After R&R, I returned to a new office, new coworkers, and a million other changes. Along with us expats, the Finance department has expanded to now include people from Bosnia, Kosovo, and Macedonia. There are nine of us in a very confined amount of space. At least four languages are represented. Now, mix in hundreds of random employees stopping by to ask myriads of questions and you have yourself a real exciting day. Yes, my usage of “exciting” is very much intended to be read sarcastically!
Let me vent here briefly…LOGCAP IV employees make up the largest and most diversified workforce I’ve ever been a part of. I’ve met some incredibly smart people. However, the typical IQ seems to float somewhere around the mercury level at Anchorage, Alaska on a cold winter night. I’m further convinced that some of them couldn’t even spell their own names correctly without referencing a legal document. Okay, I’m done; now you know the caliber of people I have the privilege of dealing with.
My roles and responsibilities have been stretched once again. I’m directly responsible for all Finance training theatre-wide. We’re limiting focus to all the new hires here in BAF, to the tune of several hundred people a week, which requires a minimum of five training sessions. We have people from the States, Balkans, and KBR Transitions, meaning each class must be catered to match the mix of employees in attendance. Language (and IQ) barriers only further complicate matters. Ultimately, I’ll have trainers who will be here and traveling on a regular FOB-hopping rotation. This is the current plan, subject to change hourly, which would keep me primarily here in BAF.
I had no idea just how much customer service would be required for my daily job. Being here has increased my patience tremendously. I’ve gone from my Blackberry with G4 speed, to a cheapo Chinese knockoff on an Afghan network; from driving 150 mph in a sporty coupe, to a 20 passenger shuttle bus (when I’m not walking) and a 15 mph speed limit; from Costco, to an under-stocked PX. That list goes on and on, but I’m quite sure you get the idea. On top of all those changes, I must deal with questions from customers (i.e. Fluor employees) who often times don’t even know what it is they’re trying to ask. After several minutes of coaching them for information I finally get something substantial enough to use. Here’s a sampling for your entertainment.
While helping employee with timesheet…
Kevin: why haven’t you filled out your timesheet for Saturday thru Thursday?
Ditz (cute girl): isn’t today Saturday?
Kevin: haha, are you serious?
Ditz: yes
Kevin: (asking a coworker, is she messing with me?)
Kevin: it’s Thursday
Ditz: Ohhh, really?!?! (big smile)
Kevin: yes! (thinking to myself, lucky for her she’s cute)
Random employee who wondered into finance office…
Customer: I have a problem
Kevin: ok…what kind of problem?
Customer: paycheck
Kevin: what about your paycheck?
Customer: it’s not right
Kevin: how, exactly?
Customer: it’s not enough
Kevin: not enough money, hours, etc?
Customer: money
Kevin: are all your hours included?
Customer: I don’t know
Kevin: how many hours did you work?
Customer: I don’t know
Kevin: …??
While helping employee with R&R expense worksheet…
Kevin: please fill in your charge code
Clueless: what’s that?
Kevin: from your work authorization
Clueless: what’s that?
Kevin: the code you use on your timesheet
Clueless: where do I get that?
Kevin: let’s skip that part for now; just bring that info back later
Clueless: ok, but from where?
Kevin: your supervisor; now, when did you leave for R&R
Clueless: well, uh, um, I’m not sure
Kevin: what month was it?
Clueless: february
Clueless: I think
Kevin: okay, let’s look at a calendar to see which day
Clueless: no, march
Cueless: wait
Clueless: maybe it was february
Kevin: let’s look at your passport and find the stamp
Clueless: yes, that’s a good idea!
Kevin: (thinking to myself, yes, but not as good as sending you home)
Moral of the story – my patience have been callused to the point where I could now work any of the following jobs with superb rapport: Walmart Greeter, IRS Auditor, or Kindergarten Teacher. Thanks Afghanistan and LOGCAP IV for making all my dreams possible!
The Finance department has moved once again. To say that we upgraded would be a gross understatement; equivalent to saying the Bentley Phantom is a skosh nicer than a Kia Rio. We finally have sufficient space for all our needs. There are actual desks and some resemblance of an office that one would be accustomed to in the States.
My desk is actually located in the “cash cage” that is housed within a separate hard structure building, constructed with 12” thick concrete walls and ceilings. This is perhaps the most secure office on base; equipped with many levels of bars, doors, and locks. Why all the security? Not because I’m a deranged lunatic. I don’t think so anyway? We’re starting a cash advance program and need secure facilities. It’s like working in a bank; or prison – I know, all the jokes that could be made here! This should be a long-term set up for Finance. Once I get my landline phone I’ll be sure to send that out to everyone. Finally, one number to keep track of! Most of you wonder if I’ve joined the CIA because of the 20 different numbers I’ve called from. My official answer is, no.
R&R countdown has dipped below the three week mark!! It’s 20 and a wake up. I’m still in disbelief. Thinking there is no way I’ve been back for two months and already due for round two. No complaints from me though. I enjoy keeping busy and letting time fly by, plus the varied schedule is perfect. Training can actually be fun and I get to meet new people. Friday’s are mundane; however, they provide a nice break from all the customer service and onslaught of questions as we’re closed for payroll processing only.
I’ll attempt to update the blog once more before flying out for Greece. If not, you’ll probably get a phone call the night before. My R&R dates are 12-May thru 31-May. I’m going to purchase another SIM card for my cell phone and keep in touch online, when possible, throughout my stay. Hope everyone is doing well. I feel like I’ve lost contact with many of you recently. Just as I’m back into a routine, they make me go enjoy three weeks in Europe. Don’t make the rules; just have to follow them!
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Friday, March 5, 2010
Red-Eye to Rome
Let me go ahead and say that trying to capture all the fun and excitement of my first R&R in this post is impossible. That said, here goes…hopefully you’ll at least get a small glimpse into my first international vacation experience; and remember, this is following three months of living on a military base in the Afghan desert.
It’s 02-Feb-10, the day before my departure from this little slice of paradise I’ve come to call home. I am so excited about the prospect of my first R&R that chugging a bottle of Tylenol PM couldn’t even put me to sleep. (Just to clarify, no, I did not in fact attempt to do so.) I stayed up all night watching movies, making phone calls, and trying to think of anything I may have forgotten to pack.
The next morning I had my last DFAC meal for three weeks. In retrospect, it was a bittersweet experience. I was about to taste all kinds of amazing new foods; however, the price was right – free! My military ID would be rendered useless in Italy.
I met up with my coworker and fellow R&R cohort, Frankie, who will now be referenced as Sugarland. He’s from Sugarland, Texas and fits the Texan stereotype perfectly. A little rough around the edges, blunt but polite’ish, and speaks “American”. I told him the huge suitcase and military backpack was way too much to haul around. Sugarland, said it would be no problem and that he wasn’t changing anything.
At 1300 we boarded our flight and were on our way. We had to make one stop at another base, and then we’d be off to Dubai. However, due to a technical problem, we sat on the tarmac for two hours because the ladder truck broke. I could see everything unfolding outside my window. Since the ladder was still attached to the plane, we couldn’t move. The irony is thick. Here we are on a huge military base with all sorts of high tech equipment, yet a single hydraulic malfunction stood between us and the civilized world.
