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Published: February 2nd 2011
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Winter Wonderland
The base -- looks pretty! I actually wrote this blog and had almost uploaded all the pictures right before we left Manas on Dec 30. It was in the process of uploading pics when I had to shut down the computer. When I got to Afghanistan, it took me a while to figure out the internet options here, and I didn't really have a way to get pictures onto my work computer in order to upload them. I've found a solution and am now publishing my previously undiscovered blog!
Ugh. I spoke too soon yesterday. We got on the plane, ready to go, and they had us get off last minute because they needed it for a mission. There was a rumor going around that there weren't any flights for 96 hours, but fortunately that was a dirty piece of gossip. And this flight couldn't come too soon! Last night it had only been 36 hours and I was already bored out of my mind! I even went to see when the church services were for something to do -- no service until New Year's Eve, and all they have is Catholic and Protestant. I was hoping for something fun like Gospel or Evangelist.
Beautiful!
A white New Years! At least the food is good! It was actually a little less cold yesterday afternoon (I really can't stay warm), and sunny! But I still couldn't see the famous mountains that this place is known for (the Himalayas I think). It's weird hearing Russian all around. Too bad we can't go off base to see the area. What a waste. I hear this country is being billed as the new Switzerland. They need to fire the PR rep. The Air Force people who are stationed here for their 6-month deployment can actually go off base and see the area. I'm jealous!
I think the worst part about this place is not knowing when you're leaving -- just meeting up every 6-12 hours to find out if there's something at that time. It really is like purgatory! The low overnight was 15. That's Fahrenheit. I'm pretty sure that's colder than your freezer. As I was walking around outside I couldn't help but think that I would be warmer if I were in a walk-in freezer. That didn't help. I have been so cold since leaving home (that was the last time I was warm!). I don't have many warming layers
Charlie Brown
These little Charlie Brown trees were typical in Manas. It was so cold that ice crystals would freeze on any surface out there -- I wish I had a picure of the awesome ice crystals around the metal ropes! because we didn't get our bags back (they'll be waiting for me in ghan!) I was just thinking last night that I couldn't remember the last time I was hot. Shortly after I was thinking that, I stumbled on the laundry room. 😊 A perk of the female tent vs the male tent is the location. We are conveniently located near the DFAC (dining hall), bathroom trailer (stinky, but the guys have port-o-potties, so I guess I shouldn't complain), hot showers (guys had ice cold water!), and self-serve laundry! Since we were staying here a little longer than expected, I ended up doing laundry last night so I'd have clean clothes to wear today. Inside the laundry tent there's a giant blower for the heat aimed right at a chair (looks like someone else had the same idea I did). Plus it smells good (which is a great alternative to the warm bathroom that I considered, or creepily hanging out in the shower tent).
I still haven't normalized my sleep schedule, and will probably take another couple of days to really adjust. I can't wait to sleep in a can tonight!! Really looking forward to setting up my own
Showers
Not too bad! I could do that for 7mos... space and unpacking. I think the hardest thing is going to be coming up with some sort of storage! I might be doing some amazon shopping and getting some HUGE boxes delivered!
Getting ready to finally leave Manas! Hugs and kisses!
This is where that blog ended. We finally made it out and got to Afghanistan, where there was a lot of waiting around at the ADAG (terminal), but it was slightly warmer than Manas. That night was uneventful with much settling in and sleep. The next day I ventured to the PX and got lost -- was wandering for at least 45 minutes with bags and a rug. Not a single person offered me a ride. All I have to say is Karma, people.
New Year's came and went without me -- I was asleep for the local midnight. I was up for the Eastern time one, though. It was 9:30 in the morning here. Does that count?
I'll be publishing another really long blog entry soon on the current conditions here (depending on technology and the awful internet connection and ridiculously random blockage of sites. Yeah, no facebook at all on any of the
The hooch
The female transient tent. Not super cozy. work computers. And a handful of other sites blocked at odd times of the day. Annoying). More to come!
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Lisa allen
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Stay safe and warm!!!
Don't get lost in those mountains. Missing you stateside! I feel like I haven't seen you in forever! Stay safe and come back soon. I'll get you a beer when you get back! Lisa