It's Not All Fun and Games

Hello All,

As stated in the title, it's not all fun and games here to say the very least. Here's a picture of a US Embassy armored vehicle which was set ablaze by local Afghans after it was in a vehicle accident here in Kabul not far from the Ministry I travel to. Unfortunately, this was an armored vehicle (very heavy) and it hit a local vehicle (very light) killing the 4 Afghans in the second vehicle. Fortunately, the Americans in the armored vehicle all jumped into a trailing vehicle and were able to escape relatively unharmed. A mob formed and grew angrier, burning this vehicle. The Afghan police ultimately broke up the mob using minimum force measures. A good thing for the people and the right thing to do for the police.

Our company policy is for all of us to travel in "low profile" vehicles, which mean they look just like the local vehicles and are driven by Afghan drivers. We are also required to wear body armor while in the vehicle. It's worked for a long time and I believe we blend in quite well. Oh ya, I'm amazed there aren't more accidents over here... no rhyme or reason for entering into a traffic circle or any other traffic rules we have in our country.

Here's my real threat these days: TYPHOID. I'm neurotic about washing my hands and keeping hands away from mouth and eyes even when they're clean. However, they estimate that typhoid is carried by about 90% of the population, so keeping it in check is a problem. So far so good. Need a favor though from one of my blog followers: I need some individually packaged sanitizing wipes. I have some liquid sanitizer, but really need to clean my hands of dirt too while I'm visiting the Ministry. If someone volunteers, I will post the name of the "stuckee". I could also use some of those mesh bags you put delicates in for the wash... the machines here are just tearing up my "delicates". Ditto on the blog thing. Needless to say, I do not have access to either of these products over here.

And now for the big blog hug announcement: wait, wait...... My Big Brother Bob!!!!!!!
Since Bob does not have email access I would appreciate someone telling him about his hug. Thank you. Oh man, I've been demanding on this one.

Love

GAIL

It's The Little Things

Good Morning All,

It's the little things, like the air conditioner in my room... there's a story here too. The good news is that I have air conditioning in my little room. The drawback is the fan is either set to off or high and my bed/head is right below the unit... no option there. So, one of the guys (Chris) helped me rig up a piece of cardboard to deflect the air (and man, does it blow) away from a direct hit to my head at night. The problem: the duct tape just doesn't hold it up very well (you probably noted the many layers of tape). Many nights I'll be sleeping soundly and this big piece of cardboard targets my head while I'm in a deep state of sleep. Well, given my current living conditions in a war zone... this scares the you know what out of me. Getting back to sleep after I search the room for my heart and getting it back into place is a challenge.

So, I was telling Asa about my situation one morning after she commented I looked particularly tired. So, we left the office and had a lovely walk back to my sleeping quarters. She then explained to the house maintenance guys (in Dari) how to build a permanent wooden shelf below the air conditioner so it deflects the air away from me. She also scolded them about the paint in my room (look close at the picture). Needless to say within the next couple of days they are putting a wooden shelf and painting the room. This woman is just wonderful!!

So, that's my story for today. Not real exciting, but it's huge in my simple little world here in Compound 10 (our "neighborhood")

BREAK

I received my first email from my niece Keilah the other day with lots of nice mushy stuff... what great joy for me!!!

Today's blog hug is a no-brainer.... my amazing niece Keilah who is rapidly turning into a most remarkable woman

Love to All,

GAIL

Water Balloon Fight!!!!!

I believe I may just have captured on film the first water baloon fight in the history of Afghanistan!!!! My buddy Ken (the one surrounded by kids) somehow got his hands on a whole bunch of water balloons and filled them for our walk home the other day. He's quite the imaginative guy and is a master of showing people what Americans are really all about... it's not about combat gear, armored cars and automatic weapons. Indeed, America's all about things like water balloon fights, skateboarding, and kindness to mankind.