Finally, the ladder was lowered and the truck backed away from the plane. Everyone broke out in applause and we took off. The rumor was true, Heinekens were promptly distributed and it didn’t even bother me that they were warm. My first two beers in 100 days, oh how delicious! Shortly thereafter, a long forgotten warm and fuzzy feeling coursed thru me. This is it, back to the real world.
We got to the company hotel around 1900, which gave us about four hours to relax. This was the nicest hotel I’ve ever been in. It lived up to every one of its five stars. Quite the contrast to a circus tent filled with bunkbeds. Another big first took place – a HOT shower without having to wear shower shoes. Little things like that, privacy, an open schedule, and freedom quickly become much appreciated once again.
I put on some “regular” clothes and caught a shuttle bus to the airport for the red-eye to Rome. Nobody can ever complain about my driving again. Until you’ve taken a taxi ride in Dubai or Italy, you have no idea how slowly and safely I drive. After shuttle bus rides on base, where the speed limit is 15mph, it felt like I was in an IndyCar! No boots, cargo pants, or ID lanyard? This was a strange feeling at first, but I adjusted in no time. We caught our connection flight in Vienna, Austria and landed in Rome at 0920 local time.
Here’s where I was first exposed to the monopoly money looking Euro currency. In a three week period I used the USD, Euro, and Arab Emirate Dirham (AED); all of which are vastly different in terms of buying power. Some places accepted AmEx, most Visa, but cash was always preferred.
While I’m on this money tangent, here are a few random observations. Similar to US currency, there are paper notes and coins. The most common note is €50,00 ($75.00) compared to our $20.00. Euros have much higher coin values too, the largest denomination being €2,00 ($3.00); easy to spend and they go fast. Adding further confusion is the period and comma usage, which is the exact opposite of what I’m used to. If that wasn’t enough, the exchange rate is about $1.49 per €1,00. The Dirham is easier to convert, but in the opposite direction; about 3.00 AED per $1.00. Taken all together, I was doing lots of math in my head throughout this trip, which was overrated. Enough of this boring talk, but that’s just one of the many nuances of traveling abroad that I experienced for the first time.
Back to the Roma (which of course is Italian for Rome) airport. When in Rome, right!? After making our way around the terminal, up and down stairs, hailing a taxi, roaming narrow sidewalks and cobblestone streets looking for the apartment, Sugarland admits that he should’ve packed lighter. I just laughed and said something I’d only repeat about a thousand times over the next few weeks; you don’t listen – stubborn bastard!
The apartment was perfectly located in the center of Trastevere, which has the feeling of medieval Rome and a very lively nightlife. I couldn’t believe all the restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops scattered throughout the area. You could order coffee, beer, pizza, waffles, pasta, or gelato (Italian ice cream) all at the same place. The first night we headed out to dinner was a learning experience. Nobody eats until eight or nine, which explains why all the restaurants were empty at six o’clock.
The food, oh the food! I have long been a fan of Italian food; I’d even say it’s my favorite cuisine. After months of cleansing my palate with drab DFAC food, this was taste bud overload. I tried every imaginable dish and was never disappointed. Each city had its own specialty and I couldn’t even begin to choose my favorite meal.
Same thing goes for the wine. Chianti is the most prevalent and each restaurant had its own house wine that was amazing. Compared to other drinks, it was very cheap. House wine was about €10,00 ($15.00) per pitcher. Beer was about €6,00 ($9.00) per pint. Nastro Azzurro was the most popular Italian beer and one that I grew very fond of. Why order something normal like Heineken with all the amazing local drinks choices. It was surprising to see so many Irish pubs in Italy. These were the real deal too. Most were operated by true Irishmen. They had all the good Irish beers on tap. Suffice it to say that I sampled many Italian and Irish adult beverages – they were all good!
Nearly every landmark of interest was within walking distance: Colosseum, Pantheon, Forum, Palatine Hill, Tiber River, Spanish Steps and Vatican City. I visited each of those places and it’s amazing when you think back at all the history that took place there. I imagine it will be months or years later before it hits me that I was there walking through the streets of Rome amidst all the momentous sites.
After doing the tourist gig in the mornings, afternoons were usually spent relaxing and resting up for the night out. I figured after all the walking I do here on base, Italy would be no problem. Wrong! I probably walked ten times as much on R&R.
I’ve never watched so much news in my life. CNN and MTV seemed to be the only channels in English; maybe a movie channel if you were lucky. Since cell phone service worked so well, I only got online a few times to update Facebook. They have internet cafes everywhere. Only downfall was the weird keyboards. Half the time spent online was probably wasted trying to figure out where all the punctuation and symbols were located.
It was nice being in a foreign land and completely disconnected from work and all other concerns. I was able to completely dedicate my time and attention on all the new people, places, and experiences Italy had to offer.
Don’t ever challenge an Italian to a drinking contest. You will probably lose. Here’s what I learned about alcohol in Italy. First, they get a serious head start on us. I was in a bar at Campo Dei Fiori – which is a piazza filled with restaurants/bars that I highly recommend – when I noticed this teenager ordering a pitcher of beer. Come to find out, 16 is the legal age for beer and 18 for liquor; however, I never saw anyone get carded. Seriously, how is that even possible and why didn’t I grow up in Italy? Second, wine is abundant and the beer is potent. You’ve been warned.
The Scholar’s Lounge is a very cool Irish Pub that boasts Italy’s largest collection of whiskey; over 250 bottles on the shelves. One of the vintage Jamesons was €133,00 ($200.00) per shot! I love Jameson, but I’m not making enough to justify that price.
I’ve already written much more than I realized, yet it seems like 99% of my R&R hasn’t even been discussed. All the wild and crazy stories from our nights out will have to wait for phone calls and emails. Don’t get me wrong, nothing bad happened, just countless memories that will be better appreciated when told in person.
Here’s one that could’ve turned out bad. I was at one of the pubs and had to use the restroom. There was a long line for the single unisex stall and I patiently waited my turn. Right after I got inside and locked the door, some idiot started pounding on the door extremely loudly. I think to myself, what the hell? There’s a long line and the people behind me knew I was in here. I walk out and ask who pounded on the door. A few people said it wasn’t them. Then this big, steroid-abusing dude says it was him. I asked if he could see that there was a line, why he was being suck a prick, and then walked off. An hour or two later, I am back in the restroom and the same loud, annoying pound on the door just as I finished washing my hands. I was infuriated. Is this happening again? I slid over the latch and kicked open the door. The next thing I see is Mr. Steroids in a daze, holding is nose and trying to figure out what just happened. The door had hit him in the face, ooops! One of his friends, who was even bigger, came over, helped him back to there table, and told him to chill out. Turns out, it was an Aussie rugby team. Whew, that could’ve ended unwell.
Here’s a shout out to all the new friends I made on this wonderful adventure. I met people from all over: Italy, Spain, Australia, UK, Russia, Africa, Ireland, the US, and many more. The opportunity to meet new people and learn more about other countries was absolutely invaluable. I already have contacts for future R&Rs!
Italian culture is wonderful. They are a passionate people and very close-knit. The plethora of piazzas just reiterates that notion. No matter what time of day or night, small groups of people are out and about socializing and enjoying themselves. There are mimes, magicians, fire-twirling jugglers, and all sorts of other live entertainment everywhere. Most places stay open until 3:00am and there was rarely a shortage of people in the streets.
