My 4th celebration started with taking my General’s invitation to the US Embassy reception on Thursday afternoon. It was not too eventful although I got a new level of disrespect for one of our generals who decided to go around talking business and handing out tasks for the coming days during the party. It’s bad form to conduct business at a party especially for our national holiday considering where we are. It was all a good experience though. The Ambassador said a few words; there was some nice food, which was about it.
You’ve heard me talk about the other nation’s holidays, so now here is what we did. By chance, the 4th fell on a Friday, so there was a bit more free time. At 0630, there was a 5K fun run. I never figured out how 5K is fun, but a few showed up I’m told. During the day there were tournaments for volleyball, basketball, dodgeball, and horseshoes. Horseshoes was the big thing with games running into the evening. I went to the bazaar for a bit and picked up a few things including a special gift for a certain someone special. The funniest party of the bazaar was that I brought in something this time to sell or barter. Jane and Shauna regifted a regift from me, yes, the red tea lamp. I went in as a trader and used all my lines at the shop of my bodyguard, remember him? Jawaid. We both laughed. He asked how much and I replied how much make you happy. He would say an amount and I would tell him that was my cost. I mostly went back and forth with him for pure entertainment. I wouldn’t sell it for money, but did trade it for something small at his table.
The best part of the day was a real traditional BBQ with chicken, ribs, burgers, and three types of sausage as well as watermelon, ice cream, and chips. Everyone raved, so I guess it was good. In the evening, the Taliband played and they just keep getting better and better. I took some pictures this time. They opened with God Bless America and closed with the Star Spangled Banner. There were some great songs in between too.
As I’ve said, it has been busy with a war going on and things like that. Our focus is to build the capabilities and capacity of the Afghan forces and I think we are doing well although it is a slow process. I’ve gotten outside the wire a bit more lately and I think I see things improving or perhaps I am just accustomed to the area. Time will tell.
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7 comments:
I can't believe that red tea lamp is now at a trader's stall in Kabul! Wouldn't it be funny if some American soldier bought it for his mother back home? Too bad you didn't have time to implant a tracking device...
It sounds like a great 4th! I was pleased to see a few TV commercials in the last few days thanking our soldiers. Let me just add one word to that clever phrase developed by the ad guys at Budweiser "Thank you -Ithan"
Sounds like you had a great Fourth. Marion and I went to Marion's family (Suzie and Jay's) for Bar-BQ,Steak, Bratwust, Hot Dogs, The Works and a load of grandchildren. We enjoyed!
Yesterday we went to dinner with the Lingschs and after to a concert by the New Jersey Symphony in Toms River. The music was patriotic and inspiring and highly professional. You should have heard the applause, singing and patiotism from the crowd(mostly seniors). It was just like the good old days. At one point the conductor asked if there was anyone in the crowd on active duty and one young man stood up. The ovation he got was unbelievable. Love of America is not dead yet. At least not in Tom's River,N.J.
From what I read you are doing a great job with the Afghan Army and a lot with the educational system. More schools and more students trying to attend. The police force seems to be tougher because of the corruption within. It sounds a lot like Governor Corzine and the N.J. democrats. Maybe when you guys get back you can help out there.
Keep trying and keep up the good work. If you have to go outside the wire remember to take care. Better yet take five or six of those big,tough Macedonians with you! God bless!
Sounds like you are enjoying parts of your hopefully final weeks in Afghanistan. We moved the crib into Alyssa's room. Then we moved Aaron onto his own bed in his room, the one that is the blue car. Aaron seemed to love it and went to sleep on it. Alyssa is making strong eye contact and holding it. She is starting to make sounds to accompany her gaze. She's just beautiful! Don't knowif you saw it, but Nadal and Federer played an amazing Wimbledon final, 9-7 in the fifth to Nadal. We're all eagerly awaiting your return.
As I think I said after Spain won the Euro Cup, the Spanish officer I work with went nuts. He is a serious tennis player and follows that as well. So this morning, he came in shouting, "Campeones!" meaning Champion. Now we have a bet on Olympic basketball, he thinks Spain will beat the US.
We had a bit of action in Kabul this morning, we are all right here at HQ.
Hi,
It's good to hear you had a good 4th. We gathered with friends and family for fireworks on the beach in NJ on the 3rd. One of the best ever.
Arrived in Blue Mtn. at 9:50 am just in time to go to the annual auction at the Arts Center- good times!
The water is refreshing and the new tandem canoe is swift. Catching up with friends and starting to relax.
Looking forward to the Olympics on 8/8/08.
I have more donated T-shirts. Can I mail them to you? You can barter for a lovely red tea lamp.
Terry
Happy Belated 4th of July. It sounds like you guys had a very busy 4th!
I went down the shore and visited my friend from over night camp, Danielle. It was fun. Not too much is going on here in NY, I visited Stacey, Aaron and Alyssa two weeks ago, Alyssa smiled at me, that was pretty exciting! Aaron is just cuttest, he gave my dad a hug bye, so that was good. I am awaiting for the dates Stacey told me you were going to give me so I can make a few phone calls for you. Let me know, I would happy to use my skills!
Glad you are doing well. Obviously the "fun run" was supposed to be the prerequisite to eating all of the 4th of July food. If you did not run, then I am sure you only ate a very little of the vegetables.
Best wishes for the summer.
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