I’m willing to guess that I probably get sick once a year. Usually it’s only a fever that lasts a day. For the month I’ve been in Kandahar, I’ve been sick twice. I’m not talking about a head cold or a bought with seasonal allergies, but a wish-you-were-never-born kind of sickness. Luckily, our PSD has an excellent medic with some powerful antibiotics. My wife sent me some supplements to help my immune system keep these pesky parasites at bay.
About a week ago I entered my office area and noted three Afghan gentlemen, that I never saw before, sitting and talking to Douglas, my team lead. As per usual, Douglas introduced me to them and we shook hands. I was I struck dumbfounded when one of them began talking in a perfect North American accent. These guys were Canadian! They were dressed and groomed like Afghans, and had me totally fooled. After more conversation I found out that these guys were subcontractors who did infrastructure work for us, but operated along a totally different set of rules. They were embeds. No body armor and no PSDs. Their only security is their ability to blend in, and a 9mm stuffed in their underpants. The best thing about these guys is that they were very efficient at getting things done, simply because they have a command of the local culture and custom.
I haven’t been very much of a shutterbug since I’ve been here. Usually I’m huge on taking pictures, but for some reason I haven’t been up to it. I did manage to take a few pictures from my everyday grind:
My wonderful desk. Since this picture was taken, I was upgraded to a fancy executive chair. This sweet little “office” comes complete with a power outlet, early 1990s era high speed internet, tape dispenser and super comfy body armor. My colleagues from Sperry MLT will drool with envy when they see this!
A view of our little living compound. I can say that I have little complaints about this post. The company that handles our security also provides for our living needs. The rooms are small, but more than sufficient.
A scene out my vehicle on my way to work. It’s about a 5 to 10 minute drive, depending on traffic.
On clear days, you can see the mountains in the distance. Dust tends to hang in the air constantly, obstructing the view further out.
Your office is HUUUUUGGGEEE. Just think when they start adding more folks here at MLT, we'll probably have to start sharing cubes. Sorry to hear about the sickness. How's the chow? MRE's much?
ReplyDeleteget well soon, reb!
ReplyDeletei'm gonna have to side with haun in saying your office is HUGE! we have like ten people in a space your size. i don't even have my own "desk" as much as it is a bench-desk-thing. chairs. we don't have enough of 'em. ten people, nine chairs. fortunately for me, they've only taken my chair once... once.
i like the fact that you have a real opportunity to release that inner shutterbug. you likely have a much, much better opportunity than me.
i'm just wondering when you are going to go native on 'em. you actually have some features that could pass for northern afghan. just don't smile or show your hands - you teeth are far too nice and your hands are fairly clean and undamaged... you have all of your fingers.
interesting blog!
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Matt - The food is pretty decent, most of the time. We get local produce and bread, but almost everything else is shipped in from Dubai. I'm just trying to figure out what is safe to eat. I think I'm starting to narrow it down though.
ReplyDeleteTom - You're right about the locals here, they vary between arab-anglo-asian-ish. My first misconception was that they were all arab in lineage.. very diverse people. I hear the area you are in has a slightly different culture than the south.