Rome, Florence, and Pisa all had unique aspects, but many more commonalities. I cannot say enough how much fun this three week trip was. This short summary does it no justice. Pictures help, but still fall terribly short of actually experiencing this amazing country yourself. If you are ever given the opportunity to visit, go! You will not be disappointed.
I got back to Dubai a few days early and made my way around the major sites: the world’s tallest building, Burj Al Arab hotel, and the new Dubai Mall. One thing about Dubai is undeniable, everything is first class. The hotel I stayed at was even nicer than the company provided one. Again, I’ll post some pictures, but capturing a building that’s over a half mile tall with a camera is impossible.
I’ll have many more visits to Dubai, to and from future R&Rs. Until then, it’s back to work. I’ve been in BAF for nearly two weeks and already have much to write about. That will have to wait. I need sleep desperately. R&R wiped me out; so much for rest and relaxation. I enjoyed every moment, but it’s taken nearly two weeks to get back into a semi-normal routine.
I’ve posted picture on Facebook and will duplicate them here this weekend. Then, I’ll get caught up on what’s changed around here at work. Bed time, then it’s another crazy Friday. Look for postcards over the next several weeks. I haven’t had a chance to start sending them yet, but soon enough I’ll get around to it. Talk to you soon!
It’s 02-Feb-10, the day before my departure from this little slice of paradise I’ve come to call home. I am so excited about the prospect of my first R&R that chugging a bottle of Tylenol PM couldn’t even put me to sleep. (Just to clarify, no, I did not in fact attempt to do so.) I stayed up all night watching movies, making phone calls, and trying to think of anything I may have forgotten to pack.
The next morning I had my last DFAC meal for three weeks. In retrospect, it was a bittersweet experience. I was about to taste all kinds of amazing new foods; however, the price was right – free! My military ID would be rendered useless in Italy.
I met up with my coworker and fellow R&R cohort, Frankie, who will now be referenced as Sugarland. He’s from Sugarland, Texas and fits the Texan stereotype perfectly. A little rough around the edges, blunt but polite’ish, and speaks “American”. I told him the huge suitcase and military backpack was way too much to haul around. Sugarland, said it would be no problem and that he wasn’t changing anything.
At 1300 we boarded our flight and were on our way. We had to make one stop at another base, and then we’d be off to Dubai. However, due to a technical problem, we sat on the tarmac for two hours because the ladder truck broke. I could see everything unfolding outside my window. Since the ladder was still attached to the plane, we couldn’t move. The irony is thick. Here we are on a huge military base with all sorts of high tech equipment, yet a single hydraulic malfunction stood between us and the civilized world.
Finally, the ladder was lowered and the truck backed away from the plane. Everyone broke out in applause and we took off. The rumor was true, Heinekens were promptly distributed and it didn’t even bother me that they were warm. My first two beers in 100 days, oh how delicious! Shortly thereafter, a long forgotten warm and fuzzy feeling coursed thru me. This is it, back to the real world.
We got to the company hotel around 1900, which gave us about four hours to relax. This was the nicest hotel I’ve ever been in. It lived up to every one of its five stars. Quite the contrast to a circus tent filled with bunkbeds. Another big first took place – a HOT shower without having to wear shower shoes. Little things like that, privacy, an open schedule, and freedom quickly become much appreciated once again.
I put on some “regular” clothes and caught a shuttle bus to the airport for the red-eye to Rome. Nobody can ever complain about my driving again. Until you’ve taken a taxi ride in Dubai or Italy, you have no idea how slowly and safely I drive. After shuttle bus rides on base, where the speed limit is 15mph, it felt like I was in an IndyCar! No boots, cargo pants, or ID lanyard? This was a strange feeling at first, but I adjusted in no time. We caught our connection flight in Vienna, Austria and landed in Rome at 0920 local time.
Here’s where I was first exposed to the monopoly money looking Euro currency. In a three week period I used the USD, Euro, and Arab Emirate Dirham (AED); all of which are vastly different in terms of buying power. Some places accepted AmEx, most Visa, but cash was always preferred.
While I’m on this money tangent, here are a few random observations. Similar to US currency, there are paper notes and coins. The most common note is €50,00 ($75.00) compared to our $20.00. Euros have much higher coin values too, the largest denomination being €2,00 ($3.00); easy to spend and they go fast. Adding further confusion is the period and comma usage, which is the exact opposite of what I’m used to. If that wasn’t enough, the exchange rate is about $1.49 per €1,00. The Dirham is easier to convert, but in the opposite direction; about 3.00 AED per $1.00. Taken all together, I was doing lots of math in my head throughout this trip, which was overrated. Enough of this boring talk, but that’s just one of the many nuances of traveling abroad that I experienced for the first time.
Back to the Roma (which of course is Italian for Rome) airport. When in Rome, right!? After making our way around the terminal, up and down stairs, hailing a taxi, roaming narrow sidewalks and cobblestone streets looking for the apartment, Sugarland admits that he should’ve packed lighter. I just laughed and said something I’d only repeat about a thousand times over the next few weeks; you don’t listen – stubborn bastard!
The apartment was perfectly located in the center of Trastevere, which has the feeling of medieval Rome and a very lively nightlife. I couldn’t believe all the restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops scattered throughout the area. You could order coffee, beer, pizza, waffles, pasta, or gelato (Italian ice cream) all at the same place. The first night we headed out to dinner was a learning experience. Nobody eats until eight or nine, which explains why all the restaurants were empty at six o’clock.
The food, oh the food! I have long been a fan of Italian food; I’d even say it’s my favorite cuisine. After months of cleansing my palate with drab DFAC food, this was taste bud overload. I tried every imaginable dish and was never disappointed. Each city had its own specialty and I couldn’t even begin to choose my favorite meal.
Same thing goes for the wine. Chianti is the most prevalent and each restaurant had its own house wine that was amazing. Compared to other drinks, it was very cheap. House wine was about €10,00 ($15.00) per pitcher. Beer was about €6,00 ($9.00) per pint. Nastro Azzurro was the most popular Italian beer and one that I grew very fond of. Why order something normal like Heineken with all the amazing local drinks choices. It was surprising to see so many Irish pubs in Italy. These were the real deal too. Most were operated by true Irishmen. They had all the good Irish beers on tap. Suffice it to say that I sampled many Italian and Irish adult beverages – they were all good!
Nearly every landmark of interest was within walking distance: Colosseum, Pantheon, Forum, Palatine Hill, Tiber River, Spanish Steps and Vatican City. I visited each of those places and it’s amazing when you think back at all the history that took place there. I imagine it will be months or years later before it hits me that I was there walking through the streets of Rome amidst all the momentous sites.
After doing the tourist gig in the mornings, afternoons were usually spent relaxing and resting up for the night out. I figured after all the walking I do here on base, Italy would be no problem. Wrong! I probably walked ten times as much on R&R.
I’ve never watched so much news in my life. CNN and MTV seemed to be the only channels in English; maybe a movie channel if you were lucky. Since cell phone service worked so well, I only got online a few times to update Facebook. They have internet cafes everywhere. Only downfall was the weird keyboards. Half the time spent online was probably wasted trying to figure out where all the punctuation and symbols were located.
It was nice being in a foreign land and completely disconnected from work and all other concerns. I was able to completely dedicate my time and attention on all the new people, places, and experiences Italy had to offer.
