Cheryl - Jan. 2009
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Baghdad Bulletin
19 July 2009 - Part II
Issue 7
More about Camp Prosperity:
There are small business operations within the confines of the Post. The "Green Bean," if you've never heard of it, is a vendor found on military posts that serves specialty coffees and coffee smoothies. They are a big military supporter. I reward myself every couple of weeks with a cold chocolate coffee mixture. A new restaurant is going up (across from the military Dining Facility) and I'm excited for the owner – who is Lebanese. He has landscaped and grown grass in front of his place and it's great to see. There are other little vendors and shops around the AAFES PX. They are not unlike small "Dollar Stores" we would see in the States. They carry all kinds of stuff but I'll support the PX if I ever need anything.
I had my hair trimmed at the "Baghdad Barber" a couple of weeks ago. He did a good job! They also have a procedure for eyebrows- plucking with string – not unlike flossing! I had my eyes closed and couldn't see how he did it, but next time, I'll try to keep my eyes open!
Here are a couple of "updates" from previous bulletins. Remember the tree I told you smelled so great – especially at night? I sent a photo of me standing under one at Camp Victory. The blooms are about the size of dandelions. Someone told me they are a variety of mimosa tree – a mini-mimosa.
There are two huge ducks living on one of the ponds on a quiet area of this Camp. One morning I happened to wake up extra early and decided to go see what the "midnight" meal was like. I went through the line and a young officer came behind me with a carry-out box. She was in a hurry. She took two rolls. I made a sandwich to go and wondered why she was in a hurry. She was headed out to feed the ducks and invited me along. I followed her out, and we saw the sunrise and two big ducks headed her way. I didn't have my camera with me. Too bad. I haven't been back over there but may visit again.
My vehicle has not arrived in the International Zone yet. It's a Toyota Landcruiser. I named it the "Blue Beetle" in honor of a friend who has one in Kansas. His is a jeep he drives year round. Gary Clarke's book I'd Rather be on Safari has a chapter on his Blue Dung Beetle adventures.
On Saturdays, I decided that I would give my feet a rest and not wear boots. I wear my PT uniform, tennis shoes, weapon, and reflective belt all day/evening. It's a nice change. Civilian clothes are not authorized for military members off duty. Most people take a half or full day off once a week. I try to take a half day on Sat., but it doesn't often work out (only twice so far!) I'm usually at my work computer between 7-7:30 AM and I try to log off by 9 PM but that's not always the case either. We had some emergency travel for two linguists who were required to accompany Iraqi officers, and the email traffic on that continued until after 10:30 at night.
I asked John to mail me a Scrabble game. He did, and it's still sitting wrapped in a plastic bag until I can find someone or two to play with. The problem is that while I've found people who like to play, none have time. (Including me, but John knows I need to make time). I scanned the rules and found a faster version to play (using 9 tiles instead of 7). I'll call it Speed Scrabble.
One of the things I love about our uniforms is having a nametag. There are SO many different kinds of names in the Army! We have a few Marines, Air Force, and Navy folks here too. That reminds me that on the Fourth of July, back at Al Faw Palace, my old office at Camp Victory, there was a naturalization ceremony for members of the military who were sworn in as U.S. Citizens! Wish I could have been there.
I had a highlight experience that I want to describe the best I can. Around the end of June through the first week of July, all travel was restricted because of the planned turnover of the cities to the Iraqis. My vehicle couldn't be delivered, I couldn't get to Al Faw on the Fourth – (the 56th Army Band was also scheduled to give a concert to the troops) and there was a "different feeling around here."
Then my boss told me he needed me to come to Al Faw on 30 June. I asked if it was something we could discuss on the phone and he was already going to be there for other meetings, and I was to attend two more in addition to the ones he had. So I had my first helicopter flight from downtown Baghdad to Camp Victory. I see and hear these helos all the time. On the way to the helo pad, there was very little traffic on the road that morning. Then the traffic came to a stop because Iraqi units were preparing for their military parade and crossing the highway to get to the staging area. It was exciting to see the sharply-dressed units. They displayed such pride. I'll never forget the sight. I still made my flight and it was an exhilarating one. As we climbed into the air, the view was ever so spectacular. The morning was clear with a bright sun, and you could see forever. When I got my bearings, I saw just how close all of these camps really are to each other. I could see the palace offices I've visited over the last 4 months and the Tigris River. Baghdad was beautiful to me. It was very very peaceful.
All I could think of was how many people – Iraqis, Americans, and Coalition Forces have sacrificed for this day. This is, in part, what it has all been for. It was a flight I will never ever forget.
Finally, I have another musical story to tell you about. I visited the Prosperity Chapel's 11 AM service and learned from the Chaplain that there is a Liturgical Service at 0800- with Communion every Sunday. When I asked if he needed someone to play the keyboard, he said that would be great. Last Sunday, I had the chance to serve as a church musician again. This week, I emailed those of you who love music and requested some keyboard music donations or loaners because the Chaplain wants me to play a 10-minute prelude each Sunday. I'll be there though the Christmas season and most of Lent too…..
Several dear friends, my Aunt, and some new friends responded immediately. THANK you! Folks won't have to listen to me play hymns over and over again before the service. This little building has a more comfortable feeling. It used to be a bath house. There is no bomb damage. There are no initials of Saddam Hussein, and the ugly tiles and chandeliers are absent. It's very simple, round, white ceiling, with water surrounding it. Wooden pews have been put in there. The building will be consecrated as a Chapel after the cleanup is complete. I was asked to play for that. It will be an honor.
A lovely console piano is on one side of the room and I hope to play on it after it's tuned. The Chaplain has a tuner's phone number. He happens to be an Iraqi who is with the Iraqi Symphony Orchestra! Wouldn't it be exciting to hear a concert by them?
My next bulletin will be an attempt to describe my day. A dear friend has asked me twice for that.
Thank you all for your support and love. I hope you are having a GREAT summer!
Cheryl