The big battle started with Ken throwing a balloon at a couple of Afghan men (mid 20s) walking in front of us. Before you knew it, these guys had a couple of balloons in their possession and were laughing hysterically, not very good shots though as they never hit their intended target (Ken). As the fight progressed, one of the shopkeepers (I would guess mid-50's) ran out and engaged, pulling a balloon out of Ken's bag and throwing it never coming close to any target. I'm guessing he just couldn't pass up the opportunity to play. Ultimately, Ken's target audience (the boys) joined in and about 15 of us were just laughing hysterically... many wet. Don't worry, the dog (Tiger) escaped unwet.

All in all, a great walk home and more importantly a true display of Americanism.

Okay, so what you've all been waiting for; today's blog hug goes out to my dearest niece Rachel whom I miss tremendously. Rachel, please pass on an Auntie Gail hug to Nick, Elena, Eli and Seb.

Love to all.

A Picture's Worth...

A Thousand Words!

What more can I say? Afghan girls playing together in a public park and probably after school... it's why I'm here and why all of you are so supportive of my efforts!!! I wish I could take credit for this picture but I pulled it off the United Nations Afghan Assistance website.

This big blog hug goes out to (don't get too excited this time)... all our American young girls who experience good educations and the ability to play whenever and wherever they want. America is just a great place to be.

Peace be with you my friends and family.

Love

GAIL

All Secure

Hello All,

This is the front door to my Afghanistan home and the gentlemen assigned to protect it... don't worry there are a lot more around but these were the only ones available for the pictures. The structures on either side of the door are a unique hardening system, it's a heavy webbing with a pliable almost wool like material and the inside is filled with sand. And as you can see for yourselves, my "friends" carry fully automatic weapons and look pretty sharp in their uniforms.

As for me, this is my daily "uniform". Khaki pants and light blue blouse. The "necklace" is an ID card and critical paperwork I must carry with me at all times to gain entry into just about everywhere... the US Embassy which is pretty close to where I am standing, the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF, where General Petreaus works and where the bazaar is) which is just beyond the embassy, and then a primarily American installation which is about a mile away and where my primary office is. I can eat at any of the above at their dining facilities... company pays.

I've now started walking to and from work. As you can see from the picture, I could use a whole lot more than 1 mile to and from. The food here is actually pretty good and most plentiful.

Okay, here it comes: wait, wait (long pause)... today's Blog hug goes out to Dr. Dan Rosenbaum and his wonderful Staff of great ladies (especially Andrea) who were so very amazing in helping me through my multiple medical challenges to ensure I arrived in good health and well equipped to stay there.

Once again, blog comments are welcome and most appreciated.

In With the Old In With the New

Hello All My Friends and Family

I caught this picture on my way to the Ministry... traffic was crazy yet here was this guy riding along happily with his horse. I've actually seen this a few times, but most of the times it's with a small donkey and a cart loaded to the hilt.

I remain safe and engaged in my job helping build a police investigative capacity over here. The folks I work with at the ministry have quite the challenge given the incredible illiteracy rate here. I found out today that many of the criminal investigators cannot read or write... I have absolutely no idea how they write up their police reports, but I'm sure they've devised a way. I'm looking forward to finding out. I hope to now begin working out of the Ministry on an almost daily basis.

News has probably reached you by now that two of our sailors here were kidnapped from their vehicle and are missing. This is a horrifying thing for them and their families. so your prayers would be greatly appreciated. I just want you to know I'm in a totally different type of operation here, so the probability of that happening to me is quite slim.

It's now 7:30 PM on Sunday which makes it 11:00 AM back home. My body is still adjusting but it is adjusting. I'M TIRED!!!

Okay, I know you're all waiting for it (long pause, I'm setting up the suspense)....

This Blog hug goes out to my "favorite" niece JENNIFER HEBERT (crowd roars).

