Acclimated??

I dont know if it hasnt been as hot this week as last week or if I have finally become acclimated to the weather here, I find myself a little chilly in the mornings for PT, but of course after about 5 minutes of working out, Im no longer chilly.

I just returned from downtown again... we had to go pick up some things for the upcoming organizational day this saturday. We left fairly early so it wasnt an all day ordeal. We stopped at the mall for lunch, we went to Chili's. Funny I travel half way around the world and still eat at all the same restaurants.

There is so much construction going on in this city I have started using it as landmarks. One of the reasons I seem to go off post so much is because I need to learn my way around, since I will be the one everyone goes to in the future to get what is needed that cant be found here on post. I guess I should feel lucky, there are many who never go off post and this is prolly the 4th or 5th time I have in the last 2 weeks. People have become envious when I show up to work in regular street clothes, saying "geesh going downtown again?" I have learned not to let too many people see me, as many have requests of what they would like me to get them (I made that mistake once).

One girl in my office is leaving here Monday and I get to learn my way to the airport, this must be an exciting event cause everyone is trying to get scheduled to go with us, just for the ride. I dont understand the "fun" of it. Its gonna be a late night which Im not looking forward to, anyone who knows me, knows I enjoy my job, in fact I love my job, but working late hours??? no no I do not enjoy anything about giving up my personal time. Especially when Tuesday morning at 5am we have a mandatory "fun" run. Umm correct me if Im worng, but mandatory and fun dont seem to go together in my book, how about yours?

Im gonna play on the softball team for the festivities on saturday, either pitcher or shortstop, I guess I should thank my mom for making me play all those years (which I now regret not continuing with, sorry mom I know it broke your heart), as I have been an asset to every unit in the army I have been with, I guess those sectional, district and state championships really did mean I was a good player... too bad I thought I was "too cool" and quit playing. Blah live and learn. Go ahead you can say "I told you so"

I havent talked to the girls in about a week, but I talk to EJ at least every few days, I just chatted with him online this morning, the girls are great, everything is going well, he has my address if you need it, which you do! I dont think a year has gone by I havent recieved a Birthday card from Grandma no matter where I was... until now (sad face).

Also a message for Lorri, I really really want a copy of that picture of me in the yellow dress as a kid that you made for my mom. Find me on messenger Zach has my screen name.

Below are some pics I took last week and finally got around to putting on my computer, It was a really sunny day but they came out a bit gray.. dont be mistaken the weather is non-stop beautiful here.

here is a picture of the Kuwait Towers from across the little indent of the Persian Gulf...

Hmmmm.... TGIF? or is it? lol

An idea of whereabouts Im located in relation to Kuwait City... (about an hour away)

All is well and I will post again soon... Miss you all!

The heat is crazy!!!!!!

Its only March and this heat is already ridiculus. Yesterday it was 102, burning heat just beating down on my head!!!!!

I am headed downtown this morning to pic up those trophies and plaques I spoke of the other day, so at least I dont have to wear a uniform today (Cannot wear uniform off post). Hopefully it wont be an all day ordeal.

One good thing about the heat is I have totally cut back on the amount of soda I drink and I've become a water fiend, which you basically have to or you will passout by noon. Luckily every single building/office you walk into here has a huge cooler with bottled water inside every doorway.

I just returned from this mornings PT, it was a light workout day since we have some 5 mile run to do tomorrow, so hydrating today is kind of a important issue. I got the emails and messages from everyone and EJ has my phone number and dialing instructions if you need them.

I have to jump in shower now and get this day started, I will take my camera and take some pics of the city today...

Happy Easter...

Its sunday morning here already... I am 7 hours ahead, I have to check but I really think it was daylight savings here last night... so maybe its 8 hours ahead now I dunno.

My 1st full week of work has passed and its a pretty chill job, Schools and training for the batallion, so lots of deadlines, paperwork and meetings basically. We work out 3-4 mornings a week at 5am (only time it isnt too hot outside). I usually get off work around 5-ish or so each afternoon.

I brought my cell phone over here because my provider said it would work, and it does but it works on roaming charges (yikes) so I was just gonna purchase a new phone for the year I was here, but.... I found out I can just replace the SIM card with a local providers here and not have to spend money on a new phone. I contacted tmobile and they were very helpful, they gave me the unlock code for my phone (only for military obv) so it can be used. So I will be going to get a new SIM card in a few hours.

