Baghdad is the Man
And I thought my first trip to Baghdad was cosmopolitan! I am writing this from the internet cafe in the American Embassy in Baghdad. One of my Marines and I have some business to take care of here, so we have been “stuck” here for a few days. It’s quite a dreadful predicament. Besides having luxurious billeting and dining facilities, there are enough things to do here to keep anyone busy! Our first night here I played in a 9-ball tournament by the pool. There are MWR (morale, welfare, recreation) events here every night at the pool. BTW, that’s the Palace Pool. There are other pools in the area, and I wouldn’t want you the reader to be confused. I did well in the tournament, but did not win. It was a lot of fun. Corporal Church and I spend every evening from about1900-2200 at the pool, mostly playing water volleyball. Sometimes it’s tough to find other players, but we can usually recruit a 2v2. It’s good PT–at least that’s what we tell ourselves. If it sounds like the pool is a large part of our life here, that’s because it is. We generally plan chow and other daily events around what time we want to be at the pool or the corresponding MWR event.
I’ve actually taken so many pictures that my camera ran out of juice. Thankfully, Church’s PSP charger is 5V DC, so I am using it to recharge my camera right now. There are many interesting sights and landmarks within the Green Zone here in Baghdad. The Green Zone is a huge area that is controlled by coalition forces. Outside is the Red Zone, which is normal indian country. Speaking of coalition forces, the multi-service and international environment here is quite a change from Camp Fallujah. So far I have seen military representatives from USA, Iraq, Britain, Australia, Norway, Italy, Turkey, South Korea, Ukraine, Czech Republic, Georgia, Macedonia, and Slovakia. Multi-service environments are always fun for Marines. Even though it is totally unnecessary, people are always jumping out of your way, being extra polite, opening doors for you, etc. When I asked the Nepalese (is that a word?) barista working at the Green Bean Coffee shop if it was permissible to take pictures in the internet cafe he replied “Well, for us, no, it is not permitted. But you, you are Marine. You are king. No one will stop you.” I liked his perspective, but I refrained from taking pictures anyway. I did get my picture with the Tigris in the background to go with my picture next to the Euphrates.
I will surely have to do a play by play writeup of this trip in the near future, although it may have to wait until I return to Camp Pendleton. One thing is for sure, I can’t believe that I or anyone stationed here deserves hardship duty pay. If I didn’t have actual business to conduct here, this would feel absolutely criminal. Actually, it still feels criminal. It’s like being on vacation, inside a combat zone.
I love the last line “It’s like being on vacation, inside a combat zone.” that about sums it up. You almost feel guilty with all the luxuries but enjoy while you can. Very considerate of you to not take pictures in the coffee shop but what a great feeling to know you Marines are regarded so highly. So, *he he* “who’s your Baghdaddy?” Can’t wait to hear the rest of the story on your trips.