Jennifer is the one who built my blog while I was still back home in NH and then taught me how to use it. It made so much sense when I was home. I then arrived here and all the icons were in Arabic, poor Jennifer helping through that. So an EXTRA big hug from you all to Jennifer for making this all happen. Or a big kick in the butt because I'm putting you through this... your call. :-}

Peace be with you all,

Auntie/Granty (for some) GAIL

Changing Things Up

Thought I'd mix things up on you a little. Here is a picture of my beautiful sister Mauria and her daughter/my niece the wonderful Jillian.

And, a follow-up on the Kabul Conference. A big success, very little impact from the insurgents/terrorists... a very good thing for the Afghan government. Unfortunately, we lost 5 US military personnel today down in the southern part of the country (I'm up north).

Americans are just wonderful people and the Afghans I get to speak with are most appreciative of our efforts to help their country. In all actuality, they have a hard time comprehending the concept of Americans and our allies. Imagine, people from half way across the world leaving their families to help people they do not even know, sometimes sacrificing their own lives toward that cause. As I've told you before, the good ones (Afghans) are just a kind and generous people; unfortunately, only the bad ones seem to get the press.

Asa is off for the next few days to attend her sister's wedding. She promises to bring some pictures in upon her return, but I'm not allowed to share these pictures with you because men are not allowed to look at pictures of women. Oh well, too bad for you. :-}.

This blog hug is a no brainer.... my beautiful Sister Mauria and of course my equally beautiful niece Jillian xxxooo

Back to Work Day

Good Morning All,

I'm running a little behind, so will keep this short. Thought the really cool picture would offset my lack of news.

Went to the bazaar yesterday, but forgot my camera, you'll just have to wait another week. Dropped by an international spa and got a facial, I just couldn't get my face clean but they managed. All in all a very good day.

A number of people who read this blog have asked for my mail address here, so here it is:

Gail Prince
MPRI MOI
APO AE 09356

Also, comments on this blog are appreciated by me. Also, please let me know if there's anything you would like me to find out and I will try to meet all requests.

This blog's hug goes out to (long pause) JUDI NEVILLE xxxooo

The Wonderful Americans Serving Here

If great Americans like these two ladies working in collaboration with the Afghan people can't make things happen for the better over here, than no one can.

I've been neglect in my blogs in telling you about the great men and women serving over here. For a start, let me tell you about these two wonderful women ( I will use ficticious names to protect their privacy). Jackie and Tanisha are both mid level sergeants in our USAF and deployed here in Afghanistan for one year, leaving their families back home in order to serve here. Their offices are right next to mine so we run into each other a lot and share stories.

Yesterday, I found them loaded up in their combat gear getting ready to go into town to work, so I just had to catch it on film to share with you. How beautiful are these women or what? I'm always telling them how tough they look, NOT, only because the smiles you see here on their faces are permanent fixtures. Their attitudes and stamina are just as amazing. Oh ya, let me tell you what they do. They teach literacy to the local Afghan police. One of the more significant challenges the Afghan government is the incredibly high illiteracy rate, even among senior leaders in the government. These ladies are dedicated to this cause and I am thrilled that I'm getting to know them. I will try to share this and more like thrills with you over time.

Today (Friday) is my day off and I'm heading over to the bazaar held on one of the international bases, so it's very secure. Hopefully, I'll get some good pictures for all of us.

This blog hug goes out to (drum roll please).... Stephanie Blossie Hebert (and Gabe). Don't worry Joey and Maddie hugs are coming your way soon.

The Wonderful People of Afghanistan

This picture depicts the group of young street boys my buddies have taken under their wing. The picture is deceiving as they are a lot dirtier than they appear here, but just as happy as they appear here.

Despite being at war for over 30 years, I am continually amazed at the postive spirit and overall happiness of these people. I saw Asa run into another Afghan woman the other day and they chattered/giggled like sisters; yet, they had never before. Even in our very tight office, the 3 interpreters (2 men and Asa) are continually laughing with each other... they also help each other out on complex documents without ever asking.