I had the chance to go downtown again yesterday but I decided against it, its just such an ordeal to get off this post and back on I didnt feel like going thru it. I have to go out on wednesday and pick up some trophies and plaques for our organizational day (sports/fun/bbq day) in early april.

The local people here are very very polite and nice and most speak at least broken english if not fluent. When you walk in a place of business, the trophy shop for example... the gentleman went and got soda's and presented them to us on a tray, and pulled chairs up for everyone to sit down etc.. they are polite to the point of getting on your nerves actually. At dinner the waitress must have said sir and ma'am at least 200 times and usually 3-5 times per sentence. Excuse me ma'am, hello ma'am can I refill your drink ma'am?

Prices here are pretty high or maybe its just that the dollar sucks, its weird you read about how the dollar is dropping and such but it doesnt really affect you that much at home. Over here is where you see it. I figured I would convert some dollars to KD's for dinner (most places have even worse conversion rate off post) so I figured well $100 should be good... I got $26 KD's. At dinner I ordered like a chicken wrap thing that came with fries and drink. Prolly comparable to a $8 meal at TGIF or something, it was only $3 but that still converts to about $12 or $13 american dollars.

I was expecting most the kuwaiti women to be all covered in burkas and stuff not really, the older ones wear them, and some wear the head scarves, but the majority are very "american-ized" for lack of a better word. All the same types of cars are on the road and the same stores are in the malls (Gap, limited too, etc..) they have all the same restaurants too. Traffic is crazy they just drive any old way, highways are very much like germany left lane to fly by and all cars move out of way etc..

I still havent taken any more pictures even tho I have my camera on me all the time lol. I will soon I promise. Im gonna grab a little more sleep and then go get that SIM card. I will be calling home later to wish the girls happy easter and hear what the easter bunny brought them.

Goodnight/Good morning =)

Im here!!!!!

ok ok sorry about the delay... This place is fantastic, I dont know what I was so worried about. It is 100% safer and better than Iraq in a million different ways. There is nothing I could get at home in the states that I couldnt get here.

Let me back up and cover a bit of whats been going on... The flight was long but luckily very comfortable, I was in a 4 seat row on the aisle with another guy on the other end... so two empty seats btwn us. Like most long flights I totally lost track of time and days as we went from time zone to different time zone. Altogether it was prolly 18-20 hours on two flights. First to Germany, then to Kuwait.

I arrived in Kuwait at KCI at about 3 or so am Friday Morning the 14th. Then on to Ali Al Salem airbase to inprocess to the country. I got my briefings and headed to the shuttle area to catch a bus to Camp Arifjan. I stopped by some counter and asked to use the phone and called my new unit to let them know I was in country and headed there.

I was very tired, sweaty and nasty after hauling my bags through the desert from one area to the next, off the plane, on the bus in the dust, sand and dirt. I finally arrive at Camp Arifjan and ask a passer by to let me use their cell phone to call and have my unit come get me from the bus drop off area. They arrive and of course Im thinking I will get my room, a shower, maybe some rest.... Noooooo I get to go to my new unit and meet everyone. Yep all nasty and stinky, talk about a first impression ugh!

Im not in a good mood obv as I dont like making bad 1st impressions but whatever. Im actually to tired to care. Ok meet everyone blah blah blah and on to get a room. So we head over to housing and I find out that all the rooms are taken and I will be living in a open bay (meaning 20+ women in a big room) oh great.. shoot me now plz. Luckily this only lasts 2 days as I schmooze my way to a barracks room (such a brown noser when it benefits me) anywho...

The barracks are wonderful!!!! I will take pictures in the next few days. I share a kitchenette and bathroom with the chick next door, but we each have our own rooms with TV/cable, desk, bed, dresser, telephone and walk in closet!!! yippee...

I am in Zone I... this one is the best, a few of the things here are an awesome gym with 2 cardio rooms, 3 raquetball courts, indoor basketball court, weight room, sauna etc..which is directly across the street from the tennis courts, baseball diamonds, outdoor basketball court and 1/4 mile track. next door to the gym is the food court which consists of burger king, nathans hot dogs, taco bell, a chinese place and some slurpee, ice cream thing. The PX is also in this area which has a coffee place, subway and baskin robbins inside along with a bunch of vendors selling local things (watches, purses, jewelry, cell phones, rugs etc..) the library is attached to the PX and also has an internet cafe inside. There is also a pool its being renovated right now but suppose to be open soon... we shall see.