Don’t ever challenge an Italian to a drinking contest. You will probably lose. Here’s what I learned about alcohol in Italy. First, they get a serious head start on us. I was in a bar at Campo Dei Fiori – which is a piazza filled with restaurants/bars that I highly recommend – when I noticed this teenager ordering a pitcher of beer. Come to find out, 16 is the legal age for beer and 18 for liquor; however, I never saw anyone get carded. Seriously, how is that even possible and why didn’t I grow up in Italy? Second, wine is abundant and the beer is potent. You’ve been warned.
The Scholar’s Lounge is a very cool Irish Pub that boasts Italy’s largest collection of whiskey; over 250 bottles on the shelves. One of the vintage Jamesons was €133,00 ($200.00) per shot! I love Jameson, but I’m not making enough to justify that price.
I’ve already written much more than I realized, yet it seems like 99% of my R&R hasn’t even been discussed. All the wild and crazy stories from our nights out will have to wait for phone calls and emails. Don’t get me wrong, nothing bad happened, just countless memories that will be better appreciated when told in person.
Here’s one that could’ve turned out bad. I was at one of the pubs and had to use the restroom. There was a long line for the single unisex stall and I patiently waited my turn. Right after I got inside and locked the door, some idiot started pounding on the door extremely loudly. I think to myself, what the hell? There’s a long line and the people behind me knew I was in here. I walk out and ask who pounded on the door. A few people said it wasn’t them. Then this big, steroid-abusing dude says it was him. I asked if he could see that there was a line, why he was being suck a prick, and then walked off. An hour or two later, I am back in the restroom and the same loud, annoying pound on the door just as I finished washing my hands. I was infuriated. Is this happening again? I slid over the latch and kicked open the door. The next thing I see is Mr. Steroids in a daze, holding is nose and trying to figure out what just happened. The door had hit him in the face, ooops! One of his friends, who was even bigger, came over, helped him back to there table, and told him to chill out. Turns out, it was an Aussie rugby team. Whew, that could’ve ended unwell.
Here’s a shout out to all the new friends I made on this wonderful adventure. I met people from all over: Italy, Spain, Australia, UK, Russia, Africa, Ireland, the US, and many more. The opportunity to meet new people and learn more about other countries was absolutely invaluable. I already have contacts for future R&Rs!
Italian culture is wonderful. They are a passionate people and very close-knit. The plethora of piazzas just reiterates that notion. No matter what time of day or night, small groups of people are out and about socializing and enjoying themselves. There are mimes, magicians, fire-twirling jugglers, and all sorts of other live entertainment everywhere. Most places stay open until 3:00am and there was rarely a shortage of people in the streets.
Rome, Florence, and Pisa all had unique aspects, but many more commonalities. I cannot say enough how much fun this three week trip was. This short summary does it no justice. Pictures help, but still fall terribly short of actually experiencing this amazing country yourself. If you are ever given the opportunity to visit, go! You will not be disappointed.
I got back to Dubai a few days early and made my way around the major sites: the world’s tallest building, Burj Al Arab hotel, and the new Dubai Mall. One thing about Dubai is undeniable, everything is first class. The hotel I stayed at was even nicer than the company provided one. Again, I’ll post some pictures, but capturing a building that’s over a half mile tall with a camera is impossible.
I’ll have many more visits to Dubai, to and from future R&Rs. Until then, it’s back to work. I’ve been in BAF for nearly two weeks and already have much to write about. That will have to wait. I need sleep desperately. R&R wiped me out; so much for rest and relaxation. I enjoyed every moment, but it’s taken nearly two weeks to get back into a semi-normal routine.
I’ve posted picture on Facebook and will duplicate them here this weekend. Then, I’ll get caught up on what’s changed around here at work. Bed time, then it’s another crazy Friday. Look for postcards over the next several weeks. I haven’t had a chance to start sending them yet, but soon enough I’ll get around to it. Talk to you soon!
Monday, February 1, 2010
Enter Title Here __________
Where do I even start?? Oh I know, how about caffeinated blur; these past two weeks have been fueled by caffeine and set in overdrive! I have absolutely no concept of time at this point. It feels like a month has passed since I last posted to the blog.
My boss from Greenville arrived on 13-Jan-10 and we have since been involved in daily meetings to get Finance off the ground and fully operational. A new employee has joined our field staff, we have one in transit, and HR will hire a few more during the Macedonia recruiting trip in February.
Tent life has progressed as expected. Billeting placed mattresses on the top bunks and posted labels for top and bottom occupants; isn’t life grand. We’ve yet to figure out where exactly these additional people will fit their gear or how they will even get onto the top bunk for that matter, as most are void of ladders. I can foresee kicks to the head as part of daily life. Please stand up on your normal bed tonight and proceed to jump around freely, for me, just because you can. Thank you, I feel better already.
I’m happy to report that it is in fact possible for me to reach an even higher lever of excitement to that of a couple weeks ago. My boss and coworkers have jokingly commented that security should drug test me for questionable substance usage. Oh well, what can I say? On a normal day, I’m already alarmingly happy by most standards; throw R&R into the mix and I’m simply ecstatic!
Our new office, which proposed location has changed twice now, still isn’t ready. We’re told the delay is due to a material shortage. In reality, Finance is just being overlooked and underappreciated, again. Countless other departments have been moved into new offices miraculously. We are never important unless there’s a problem. You can rest assured that when someone has an issue with their paycheck, Finance is immediately in the spotlight and under pressure to deliver.
Those of you with Fluor are familiar with the Graduates Advancing to Professionalism (GAP) group. One of the writers for GAP is here in the field and was recently tasked with getting a story from a GAPer on the assignment. She asked if I would answer some questions for the next GAP newsletter. I obliged and here are the results, which might contain some redundancies to those who have kept up with the blog for a while.
1.What is your current project assignment, where is the project located, and what is your role on the project?
I am a member of Fluor’s Government Group Business Line, working on the U.S. Army’s Logistics Civilian Augmentation Program IV (LOGCAP IV), which provides support to military and contractor personnel throughout Afghanistan. Although assigned to Bagram Air Field, my role in Field Finance has taken me to many other Forward Operating Bases (FOBs). We maintain petty cash accounts, manual timesheet processing, expense report submittals, and employee cash advance distributions, while also providing payroll, human resources, and training assistance. This is a unique role, unlike most other Field Finance assignments.
2.What have been the most difficult transitional issues involved in moving from working in an office to working on site?
Given the extreme nature of this project, many obvious choices come to mind. Perhaps the single most difficult adjustment is not having any time off. Twelve hour shifts are no problem, but working every single day, for three consecutive months at a time, does not come naturally. Multiple time zones – Afghanistan, Greenville, and Richland – present additional challenges to effective communication. Finally, logistics can be an endless endeavor. Business trips and meetings differ greatly from the home office. Intra-theatre travel is complex, involving military or contracted helicopters and planes, opposed to elevators and cars.
3.What important lessons learned or specific situations have you encountered that have changed the way you think about yourself, either professionally or personally?
This assignment has helped me realize that we are unaware of our own potential until such circumstances arise that stretch us beyond all previously known limits. Professionally, I am exposed to invaluable knowledge growth, in nearly every discipline, on a daily basis. Personally, my perspective on life has forevermore been impacted by this experience, all for the better. I would encourage anyone presented with an opportunity to work and live abroad to take full advantage.
