also, I'm not sure why he was walking off base by himself with no weapon or armor....sounds kinda fishy to me, but we'll see what comes of it.

This place has been fairly quiet. I went down to the front gate of the ANA complex here to pick up a catalog from a vendor and the guard on the way to the gate (there's two gates) offered me some chai, their standard drink of choice. I accepted, mostly because he was smiling and shoved it in my hand, and told him I would be right back to sit with him. Not entirely sure why I told him that, because he didn't understand that at all. I went and got my catalog, spoke with the front gate guards a bit, then ventured back to the original gate to sit with the one who had so politely offered me tea. Upon arrival I was offered a chair, where I sat and .... stared at them, while they stared at me. No translator. It's kinda fun though, trying to understand. And they're so relaxed, shoes off, barefeet in uniform with cups of chai. I think they were just happy to have had the chance to be hospitable with me. It is in their nature to be hospitable and I find myself waving to everyone and actually getting a response. And now that I can greet, say "Good morning" and "how are you", "I am fine, thank you", "how is your health?" they tend to smile at me more.

Chai tastes basically like our tea to be honest, but they make it with the leaves directly in the water, so when you pour it, there's leaves in your drink. Or parts of leaves.

I know I keep saying I'll post pics and I don't, it's cause I keep forgetting to bring my camera back to my room. I do have one pic of local 'traffic' I have to post here so everyone can see how bad it COULD be in the states :) Okay, I'm out for now