I met a woman police officer/administrator the other day and told her I loved her scarf... I have to stop doing that, but it was a beautifully colored scarf. She insisted she would give me one just like it next the time I was at the Ministry. You've got to understand that these people have so very little yet they are so generous.

Another quick story my friend Ken shared with me. One of the boys pictured above told Ken he wanted him to stop smoking. A couple of days later this little boy showed up with a package of Afghan style nicotene (sp?) gum which he believed would help Ken stop smoking. I mean, this kid has nothing yet what little he had he spent on someone he met on the street.

More really cool pictures of these beautiful people to come.

I continue to work hard and now progressing along with my mentoring duties.

This blog's extra big hug goes out to.... my dearest friends Kt and Bruce and the whole Camden/Florence gang!!!!!!!!!!

It's Now All About the Conference

Well, I reported to you yesterday that Hillary was in town but it turned out that was a tactical deception (gotta stop hanging around these military folk), she was actually in Pakistan.

This evening a group of us walked through the US Embassy compound (it's more like a military base) in route to the international dining facility when we ran into her very large and well armored convoy. I would have waved, but I had no idea what vehicle she was in.

Asa could not make it into work today because they closed down most intersections in Kabul for security reasons. I opted not to go to my Ministry today but a number of the guys did.... they said it was hell getting back. Lots of checkpoints and armed guards questioning everyone. Tomorrow is the start of the conference, and I sure hope it goes off without a major incident for all our sakes. Needless to say, I'm hunkering down.

I asked Asa about the Taliban the other day. Now you have to understand this very demure woman (shorter and a whole lot lighter than me) almost always has a big smile on her face. When she said the word Taliban, her whole body tensed up and I saw great anger in her face "they are animals" so told me in a most stern voice. She went on to say the Taliban tell the people that they kill in the name of God, but the Afghan people know better. They "hate" the Taliban and wish God would strike them all down dead for the evils they do. She also said her parents were forced to escape Afghanistan with their 5 young children because of the Taliban.

On to a lighter note, sorry but these are pretty stressful times here.

I work and travel with a couple of guys (Ken & Scott) who've taken a group of street boys under their wing. Ken's been receiving skateboards from friends back home and delivering them to these amazingly happy but horribly poor boys. When we're in the van together and we see these kids it's so very fun. They remind me so very much of my grand nieces and nephews, and for that matter my nieces and nephews when they were young... just jumping for joy when someone fun comes to visit. In my case, it was Auntie Margaret coming over to visit when I was young. Scott and Ken are now trying to figure out how to get these kids into a local, private and thus expensive German school where they can get a much better education. More to come on this subject to include pictures.

Well, gotta go hit the shower... got sandblasted again today and I'm filthy. So much for the light blue blouse I have to wear.

This blog's hug goes out to.... ALL MY BUDDIES AT THE AMERICAN LEGION SWEENEY POST!!!!

Hilary's In Town!

Well, the Kabul Conference begins on Tuesday... a most significant event. Here's what's happening on that which I hope is being covered by the press back home:

The Afghan government is sponsoring the Kabul Conference hosting I believe 21 nations' equivalent of our Secretary of State. The press released today that our US Secretary of State Hilary Clinton is already here and the Secretary of the United Nations should arrive today or tomorrow. This is the first major international event sponsored solely by the Afghan government which includes all preparations and security operations... the international security forces are only here in support, the Afghans have the lead. Given that, it is expected insurgents/Taliban/extremists will do all in their power to disrupt the conference and thus put the Afghan government's credibility/validity into question. Tensions are pretty high right now and our movements have been severly restricted.

Today, there was a successful suicide bomber who staged an attack against an international security force killing/injuring many. I was nowhere near this event, although it did occur near a location I travel to on occasion. Given the threat, we are not traveling to our Ministry or anywhere else which will occur through the conference. Tensions are very high right now and we are all being most guarded.