4.What's the one thing you miss having the most?
Being 8,000 miles away from home, this one is easy – family and friends. Other reminiscent items include office cubicles, privacy, weekends, restaurants, driving, and the overall freedom of choice and schedule. It quickly becomes evident just how much we take for granted.
5.Tell us the most interesting aspect about your current location.
I am surrounded by exceptional people. If not for them, this assignment would be a painful undertaking. We all rely on one another for support, both professionally and personally. This field environment is especially demanding. Having someone to provide guidance one moment and comic relief the next is essential. Geographically, Afghanistan is filled with beautiful landscapes. Also, the mission itself is of interest – supporting our country and troops. How often does that opportunity present itself?
6.What specific cultural practices have been the most challenging to adapt to?
In addition to Afghanistan, Bosnia, Macedonia, Kosovo, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Great Britain, France, Poland, Egypt, New Zealand, and other countries are represented here. The most evident cultural disparities I’ve witnessed pertain to work ethic and personal hygiene. Housing and working arrangements are such that all parties commingle regularly. The adaptation process is slow, but has improved with time. However, given such vast diversity, I’m impressed at how well everyone functions collectively.
Keep in mind that this is distributed throughout the company and must be approved by the GAP committee and management. My responses were formulated accordingly and thus lacked the free reign and color I typically incorporate into my blog postings. However, it’s an accurate, politically correct snapshot of professional life here on assignment.
It’s now 0515 and I’ve been up since 0400. This works out well because I’m about to catch a shuttle bus to the other side where I can use the military computer lab to post this update. I’ll grab some breakfast and then head back for another exciting day.
Knowing myself well, I’ll be up all night on Tuesday in anticipation of my Wednesday morning departure. I’m planning on making phone calls and getting in touch with everyone before I leave. Answer your phone! I’m taking my laptop with me on R&R and will get a sim card in Italy so I can communicate. 1 day and a wake up…cannot believe it. It’s as if I’m nearing the end of an amazing book; everything seems so surreal.
My boss from Greenville arrived on 13-Jan-10 and we have since been involved in daily meetings to get Finance off the ground and fully operational. A new employee has joined our field staff, we have one in transit, and HR will hire a few more during the Macedonia recruiting trip in February.
Tent life has progressed as expected. Billeting placed mattresses on the top bunks and posted labels for top and bottom occupants; isn’t life grand. We’ve yet to figure out where exactly these additional people will fit their gear or how they will even get onto the top bunk for that matter, as most are void of ladders. I can foresee kicks to the head as part of daily life. Please stand up on your normal bed tonight and proceed to jump around freely, for me, just because you can. Thank you, I feel better already.
I’m happy to report that it is in fact possible for me to reach an even higher lever of excitement to that of a couple weeks ago. My boss and coworkers have jokingly commented that security should drug test me for questionable substance usage. Oh well, what can I say? On a normal day, I’m already alarmingly happy by most standards; throw R&R into the mix and I’m simply ecstatic!
Our new office, which proposed location has changed twice now, still isn’t ready. We’re told the delay is due to a material shortage. In reality, Finance is just being overlooked and underappreciated, again. Countless other departments have been moved into new offices miraculously. We are never important unless there’s a problem. You can rest assured that when someone has an issue with their paycheck, Finance is immediately in the spotlight and under pressure to deliver.
Those of you with Fluor are familiar with the Graduates Advancing to Professionalism (GAP) group. One of the writers for GAP is here in the field and was recently tasked with getting a story from a GAPer on the assignment. She asked if I would answer some questions for the next GAP newsletter. I obliged and here are the results, which might contain some redundancies to those who have kept up with the blog for a while.
1.What is your current project assignment, where is the project located, and what is your role on the project?
I am a member of Fluor’s Government Group Business Line, working on the U.S. Army’s Logistics Civilian Augmentation Program IV (LOGCAP IV), which provides support to military and contractor personnel throughout Afghanistan. Although assigned to Bagram Air Field, my role in Field Finance has taken me to many other Forward Operating Bases (FOBs). We maintain petty cash accounts, manual timesheet processing, expense report submittals, and employee cash advance distributions, while also providing payroll, human resources, and training assistance. This is a unique role, unlike most other Field Finance assignments.
2.What have been the most difficult transitional issues involved in moving from working in an office to working on site?
Given the extreme nature of this project, many obvious choices come to mind. Perhaps the single most difficult adjustment is not having any time off. Twelve hour shifts are no problem, but working every single day, for three consecutive months at a time, does not come naturally. Multiple time zones – Afghanistan, Greenville, and Richland – present additional challenges to effective communication. Finally, logistics can be an endless endeavor. Business trips and meetings differ greatly from the home office. Intra-theatre travel is complex, involving military or contracted helicopters and planes, opposed to elevators and cars.
3.What important lessons learned or specific situations have you encountered that have changed the way you think about yourself, either professionally or personally?
This assignment has helped me realize that we are unaware of our own potential until such circumstances arise that stretch us beyond all previously known limits. Professionally, I am exposed to invaluable knowledge growth, in nearly every discipline, on a daily basis. Personally, my perspective on life has forevermore been impacted by this experience, all for the better. I would encourage anyone presented with an opportunity to work and live abroad to take full advantage.
4.What's the one thing you miss having the most?
Being 8,000 miles away from home, this one is easy – family and friends. Other reminiscent items include office cubicles, privacy, weekends, restaurants, driving, and the overall freedom of choice and schedule. It quickly becomes evident just how much we take for granted.
5.Tell us the most interesting aspect about your current location.
I am surrounded by exceptional people. If not for them, this assignment would be a painful undertaking. We all rely on one another for support, both professionally and personally. This field environment is especially demanding. Having someone to provide guidance one moment and comic relief the next is essential. Geographically, Afghanistan is filled with beautiful landscapes. Also, the mission itself is of interest – supporting our country and troops. How often does that opportunity present itself?
6.What specific cultural practices have been the most challenging to adapt to?
In addition to Afghanistan, Bosnia, Macedonia, Kosovo, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Great Britain, France, Poland, Egypt, New Zealand, and other countries are represented here. The most evident cultural disparities I’ve witnessed pertain to work ethic and personal hygiene. Housing and working arrangements are such that all parties commingle regularly. The adaptation process is slow, but has improved with time. However, given such vast diversity, I’m impressed at how well everyone functions collectively.
Keep in mind that this is distributed throughout the company and must be approved by the GAP committee and management. My responses were formulated accordingly and thus lacked the free reign and color I typically incorporate into my blog postings. However, it’s an accurate, politically correct snapshot of professional life here on assignment.
It’s now 0515 and I’ve been up since 0400. This works out well because I’m about to catch a shuttle bus to the other side where I can use the military computer lab to post this update. I’ll grab some breakfast and then head back for another exciting day.
Knowing myself well, I’ll be up all night on Tuesday in anticipation of my Wednesday morning departure. I’m planning on making phone calls and getting in touch with everyone before I leave. Answer your phone! I’m taking my laptop with me on R&R and will get a sim card in Italy so I can communicate. 1 day and a wake up…cannot believe it. It’s as if I’m nearing the end of an amazing book; everything seems so surreal.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
10,000
Remember going to summer camp back in the day? How exciting, right! Well, years later, here I find myself in a similar scenario. However, this time, feelings of happiness and excitement couldn’t be any further removed from the arrangement. My housing tent has been renovated. All cots were replaced with bunk beds. There are only two possible outcomes – equal or worse conditions. If headcount remains the same, this could actually be a good thing; the top bunk would provide additional storage. Now back to reality. Headcount will double and personal space will be further reduced. But at least we get mattresses, right.