The dining facility is located across the parking lot from the PX, they serve 4 meals a day (midnight meal is the 4th) with your choice of short order or home cooked meal stuff. Salad and dessert bar, ice cream, bottles of water and/or gatorade for the taking and just about every other food item imaginable, free for E-6 and below, above that its the daily rate. The MWR building which includes a Movie theater, game room (xbox, PS3 etc..) and lounge (tables chairs for cards, dominoes) complimentary popcorn, burgers, hot dogs and music all day long.

I had to go over to Zone II to get my internet, it was $35 for a 30 day wi-fi card. While there I noticed the alterations/dry cleaners and the beauty/nail salon.... yep a dang spa right here, mani/pedi, facials, massages all available. (is this really kuwait???)

Needless to say it sucks to be away from family, but things could be alot worse. I think I can handle a year here no problem... I have lots more to write about as I just returned from dinner downtown. Also did a bit of shopping (Fahaheel and Kuwait City) Here are some pics of the Marina Mall (indoor and an outdoor shot)

Funniest thing I saw so far was the McDonalds here does McDeliveries on little mopeds lolz!!!

I will write more tomorrow...

Day 3...

Well it looks like summer has begun... Decided to look up the weather over in Kuwait. I fly out tonight/early morning and luckily land early morning the following day, so the heat wont hit me until I wake...

Today Mostly Sunny
High 89°F
Precip 0%
Wind: SE 16 mph
Max. Humidity: 22%
UV Index: 8 Very High
Sunrise:
6:00 AM Local Time
Sunset:
5:56 PM Local Time
Avg. Low:
55°F

I have since found out I will have internet over there for $35 a month, I will more than likely not have a room mate Yippee!!!! all in all things are looking better the more I research. I will write again when I get a chance, quite possibly from the airport in Germany, I will have a 2 hour layover and will prolly need to charge up computer and stuff.

Later...

Day 1...

I call this day 1, cause I was basically suppose to report to Camp Arifjan Kuwait today... due to flight availablity and such, I have been pushed back to leaving on the 13th. Im making this blog to keep everyone updated as a group. Just easier for me.

Im also making it because when I found out I was being sent to Kuwait I couldnt find very much info about where I was going. Yeah there were pictures and government sites and such, but I want to know what its like, the living conditions, the area, what to do, when to do it, internet access etc... so I will continue to update so for those that follow, something will be out there on the interwebs for them.

For those who know me you will not be surprised to hear I am totally not ready to leave. Im gonna miss my family so much its breaking my heart. I havent started packing yet, but 80% of what I need to take has already been located, purchased and/or replaced. I say 80% because Im the type that thinks I need entirely more stuff than I actually do.

I was given the option of having the military send household goods over there for me, I declined. I hope I wont need anything more than I can carry in 2 suitcases and a carry on. My laptop can double for my TV, and my zune (with the purchase of speakers) can double for my stereo. I wont need a very large wardrobe so just uniforms, casual clothes, a few pairs of shoes and such. I am taking one complete set of bedding as I do not want to use sheets and blankets they make available. I bought some of those space bag things to make everything fit.

Since it is already gonna be warm when I get there Im not bringing any winter type clothes except maybe a sweatshirt or two. By the time winter rolls back around I will either have purchased or been sent what I will need.

For everyone reading this, please please please stop worrying so much. Camp Arifjan is considered a "chill" move... here is some info about where Im going

This is the first stop to thousands of troops heading into the Middle East. Back home, this would be a medium-size city, complete with restaurants, hospital, movie theaters, ball fields and basketball courts, but with a population dressed mostly in military fatigues.

Long rows of squat command buildings, air-conditioned barracks sit end-to-end behind heavy concrete barriers. At night it is an eerie place. Generators light up the complex, giving the desert a ghostly glow. Near the barracks, a softball game is under way with screams, shouts and laughter echoing in the darkness.

But for me this isnt a first stop, this is where I will be staying for a year...