If you have any extra prayers available, please pray for a successful conference. This will really allow us to withdraw our US GI's in a more expedient manner and turn this country back over to its rightful owners, the Afghan people.

Gotta head out now.

Love to all and a big blog hug today goes to my beautiful niece Kaelyn.

Got To Church Today

Hello Friends and Family,

Well, I got to church tonight... Saturday. I felt closer to God today than I have in a very long time. It was good. I now have a better understanding of the old addage: "there's no such thing as an atheist in a foxhole".

Rough going in the Kabul area these days, but I remain safe and healthy. Very tired but will share more on the situation in a later blog. Just watch the news... I hope it's making the news.

Blog hug for today is.... my sister Karen!!!!! xxxoooo

Real Plates and Napkins!!

Hi Everone,

Well, today was my day off. It was a good day. One of the guys I work with hired his driver (also a day off) to drive a group of us to the Kabul Airport compound where we are allowed to walk freely (without flak vests). Got to drive through the city at a slower pace so I was able to snap a few pictures which I will share over the next few blogs. In this picture, a group of us are eating at a Thai restaurant... table service, cloth napkins, real plates and silver ware. By the way, the gentleman on my left is not picking his nose. The food was actually pretty good too. I chose a vegetable stir fry with prawns... quite tasty but not real spicy as it was a blistering hot day and the last thing I wanted was to sweat even more. Looking forward to heading back when the weather is cooler so I can go with the spicy stuff.

My week starts on Saturday. Tomorrow I head to the Ministry and have an appointment to meet one of the key personnel within the Ministry. Needless to say, Asa will be with me the entire time. I'll let you know how it goes.

Today's blog big hug goes to.... Maggie Ireland!!!!!!! xxxooo

Afghan Wedding

Hello All,

Asa, you remember my interpreter, told me her sister was getting married soon and she'd need some days off. Needless to say, I understand sisters' weddings so of course I submitted the paperwork. I asked her to tell me about a traditional Afghan wedding as I'd seen a few very modern looking buildings driving in Kabul which I was told were wedding halls. Well, here's an abbreviated version of what she explained to me.

Afghan weddings are 3 day events:

Day 1: The couple about to be married go shopping, with the groom buying the bride new clothing and jewelry. For the average Afghan this can equate up to $10,000. Needless to say, a man who wants to marry here must save for a very long time so he is normally much older than a woman. Editorial Note: culture/religion dictate that men and women not within an immediate family are not allowed to touch in any manner to include shaking hands. So needless to say, the guys here are quite motivated to save money

Day 2: The wedding ceremony. Just like us, everyone gets all dressed up to attend a wedding normally buying new and fancy clothes just for this event. Asa is scrounging now for the money as she just started in her position and has yet to get a paycheck. Average cost of a traditional handmade dress is about $40. Back to the wedding. There is first a religious ceremony (men and women are in separate rooms of course) to bring the couple together under the eyes of God. And then the big party begins. If the families can afford it, the wedding occurs at a big fancy wedding hall with lots of food, dancing and frivolity. Oh ya, the men and women are in separate halls during all the festivities. But, the new groom is allowed in the women's hall to dance and celebrate with the women... quite an event according to Asa.

Day 3: The new bride and groom go to their respective parents' home (or wedding hall if money is available) where each set of parents throws yet another party. The groom shows off his new bride along with the new clothing and jewels he has bought for her. These parties are almost as festive as the Day 2 party. This is like the couple's coming out party.

Note: Women here are only allowed one husband. However, men are allowed up to four wives. Needless to say, only the wealthiest of men have more than one wife. Asa's father has only one wife. But, here's the rule for men with more than one wife. Each wife must be treated equally on every level... material goods, emotions, and any other things. What a balancing act that must be for all.