Proponents of Karma or Yin and Yang ideologies will appreciate the positive flip side that followed. Personally, Shinedown’s “What A Shame” articulates it best, “There’s a hard life for every silver spoon. There’s a touch of gray for every shade of blue. That’s the way that I see life. If there was nothing wrong, then there'd be nothing right.” Well said, Brent!
The offices underwent major heater upgrades. No longer was it a brisk 39 degrees in the early mornings and late evenings. It was joked that placing drinks in the refrigerator would ultimately serve as a way to keep them from freezing. That’s how cold it was in the tents. Warmth from a refrigerator? Only in Afghanistan! We now have heavy duty jet-fueled units that provide all the heat we could ask for. The difference is extreme. No more numb fingers and toes or frozen drinks! There you have it, full circle, – housing changes for the worse while office conditions improve.
I’m progressing nicely on my way to R&R. Cannot reiterate enough how smoothly things have gone thus far. I’m only 16 days away from concluding my first stint, which will easily be the longest. Let me explain why. Every 91st day you are eligible for R&R. I will have been in country 98 days when I leave for Italy. Regardless of departure, the “clock” for my second R&R starts on day 91. This overlapping schedule has wonderful results. Upon my return, I will only have 65 days until I’m eligible for R&R #2. This becomes the norm from that point forward. How fantastic! I don’t remember taking a one week vacation so three will be mind-bottling!
Work has been busy and filled with many meetings. My boss from Greenville just arrived and we will be continuing that trend right up until I go on R&R. We have a lot to discuss and put into place immediately. The initial outlook keeps me here in BAF on a regular basis, with occasional trips out to the FOBs. I like the sound of that, other than the housing, because it means a normal routine is possible. I hope for just enough trips to keep things interesting and give me a break from BAF.
Congratulations ladies and gentlemen; with this post, my little blog has passed 10,000 words. If you have been reading along the whole time, kudos! I cannot believe I’ve been here working twelve-hour shifts for 81 consecutive days. However, even more shocking is the fact that I’ve written this much. If only thesis papers were about the everyday life of a contractor named Kevin Taylor working in Afghanistan – I could be a doctor!!
Rumor has it that Facebook access will soon be banned here. Some have already been blocked, but I’m still able to get in. I’ll send out an email if anything changes. You can always email me at kevinrtaylor@live.com and/or leave comments on here.
I’m going back to my housing tent now to see how the bunk bed jungle is going to work out. I think there might be a couple inherent advantages; the top level should block some of the excessive light and heat. If some miraculous alignment of the celestial bodies comes to pass maybe, just maybe, they won’t double stack us. I would be completely okay with that.
Here are some more random pictures. Hope you enjoy!!
Proponents of Karma or Yin and Yang ideologies will appreciate the positive flip side that followed. Personally, Shinedown’s “What A Shame” articulates it best, “There’s a hard life for every silver spoon. There’s a touch of gray for every shade of blue. That’s the way that I see life. If there was nothing wrong, then there'd be nothing right.” Well said, Brent!
The offices underwent major heater upgrades. No longer was it a brisk 39 degrees in the early mornings and late evenings. It was joked that placing drinks in the refrigerator would ultimately serve as a way to keep them from freezing. That’s how cold it was in the tents. Warmth from a refrigerator? Only in Afghanistan! We now have heavy duty jet-fueled units that provide all the heat we could ask for. The difference is extreme. No more numb fingers and toes or frozen drinks! There you have it, full circle, – housing changes for the worse while office conditions improve.
I’m progressing nicely on my way to R&R. Cannot reiterate enough how smoothly things have gone thus far. I’m only 16 days away from concluding my first stint, which will easily be the longest. Let me explain why. Every 91st day you are eligible for R&R. I will have been in country 98 days when I leave for Italy. Regardless of departure, the “clock” for my second R&R starts on day 91. This overlapping schedule has wonderful results. Upon my return, I will only have 65 days until I’m eligible for R&R #2. This becomes the norm from that point forward. How fantastic! I don’t remember taking a one week vacation so three will be mind-bottling!
Work has been busy and filled with many meetings. My boss from Greenville just arrived and we will be continuing that trend right up until I go on R&R. We have a lot to discuss and put into place immediately. The initial outlook keeps me here in BAF on a regular basis, with occasional trips out to the FOBs. I like the sound of that, other than the housing, because it means a normal routine is possible. I hope for just enough trips to keep things interesting and give me a break from BAF.
Congratulations ladies and gentlemen; with this post, my little blog has passed 10,000 words. If you have been reading along the whole time, kudos! I cannot believe I’ve been here working twelve-hour shifts for 81 consecutive days. However, even more shocking is the fact that I’ve written this much. If only thesis papers were about the everyday life of a contractor named Kevin Taylor working in Afghanistan – I could be a doctor!!
Rumor has it that Facebook access will soon be banned here. Some have already been blocked, but I’m still able to get in. I’ll send out an email if anything changes. You can always email me at kevinrtaylor@live.com and/or leave comments on here.
I’m going back to my housing tent now to see how the bunk bed jungle is going to work out. I think there might be a couple inherent advantages; the top level should block some of the excessive light and heat. If some miraculous alignment of the celestial bodies comes to pass maybe, just maybe, they won’t double stack us. I would be completely okay with that.
Here are some more random pictures. Hope you enjoy!!
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Time Warp
Wow! That’s all I can really say about this week. Where did it go? How could it have slipped away so quickly?
No worries though; that just means I’m another seven days closer to R&R – 23 and a wake up!!
I’ve heard all about the unexpectedly cold winter hitting the east coast. Pretty sure we’re stealing some of your warmth over here in Afghanistan. I’m enjoying the afternoons, which have been in the 50’s. It’s a much welcomed relief from the bitter cold mornings and evenings. However, these offices, which are partially tents, have little insulation. When I get into the office around 0530 it’s only 45 degrees. I imagine South Carolina’s climate will feel amazing after living in the desert. Four seasons? What is that you speak of? We only have two – hot and cold.
Once again, my schedule has taken a turn. Since I stopped going to the DFAC at lunch, I decided to try using that time for the gym. Jackpot! This arrangement works out amazingly well. Why didn’t I think of that earlier? There are only a handful of people in the gym, so I never have to wait around for equipment. The showers are nearly vacant; compared to the lines that form in the mornings and evenings. Perhaps best of all, no more feeling as if I’m a member of the polar bear club. Walking back from the office in full attire, jacket, hat, and gloves is no big deal. But in shorts and a t-shirt, the trip to the gym, tent, shower, and back was numbing. No longer a problem!
So everyone tells me that G’vegas isn’t what it used to be. That’s good news for me; makes being away easier. However, I’m sorry for the old crew that has dwindled down. What happened! I think we all just have our own agendas right now, none of which are align. People are getting married, having children, starting new jobs, in grad school, or just plain burned out. I miss all of you dearly, but in a weird way this has been a nice escape from the norm.
