Blogs from Djibouti, Africa - page 5

Greetings, Another day in Djibouti, and thankfully, the temperature has been reasonable. We are told that come the end of April and beginning of May, the temperatures will be on the way up. In June/July/August, the temperatures go up to 130. We had a bit of excitement a few days ago, when a French Aircraft Carrier came into Port Djibouti, along with a support ship. We had hoped to get a tour of the Aircraft Carrier, but we didn't have time to arrange it, since it only stayed in port for two days. There was a small demonstration in town by a group of military retirees. It seems that their pension payment was late in arriving. The Embassy put out a notice advising that personnel avoid the area where the demonstration was taking place. However, since ... read more

We have been taking a walk around town and the port area every day. Yesterday we took some pictures, and I am going to attempt to attach a couple to this blog. So far the temperature has been warm, but not hot. One of the Embassy drivers advised us that we were lucky, in that we would be gone before, or just after the hot season begins. This hot season usually begins the end of April/beginning of May. By hot season, they mean humid and 130 degrees. I guess that's what you can expect being so close to the equator and being at sea level. We do enjoy our walk which primarily takes place around the port area. We do walk past the President's Residence and I was tempted to try to take a picture of ... read more

Well, Here we are in Djibouti, Djibouti. Not many countries that have a capitol city named after the country, or is it the other way around? We arrived here on 2 March after a 2 1/2 day trip from Washington, DC, and didn't travel over the international date line. We could have flown to Australia in less time. We will be adding pictures (hopefully) to the notes that I put in our travelblog, as soon as we feel more comfortable here. We are staying in the Bellevue Hotel, which is about a 10 minute drive from the American Embassy, where we are working. The Embassy compound consists of approximately 10 acres, which run right down to a beach. Djibouti is located on the Horn of Africa directly across the straits from Yeman, which is on the ... read more

A bit tired this morning. Friends wanted me to go out and drink a little last night. It's funny since I've been here, I haven't felt like drinking. Guess maybe I've exchanged some stress for a different kind of stress. Had 2 hours indocrination this morning. General from 5th Fleet flew in to greet us. Awfully young. Our guys that are transporting our weapons got held up temporarily, therefore we don't have our weapons or gear yet. What a suprise to them when they come from 29 degrees in Germany to 91 degrees in Feb here in Djibouti. All of us anticipate a hot summer in July, Aug and Sept. Haven't washed any clothes yet but at least I have my uniforms. Some people only brought one set and the rest are with the cargo. There ... read more

Feeling quite upset about having to leave my family. I know I have alot of support from friends and family but somehow 365 days still seems like a longtime. 2 helicopters crashed last week with 10 deaths and 2 survivors. Obviously that upsets the family. I look at it as my 1st Jagman on a long journey. Jeff asked if I was going to find Osama and what a hero and millionaire I would be if I found and killed him. I told him chances were sllim to none since I wouldn't be leaving the camp but it would be amazing if he were found while I was out there. Love and miss everyone and geginnign to count down the days. Ramona... read more