This Blog, a big hug for Ma xxxooo

Love to All

Kabul Corner

Here's picture I took from our vehicle this other day. The drivers go pretty fast so capturing any is a challenge. Many of the intersections are much more crowded with these types of vegetable, fruit, meat, whatever stands. Please note the billboard... women are now running for office!!! National level elections are coming up this fall. Gotta head to the European chow hall tonight... big day off tomorrow.

Love to All. This blog, a special hug and big kiss for Elena!!!!

An Eventful Day

Hello All,

Well, it was quite the day!

First, I went to visit my counterpart at the Ministry today along with my big bosses and Asa (interpreter). We met in a most comfortable office of the Deputy Chief as the Chief was out of town. After the chai tea was served to all, we had a nice social meeting. My bosses then departed leaving me and Asa in the office with the deputy, we're becoming quite the team. He speaks little English but more English than I speak Dari. In the end, I believe we departed under most cordial circumstances with a good degree of mutual respect (whew). I will be working out of the Ministry most days now. Most exciting is that he wants me to work with the women within his department hoping they will open up to me on their issues of concern. I'm continually perplexed by this culture, mostly on the positive side.

Secondly, it RAINED today!!!! Of course I was out and about when the wind kicked up generating huge amounts of dust (you ain't seen anything like this) and then rain... not a good combination on my light blue blouse. It was nice to see the rain, actually a thunderstorm. I understand we're finally getting some relief back in NH too.

Thirdly, our active duty general is getting ready to depart after her one year tour of duty, so the company threw her a nice social... well, under these conditions anyway. We held the function inside our safe compound on the roof of one of the homes. It was nice to be in a social environment away from work. I'm sorry I did not get to work with her though, she seemed just amazing to me. I understand the new general is pretty good too.

Fourthly, I've been experiencing a problem my sister Mauria helped me resolve. The coffee cups at the chow hall are pretty chinzy and I'm continually staining my clothing first thing in the morning. I asked Mauria to send me one of those laundry sticks. Well, she recommended in lieu of the stick that I bring the cup to my slips before drinking to stop the staining... she's getting a major nuggie when I get home. She also recommended I get a sippy cup like my niece Maddy.... I had her there. I bought one already, so problem solved.

Tomorrow I only work a half day and then I have Friday off. I need a break. I'm now reading a book on the modern history of Afghanistan.... yup, I'm still a wild woman.

Love to All,

GAIL

PS: Tried to upload a picture from my trip today but my internet connection is too slow tonight

Happy Wednesday

Good Morning From Afghanistan,

I continue to adjust from my end. Here's one for ya: we used bottled water to brush our teeth. The water is safe for showering but I'm told it's best to use the bottled stuff for oral hygiene (wish this blog had spell check).

Yesterday, I went over to the European Police (EUPOL) Headquarters with my partner Rick. A most interesting experience on many levels.
(1) Driving through parts of Kabul with the streets littered with cars, people, vegetable carts, and donkey pulled wagons. Tried to take some pictures but our driver is most adept at navigating through what I saw as a blockade.
(2) The EUPOL compound was like walking into parts of Europe, no shock there. My counterparts are from England and Estonia and we had a most engaging conversation, in the end deciding it best that we work cooperatively. Should prove an adventure.
(3) Our EUPOL colleagues were gracious enough to drive us back to our compound in their very nice armored SUV... pretty darn nice. They have great shocks in the car too, something I have not experienced since arriving in the theater.

Off to brush my teeth and head out for another day of work. Heading to the Ministry today.

Love and hugs for all.

GAIL

Peace and Joy to All

Big news today!!!!!!! I obtained a chair for the desk in my room.... oh man, life is good.

I now have an assigned interpreter (can't share her name for security reasons, so we'll call her Asa for this purpose). Asa is a lovely university student (studying law) who speaks, reads and writes very good English and is teaching me some Dari (primary language here). I'm finding Dari difficult to learn, it's a very gutteral language but Asa's quite persistent.