I’m already beginning to catch the “bug” around here. Apparently in this environment you either love it or leave it. If things continue to go as well as they have, I believe a second year is in the works. Everything will be complete once housing improves. After a taste of international vacationing on R&R, I might be ready to sign the contract extension. In reality, that decision won’t be necessary for quite some time and I’ll conveniently procrastinate until then.
College Football, oh how I’ve missed you! Finally, I was able to get my fix by watching part of the National Championship. Not quite the same when you’re eating an omelet, drinking OJ, and surrounded by hundreds of strangers in a DFAC. The third quarter was interesting enough to keep my attention, even without having a favorite team involved.
Now, for a bit of comedic relief; not sure how well this story transfers onto paper, but here goes…I head to the housing tent after my shift, talk to the guys, do some reading, and then it’s bedtime as normal. Hours later I’m suddenly awakened by a loud noise and rumble. Initial thought, this isn’t incoming – roger that! I roll over and look at my clock, it’s 0200. Jets taking off at every hour imaginable are nothing new; however, I’m convinced they are testing the world’s loudest jet at this very moment. My ears are ringing; tent and cot are literally shaking. Several seconds later the noise fades away and the rumbling subsides. I quickly settle back into the sleeping bag and drift to sleep.
Whaaam, something hits my leg and I nearly jump out of my cot in reaction. Adrenaline kicks in immediately and my pulse begins racing. You are asking yourself right now, WHAT was the cause for such alarm? I’ve yet to figure out exactly how, but my neighbor’s foam pad launched over with enough force to wake me up. You laugh, but it’s true. I’m laughing at the moment just thinking about it again!
My simple mind cannot even fathom how a pad, on top of which he was sleeping, gets propelled like that. Once I woke up, again, and realized what was going on, I noticed he was still on the top half. Inexplicable!! Suffice it to say that I was officially awake at this point.
To my defense, this just illustrates another phenomenon that develops when stationed on a military base. The human body’s adaptability is resilient. While I’m sleeping away, it knows that a jet taking off (well, most jets anyway) is normal and not threatening. On the contrary, a whistle followed by a boom is an incoming rocket and reason to say, wake up now!
Okay, so this just happened…popcorn is very popular over here. Someone popped a bag that turned out to be bad. Not burnt, just bad. Never heard of that, but ok, I’ll trust their judgment. Naturally, they threw it away. Minutes later, another coworker walks in and begins looking for a snack. Once the bag of uneaten popcorn was spotted, she removed it from the trash and began eating it. After everyone realized what just happened, they explained it was bad; yet she still had to test it out herself. Seinfeld reference anyone? Remember when George does the same thing with a partially eaten éclair? Priceless!!
No worries though; that just means I’m another seven days closer to R&R – 23 and a wake up!!
I’ve heard all about the unexpectedly cold winter hitting the east coast. Pretty sure we’re stealing some of your warmth over here in Afghanistan. I’m enjoying the afternoons, which have been in the 50’s. It’s a much welcomed relief from the bitter cold mornings and evenings. However, these offices, which are partially tents, have little insulation. When I get into the office around 0530 it’s only 45 degrees. I imagine South Carolina’s climate will feel amazing after living in the desert. Four seasons? What is that you speak of? We only have two – hot and cold.
Once again, my schedule has taken a turn. Since I stopped going to the DFAC at lunch, I decided to try using that time for the gym. Jackpot! This arrangement works out amazingly well. Why didn’t I think of that earlier? There are only a handful of people in the gym, so I never have to wait around for equipment. The showers are nearly vacant; compared to the lines that form in the mornings and evenings. Perhaps best of all, no more feeling as if I’m a member of the polar bear club. Walking back from the office in full attire, jacket, hat, and gloves is no big deal. But in shorts and a t-shirt, the trip to the gym, tent, shower, and back was numbing. No longer a problem!
So everyone tells me that G’vegas isn’t what it used to be. That’s good news for me; makes being away easier. However, I’m sorry for the old crew that has dwindled down. What happened! I think we all just have our own agendas right now, none of which are align. People are getting married, having children, starting new jobs, in grad school, or just plain burned out. I miss all of you dearly, but in a weird way this has been a nice escape from the norm.
I’m already beginning to catch the “bug” around here. Apparently in this environment you either love it or leave it. If things continue to go as well as they have, I believe a second year is in the works. Everything will be complete once housing improves. After a taste of international vacationing on R&R, I might be ready to sign the contract extension. In reality, that decision won’t be necessary for quite some time and I’ll conveniently procrastinate until then.
College Football, oh how I’ve missed you! Finally, I was able to get my fix by watching part of the National Championship. Not quite the same when you’re eating an omelet, drinking OJ, and surrounded by hundreds of strangers in a DFAC. The third quarter was interesting enough to keep my attention, even without having a favorite team involved.
Now, for a bit of comedic relief; not sure how well this story transfers onto paper, but here goes…I head to the housing tent after my shift, talk to the guys, do some reading, and then it’s bedtime as normal. Hours later I’m suddenly awakened by a loud noise and rumble. Initial thought, this isn’t incoming – roger that! I roll over and look at my clock, it’s 0200. Jets taking off at every hour imaginable are nothing new; however, I’m convinced they are testing the world’s loudest jet at this very moment. My ears are ringing; tent and cot are literally shaking. Several seconds later the noise fades away and the rumbling subsides. I quickly settle back into the sleeping bag and drift to sleep.
Whaaam, something hits my leg and I nearly jump out of my cot in reaction. Adrenaline kicks in immediately and my pulse begins racing. You are asking yourself right now, WHAT was the cause for such alarm? I’ve yet to figure out exactly how, but my neighbor’s foam pad launched over with enough force to wake me up. You laugh, but it’s true. I’m laughing at the moment just thinking about it again!
My simple mind cannot even fathom how a pad, on top of which he was sleeping, gets propelled like that. Once I woke up, again, and realized what was going on, I noticed he was still on the top half. Inexplicable!! Suffice it to say that I was officially awake at this point.
To my defense, this just illustrates another phenomenon that develops when stationed on a military base. The human body’s adaptability is resilient. While I’m sleeping away, it knows that a jet taking off (well, most jets anyway) is normal and not threatening. On the contrary, a whistle followed by a boom is an incoming rocket and reason to say, wake up now!
Okay, so this just happened…popcorn is very popular over here. Someone popped a bag that turned out to be bad. Not burnt, just bad. Never heard of that, but ok, I’ll trust their judgment. Naturally, they threw it away. Minutes later, another coworker walks in and begins looking for a snack. Once the bag of uneaten popcorn was spotted, she removed it from the trash and began eating it. After everyone realized what just happened, they explained it was bad; yet she still had to test it out herself. Seinfeld reference anyone? Remember when George does the same thing with a partially eaten éclair? Priceless!!
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Enter 2010!!
Yet another holiday experienced here in the desert. Happy New Year all!
I cannot remember the last time I wasn’t awake for such an occasion. No Champagne. No party hats. No kazoos. No 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, kiss this year. I was sound asleep when 2010 rolled in. Being nine and a half hours ahead does have its advantages. I enjoyed talking to many of you that night, even though it was already New Years day here. At 0930 my time I stopped for a second and just imagined what everyone was doing back home as 2010 finally reached the east coast. Hopefully it was a good time for all!
