121612 First Real Snow and Where Am I?

121612 First Real Snow and Where Am I?

Today was the real first snow in Kabul.  Before today it was just snow flurries that would not stick.  The hills around Kabul are probably getting a good layer of snow as well and once the skies clear up, I'll be able to tell.  Above are some pics from today as well as the German Christmas tree that has lights and looks great at night.  And also above is a pic of the new 'sign' that went up about a week ago.  I guess we needed the sign since too many people were wondering "where am I"?
R/Chris

121312 Snowing here and a Muslim toilet

121312 Snowing here and a Muslim toilet 

Today has been a rain/snow mix and by tonight it will be snow.  I don't go outside too much here (except to walk to the DFAC, gym or the hooch) which is good since I only have a light pull-over jacket here.  Also I get asked about what a Muslim toilet looks like every now and then and while at the Kabul airport last month I took some pics as the bathroom there was 1/2 Muslim and 1/2 'western' toilets.  The pics should be pretty much self-explanatory. 

R/Chris

121112 Christmas Doors

121112  Christmas Doors 
Christmas overseas on a military base is a low key event at most.  There might be some memorial or all-faith type service on Christmas day but otherwise its another work day.  Christmas decorations are minimal too.  Frankly the Germans have been the most 'festive' as they have put up a Christmas tree and held a Christmas bake sale.  There are several offices that have decorated their doors and I've taken some pics and have posted here. 
R/Chris

120912 Wounded Warriors

120912 Wounded Warriors 

One of the functions of the organization Wounded Warriors is to coordinate and facilitate bringing back to Afghanistan (and Iraq) those who were severely injured in order to have a proper exit from theater.  Rarely do I see guys like this on base but every now and then they are here, usually to give a speech or two and then they too will move on with their lives.  If you ever meet one of them the best thing you can do is to treat them as totally normal.  Anything much more than that and you're drawing attention to their 'difference'.  And that is one of the things they're trying to forget.
R/Chris