I'll share the story about her life which she most graciously shared with me. Her parents escaped Afghanistan into Iran when she and her 3 sisters and 1 brother were all very young, escaping the war and violence they found themselves surrounded by. Living as refugees in Iran, they were very poor but her parents worked as both tailors and brick builders to support their family. While living in Iran, all the children (to include 4 girls) received good educations to include learning English. After over 10 years living in refugee status, they returned to their home country and Kabul (the Afghan capitol) and re-established their lives. According to Asa, who lives with her parents, they feel quite safe in their current home and are becoming financially secure according to Afghan standards. Asa comes from a conservative Muslim family; however, she only wears longer colorful scarves that cover her the back of her head (not her face) and neck. Neither she nor any women in her family wear a burka (total coverage of body from head to toe).

Asa has shared with me a few times how much she loves her country which is why she is studying to be a lawyer. Unlike many here, she has no desire to immigrate away from her country... it's an amazing story. Working/speaking with Asa and many others like her makes me feel like leaving my wonderful home, family, friends was all worth it. I do miss you guys though.

The meeting I was supposed to attend at the national ministry was cancelled today so I'll have to share that story for another time. Tomorrow I have a meeting with my European Police (EUPOL) counterparts at their compound. From what I understand, it's not far from my office. Ahhhh, another new experience.

Love to all

GAIL

Adjusting Well Now

Hello Friends and Family,

All is safe and secure here.

The news I have available here is limited, so any updates from you would be appreciated. Personal stuff even better.

Here? Well, last night I slept like a rock... what a blessing!!!!!!!!! Because of that, I'm running a little behind on my morning tasks and have to depart for another day soonest. I'm heading to my first visit of the Afghan Ministry today and looking forward to seeing some of my local surroundings. Not comfortable taking pictures yet, but will learn my way around and hope to provide you some visuals soon.

Peace and love to All,

GAIL

Finally Getting into a Routine

Hello All,

I took this picture of an Arab family while in Dubai. I have just found this culture to be so congenial. Thought you'd enjoy.

I think I'm finally falling into a routine and got a decent night's sleep for the first time since arrival. One of the guys on the team let me use one of his mattress toppers until my ordered one arrived in the mail... not something I thought of. Thankfully, I ordered a very thick one.

Little details to share. We brush our teeth here using bottled water and needless to say, only drink bottled water which is literally everywhere. Also, I have an air conditioning unit in my room so that makes it very comfortable.

I met my European Police counterparts yesterday, one from Great Britain and one from Estonia.... they seem like good gents. I also met a woman serving in the Armenian Army at a local coffee shop and we had a very pleasant conversation. It was good to speak with another woman even though she was much younger than I am.

Not sure about the rules for taking pictures yet, but will figure that out soon. Needless to say security is very important and I can only share so much.

Peace and love to All.

GAIL

Picture: View from the top of the tallest building in the world... taller buildings in sight are quite large high rises so I' thought this would give you some perspective.

Good Morning From Afghanistan!!!

So, here's how I'm living life out here. I live in about a two story 2500 sq foot house made up of about 12 bedrooms, 6 baths, a small kitchen and two common areas I've never seen anyone use. Myself, I have to walk down to the first floor and through the entire house to get to the bathroom which I share with a very neat and pleasant gentleman that also works with the company.

The house is located within a secure compound of multiple homes with very high hardened walls and a significant armed security presence. The security is provided by local Afghan men and I'm finding them most pleasant to speak with, what little we can share. Some speak some English and have made a deal with me that if I teach them more English they will teach me some Dari. Good deal for me! To get to work, we have mulitple vans for transport. So I put on my 20 pound flak/bullet vest with my standard company uniform (civilian clothes) and jump into the van which is right outside our quarters. We then drive to a multinational military installation where our office is. It's about a 1/4 mile walk to the office through the installation, after one gets through multiple layers of security. Hopefully next week I can start walking to work (about a mile) with a couple of guys through some secured alley ways, which will prevent me from having to wear the flak/bullet vest. Oh ya, they also issued me a lovely helmut.