Nothing much happened here except for a special lunch and dinner consisting of the normal new years grub: ham, black eyed peas, cabbage, etc. I didn’t go, but heard it was delicious. I’ve adopted a new diet. Not even by choice, I kind of just fell into it. (Special note to Jen, if you’re reading; no, this isn’t a case of manorexia as you’ve accused me of in the past!)
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day right? That’s what everyone was told as a child. I normally don’t eat breakfast and never understood all the hype – until now. An eggwhite omelet with peppers, onions, mushrooms, ham and cheese has turned me into a true believer! Throw in some multigrain toast, OJ, V8, or cranberry juice and a cup of joe to go and I’m off to a great start.
Before making this next statement, let me go ahead and assure you that I am OKAY; don’t freak out or start an intervention! I no longer even bother with lunch or dinner. Instead, I’m keeping companies like Cliff Bar, Nutri-Grain, and Kellogg’s in business. A few snacks in the afternoon are perfect. They hold me over until I hit the gym. Afterwards, all I want is a shower, some water, a book, and sleep. Feels great to be back in my routine!
After hours of research, compliments of Google and TripAdvisor, I booked a two bedroom apartment (http://www.tripadvisor.com/VacationRentalReview-g187791-d1521919-San_Francesco-Rome_Lazio.html) in the Trastevere district of Rome, the first destination on my R&R adventure thru Italy. According to Wikipedia, “The district's name derives from the Latin words ‘Trans Tiberem’: Beyond the Tiber River. Today Trastevere is the heart of the Roman night life, rich in pubs, restaurants, and clubs. The area is highly populated by expatriates and American college students as there are two American universities in the area.” The other major selling points include several great restaurants, shops, and historic sites within walking distance. Have I mentioned that Italian food is my favorite!
The apartment was cheaper than a hotel and offers much more space. I’ll be there four nights, then off to Florence, Venice, and Pisa before returning to Rome. I want to research the other cities before my arrival, but will most likely just wing it. No telling when and where something will be going on. The last thing I want is to be a slave to some itinerary. Having the first place booked is crucial. After leaving Afghanistan, traveling thru three airports, jet lag, and the excitement of a new country, it’ll be a huge relief not having to worry about finding a place.
Someone is popping popcorn…smells amazing! Random, I know.
I made the treacherous journey to the post office today. It is inconveniently located right in-between two shuttle bus stops on the main side of the base. Luckily, the items I shipped weren’t too heavy or awkward to carry. I felt bad for some of the people I saw who were lugging around multiple footlockers ever so clumsily. I still need to pick up a few things that have been requested (Abbi and Jenny) next time I go to the Bizarre. Anyone else that wants something from this lovely place let me know. I’ll have to find out from Staci how well the package holds up after the 8,000 mile trip.
I wasn’t exactly sure what I was going to write about tonight. After skimming thru what I just wrote, that’s clearly not an issue. I hope everyone is enjoying the updates. I’ll look back at past posts every once in a while and be reminded of things I’ve already forgotten. I think it’ll make a great story to look back at down the road. Just don’t want it to be a painful endeavor for all of you in the process.
I’m going to take advantage of my night off from the gym and watch a movie. 30 days and a wake up left. I’m absolutely ecstatic. Curious as to how I can get any more excited. I’ll let you know about that as the days continue to fade away! Thankfully, the past 67 days have been extremely smooth. Word of advice, take an assignment like this while you’re single. Hands down, the biggest difference amongst the people here I’ve talked to and observed. Here’s to being single!
I cannot remember the last time I wasn’t awake for such an occasion. No Champagne. No party hats. No kazoos. No 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, kiss this year. I was sound asleep when 2010 rolled in. Being nine and a half hours ahead does have its advantages. I enjoyed talking to many of you that night, even though it was already New Years day here. At 0930 my time I stopped for a second and just imagined what everyone was doing back home as 2010 finally reached the east coast. Hopefully it was a good time for all!
Nothing much happened here except for a special lunch and dinner consisting of the normal new years grub: ham, black eyed peas, cabbage, etc. I didn’t go, but heard it was delicious. I’ve adopted a new diet. Not even by choice, I kind of just fell into it. (Special note to Jen, if you’re reading; no, this isn’t a case of manorexia as you’ve accused me of in the past!)
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day right? That’s what everyone was told as a child. I normally don’t eat breakfast and never understood all the hype – until now. An eggwhite omelet with peppers, onions, mushrooms, ham and cheese has turned me into a true believer! Throw in some multigrain toast, OJ, V8, or cranberry juice and a cup of joe to go and I’m off to a great start.
Before making this next statement, let me go ahead and assure you that I am OKAY; don’t freak out or start an intervention! I no longer even bother with lunch or dinner. Instead, I’m keeping companies like Cliff Bar, Nutri-Grain, and Kellogg’s in business. A few snacks in the afternoon are perfect. They hold me over until I hit the gym. Afterwards, all I want is a shower, some water, a book, and sleep. Feels great to be back in my routine!
After hours of research, compliments of Google and TripAdvisor, I booked a two bedroom apartment (http://www.tripadvisor.com/VacationRentalReview-g187791-d1521919-San_Francesco-Rome_Lazio.html) in the Trastevere district of Rome, the first destination on my R&R adventure thru Italy. According to Wikipedia, “The district's name derives from the Latin words ‘Trans Tiberem’: Beyond the Tiber River. Today Trastevere is the heart of the Roman night life, rich in pubs, restaurants, and clubs. The area is highly populated by expatriates and American college students as there are two American universities in the area.” The other major selling points include several great restaurants, shops, and historic sites within walking distance. Have I mentioned that Italian food is my favorite!
The apartment was cheaper than a hotel and offers much more space. I’ll be there four nights, then off to Florence, Venice, and Pisa before returning to Rome. I want to research the other cities before my arrival, but will most likely just wing it. No telling when and where something will be going on. The last thing I want is to be a slave to some itinerary. Having the first place booked is crucial. After leaving Afghanistan, traveling thru three airports, jet lag, and the excitement of a new country, it’ll be a huge relief not having to worry about finding a place.
Someone is popping popcorn…smells amazing! Random, I know.
I made the treacherous journey to the post office today. It is inconveniently located right in-between two shuttle bus stops on the main side of the base. Luckily, the items I shipped weren’t too heavy or awkward to carry. I felt bad for some of the people I saw who were lugging around multiple footlockers ever so clumsily. I still need to pick up a few things that have been requested (Abbi and Jenny) next time I go to the Bizarre. Anyone else that wants something from this lovely place let me know. I’ll have to find out from Staci how well the package holds up after the 8,000 mile trip.
I wasn’t exactly sure what I was going to write about tonight. After skimming thru what I just wrote, that’s clearly not an issue. I hope everyone is enjoying the updates. I’ll look back at past posts every once in a while and be reminded of things I’ve already forgotten. I think it’ll make a great story to look back at down the road. Just don’t want it to be a painful endeavor for all of you in the process.
I’m going to take advantage of my night off from the gym and watch a movie. 30 days and a wake up left. I’m absolutely ecstatic. Curious as to how I can get any more excited. I’ll let you know about that as the days continue to fade away! Thankfully, the past 67 days have been extremely smooth. Word of advice, take an assignment like this while you’re single. Hands down, the biggest difference amongst the people here I’ve talked to and observed. Here’s to being single!
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