Saturday, but no Bazaar for me!

I spent today working with interpreters and doing paperwork...by the end of the day I was ready to scream.   I kept going over their paper work to ensure it was right and things were not matching up, so I would ask them and they wouldn't understand.  For 10 lines on one interpreter, we spent an hour and a half going back and forth.  We finally got it right for him.  The next guy, he said his was good and I believed him. We did change a little and really thought it was good.  When he got into the reviewing process, he came out with 15 or 20 corrections that had to be made...very frustrating.  I hopefully only have one more day of this and I'll be done.

Today, the person I work for in Kabul was coming to Kandahar for a visit, but I didn't here from them.  I assume they had business on main base Kandahar.  I'll be standing by to standby, if we get a visit.

I was informed 5 days ago about the interpreter's washing machines going out, so I've been trying to find someone that has some I can have, borrow, swap for...no luck.  We are out of money on our local fund, since we can usually have access to up to $25k cash at one time...very helpful.  I found another person that has local money left, so we ordered 8 heavy duty metal washers for $255 each to be delivered tomorrow at 9am.  The vendor said he would sell it to us and provide a truck for free, but he would not come to the base...he's scared someone will see him and kill him later.

On a positive note, the internet guys hooked us up today...this is so much faster.  Before today, it was like a 28.8 modem, if most of you even know what that's like.  We can download at about 40kbps now, so it's livable.  

Didn't get too many pics today, but thought you'd enjoy these two.

Here is a guy on this tractor all bundled up...this is their sunscreen.  I have one I wear when I'm out in the sun too...one of the interpreters gave it to me.  It keeps you pretty cool.

Here is an ANA truck that has been jingled up.  First time I've seen this...too funny.  I guess those charms will keep it from getting blown up....whatever works.

Here are some pics from Afghanistan in the 1960s.  Coming up in a later post, you'll see how they made rugs in the 1960s...pretty cool.  Please click on these to make them bigger...I'm having trouble posting, even with my super fast connection now... LOL.

Friday off...Nice

Since today is normally a day off, I don't take too many pics. However, when I went to main base KAF to take care of some work I couldn't get to at another time, I ran into these guys.  Take a look at the guy's leg in the middle of the group...yep, he has a prosthetic leg.  I saw him stroll into the dining facility and immediately asked him about the Army and if it was difficult to remain in with the prosthetic leg.  He said it was pretty easy, but he did still have to do a run and obstacle course.  He's even jump qualified...I thought that was amazing.  He lost his leg back a couple years ago near FOB Wilson, which is near Kandahar.  He was in a route clearing team and was hit by a rocket propelled grenade (RPG).  If you are looking for one of America's Real Hero's, this is the guy!!!  He said when he showed up in his unit, people didn't know about his leg for quite a while until he showed up in shorts one day.  To talk with him or walk with him, you'd never know he ever had an issue and I'm sure he doesn't think of it as a problem.  Guess where he's headed...you guessed it...back to FOB Wilson.  I'm thinking that must be a little unsettling to go through such a traumatic event and then go back again.  He's going to be there for a year.  I asked him about his wife and what she thought.  He said they aren't married yet, but the the hardest thing was leaving his one year old at home.  He also said, she doesn't say much about being worried...I told him I'm sure she has some reservations about you being back.  I wished them good luck on their journey and told them to be sure to grab an iced cappuccino at Tim Horton's before they go.  It was a very inspiring lunch.  Of the group, there were two that were on their very first deployment, one on his second and one on his third...not bad, considering they're Army.

Okay, after lunch I couldn't resist looking at runners.  These are the prices from left to right: $900, $500, $500.  They are 3'x9' runners.  Of course, I like the $900 one, but it cost too much.  He tried to get me to bargain, but I didn't want to insult him.  I would pay $500 for it, but that would be it.  The rug is called "Four Seasons" for no apparent reason he tells me...not sure about that.  Didn't make a rug purchase or even try to bargain today.  I didn't love the rug, so I can live without it.  I apologize for the pic quality, my iPhone lens was a little dirty and the pic turned out a little foggy.

I saw this guy in the Cavalry hat and asked him if he'd mind me taking his picture and of course he said no problem.  He said they get to wear the Cavalry hats on Fridays.  That's the first time I've seen that...interesting.

Here's another jingle truck for you viewing pleasure. I'm just always amazed by the different colors and design details.

Here's your daily dose of the 1960s pics of Afghanistan.

This is a great market...wish I could get there. Nice rugs and weapons.

