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...