If you haven’t been following the European sports scene, the Euro Cup is in full swing. It is the pastime talk here. Obviously soccer is what they live for. I am friendly with so many people from all the different countries that I have to be careful of my allegiance. In reality, I don’t care of course, it’s soccer. As you know from early posts, we have a small soccer pitch here. It is in constant use. The games are four on four with a goalie and they are all serious. I know next to nothing about the game, but one can tell, these guys is good. Phenomenal ability. Often the games are pick-up. However, while Euro Cup is going on, the games are televised via satellite and before the game, the countries that are playing against each other in Europe play against each other here. They hang their flags on the wall, wear uniforms and have cheering sections. Like I said, serious stuff. Whoever came up with the idea that we mirror the games in Europe deserves a load of credit. Great for morale.
On Friday my friend Bob and I had a good physical training workout. Bob is an old infantry man and runs one of our branches. He wanted to train so he could go out on patrol with the army here to see how things are going. So we did a fast-paced walk for an hour in our body armor. It was one serious work-out. We walked 5.5 kilometers in the hour in the heat and were proud of ourselves when we finished. We treated ourselves to real breakfast at a café on base (perhaps akin to Rosie’s bar). I had eggs, bacon, toast, fries, and coffee just like I can’t wait to have when I get home.
Today started a tough week for me. I briefed a Japanese delegation that was visiting. They are here to find ways they can help our cause. The form of their assistance is financial, which is something we need. The delegation was made up of some military officers and cabinet members. It was a good experience for me and I’m glad the General assigned me to the job. We’ve got some other events coming up that I’ll write about later.
Everything here is going well.
7 comments:
I love your most recent blogs. Euro cup soccer in Afghanistan. Who woudda thought? Do they play the games on the small field in your compound? I hope so! Anyway root for the country the commanding general is from. Nobody can complain about that.
I'm also pleased that you are keeping up on your PT. I wouldn't want somebody less than a Captain (Colonel) be able to beat you out at anything.
Its very pleasing that you met with the Japanese delegation on such an important matter. My biggest decisions now are whether we go to Wendy's or Subway's for dinner. However I did write a letter to the SEC complaining about the CEO's knowledge of Accounting!
I thought you might like to know that when Aaron is disturbed about being repremanded by Stacey he crawls under his highchair and pouts! Grandfather made him come out and tell his mother he was sorry and he gave her a hug and a kiss. Happy Fathers' Day to the bote of us!
The XOM CEO !
Happy Father’s Day! I hope you get to Skype with the family, watch more soccer and have a beer. That’s about as good as it gets. Anne’s early graduation party tomorrow. We of course will also be celebrating Father’s Day and my mother’s 87th birthday.
My computer is acting very funny- pages of Chinese characters and strange spacing. Got to see if I can get tech help from Vinnie.. I’ll catch you later. Back to cooking.
Terry
Ithan,
Caught the bulk of the Netherlands/France game on Friday...the enthusiasm of the Orange was contagious. Surprised they didn't have an orange version of the Terrible Towel.
Sean
Although Drew is of French-Irish descent, he was madly rooting for Holland. I also enjoy watching European football. And the fans are ultra-crazy! They make the terrible towel (and the "Green Weenie", do you remember that?) look very tame.
Happy Father's day papa from sunny florida
Ithan-
Congratulations on your third father's day. We visited with Stacey, Aaron, and Alyssa this morning. Alyssa slept. We are all pleased that it's getting closer to your return home. Stacey and Aaron are doing fine. She'll clean out her room at Cranford on Tuesday. Somewhere over three miles in that heat must have been difficult. Hope all is well.
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