Still settling into the office, trying to get my issued computer up and running... most of you know that's quite the challenge for me. While on the installation and even from our compound, we eat in a military dining facility for our meals. There is normally plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables along with lots of unhealthy options which I'm bound and determined to stay away from. The desserts are amazing, but avoiding them too. The good news is that I discovered they actually have soy milk, so I'm now a happy camper!

The weather here is very dry, dusty and right now pretty darn hot (makes that 20 lb jacket so much more enjoyable). However, there is bottled water literally everywhere so I'm never wanting from that. Keeping my hands clean and sanitary is still an issue I need to resolve. The guys tell me that typhoid is a common ailment but I'm determined not to submit to it... I'll let you know when I get it even though Doc Rosenbaum back home ensured I got my shot before departing.

Well, today is my day off (Friday). I'm heading out to a local bizzare (for the international community so it's pretty safe) to try and pick up a new flak/bullet jacket that isn't too big. Can you believe they don't normally carry these in petite sizes? Hope to pick up a few trinkets while there too, but there's plenty of time here for that.

Gotta head out. But know I love and miss my friends and family.

GAIL

Hello All,

Sorry, not much time early this morning. But owed you guys a picture or two.

Love (Auntie) Gail

Back on Line Now

Hello Family and Friends,

Sorry for the long delay, I've had a few blog technical challenges since my arrival here... all the blog commands were in Arabic and in different order than what I was familiar with and as most of you know I'm rather technically challenged.

I arrived in Dubai, a very large and most modern city in the United Arab Emirates, after flying for 13 hours. We arrived there about 7 PM (8 hours ahead in time to the EST) easily got through customs and checked into a most beautiful hotel with all the modern amenities. Fortunately, I traveled with 7 gentlemen also working for my firm and we quickly became friends. Needless to say, it was too early for sleep so we gathered in the hotel bar for some pretty good food and a couple of beers. We then all tried to force ourselves into the local sleep pattern, which didn't work so well for me. The next day a number of us headed out to explore the city. You've got to see this place someday... it's amazing beyond anything I can describe. Seemed everything was new and the high rises put Manhattan to shame. Miles and miles of high rises... the shopping malls huge beyond scope and imagination. Our group then went to visit the tallest building in the world, taking the fastest elevator in the world after walking through a mall for about 1 1/2 miles. I've attached the picture of that. Unfortunately, we had a flight departing that night at 2 AM so had to head back early to get a little sleep before heading into Kabul.

I will save my Kabul experiences to date for the next blog as I have to get back to work soonest. Needless to say, I am safe and adjusting to life here.

Love and miss you all terribly. But now that I'm getting into the swing of things and meeting a number of Afghan people, I know this was the right choice for me, for you, for our country and for the country of Afghanistan.

PS: I tried to quickly attach pictures, but have to figure that one out for another day, sorry.

Now in Dubai

Hello All,

Finished my orientation in DC and departed from Dulles for Dubai at 10 PM. Flight took about 12 hours for a 7000 mile trip, it proved uneventful and I even got some sleep on the plane... sometimes it pays to be vertically challenged. The good news was that I got to travel with 7 other folks which made this adventure even more fun.

Got some sleep at a very nice hotel in downtown Dubai, then got up and had a lovely breakfast at the hotel. The fresh fruits and veggies proved most helpful to my digestion system. We have a meeting this morning and then I'm heading out with a couple of my new friends to explore Dubai... will let you know later how that goes. We head out for our ultimate destination tomorrow. Oh by the way, once at my location I will be 8 1/2 hours ahead of EST.

Gee, I already miss everyone but I know this was the right decision for me, you, our great country and the people of Afghanistan.

Love to all,

GAIL
PS: Mauria, could you please update Ma.