The Afghans...putting in irrigation canals here.

What a cool pic of an old village.

Thursday Evening with a Bang!

Tonight started with a bang. The moon looks like it's full and they work off the lunar cycle, so I was thinking we might get an attack.  The full moon is so bright, it casts a shadow here...I guess that make it easier for them to operate at night.  Anyway, it was not close.  I heard the boom, but still pretty far off.

Before I get started on the day...here's the link for the video I tried to post yesterday.  I was sitting in the office with the ANA while they were having a discussion.  It's like this most of the time.  Hard to have a conversation. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YGsXH1_ePRI

This morning I started running around to get interpreters, so we could get their access badge paperwork straight.  We got it all together for one of the guys and he made it through the process...now I just need a signature and he'll be unescorted...that'll save us so much time.  They can just come right to the office in the morning without us going to pick them up and waiting for all the searching that goes on to bring them in and then when we take them out the same type of thing.  I think I've got the badging process down now.

The interpreter that got his badge paperwork done today took me to the soldiers canteen store.  We were looking for Roshan SIM card for my iPhone, since I recently jailbroke it and unlocked it.  I finally have my iPhone working like it was in the states, since he helped me out.  The SIM only cost $2 or $3 and came with credit on it.  It might cost me $20 a month, if that...not too bad.  We didn't have any Afghan money, so the interpreter told him we'd bring money later.  The guy said no problem and we left with the card and a refill too.  They are very trusting.

When I drove out to the gate to escort a vehicle in, I saw these guys on a tractor and thought you'd find it interesting.

While I was sitting there we had some Blackhawks flying low over us, so I snapped a pic.  

And on my way back I saw this guy!  You have to love their ingenuity. LOL.

Last but not least, a final shot for the evening.  A small cat under my vehicle.  This one's for Barb!!!LOL.

Here's some old 1960s pics of Afghanistan:

What a beautiful vista!

I would have gone crazy in this store.  I can't even imagine what the prices were in the 1960s.

Wednesday...Interpreter Day--(1 rocket attack so far today)

I spent most of the day with all the interpreters trying to get them access badges to the base. It's a cumbersome process with many documents, so it'll take a couple weeks to complete. There are multiple interviews and they even have to travel to Kabul for one. This is the process for someone that already has a badge and getting a renewed badge...it's a little tough, but I'd rather it be that way.

The ANA Colonel is gone to Kabul, so the Major here is filling in. I don't think things are happening as they were when the Colonel was here. I try to come out more often to ask what's going on and what the plan is for the day. When I asked what goals he had to knock out while the Colonel was gone he said none...just doing daily work. I'll have to try to subtly suggest some goals. I told him we should start on a 100% inventory of the logistics depot and he agreed, so we'll see how it goes.

Sitting in the room with the Colonel for discussions is very distracting. There's always someone coming in and out, so there are constant interruptions...I can't finish a sentence without a phone ringing or a person popping in the office. I'm going to have to recommend some quiet time for the Colonel and I so we can really discuss the quarterly awards program. 

As some of you know, I've asked a few people on twitter to donate some new running shoes to some of the ANA guys as an incentive to join my running team. The interpreters tell me I'll probably get 10-15 guys that will run for the shoes and he believes they'll show up again and again. If you're interested in donating new running shoes, used/new blue jeans, toothpaste, tooth brushes, shampoo, or items like this, please contact me at afghantim@gmail.com

It was supposed to reach 113F today and what do they bring me to drink...cold water...no...piping hot chai tea. I know it's good for you and all, but I'd like an iced chai in this heat. I think I was sweating chai out my forehead. The other dish is filled with sugar coated almonds.

For some reason, the people responsible for things here are the only ones that have the key. The good "three-fingered" Captain here has these tools, because he is getting ready to go break into the warehouse, because the guy is in downtown Kandahar and they need something to issue a customer. When they want to do something, Afghans will get it done. I drove by the warehouse later and saw the door with tape over the lock, so I guess he got in...I just hope he replaces the lock as he said he would...he is a man of his word, so I'm confident he will.

Okay, as I was leaving the logistics depot, I saw the guy that was supposed to run, didn't show up to work, and is rumored to smoke hashish. I had a very intense conversation with him and he told me he was loading mattresses at 3am that morning and couldn't make the run. I was certain he was lying, so we went directly to see the Sgt Major and asked if he was loading mattresses. To my surprise, he was loading mattresses. I apologized to the young Sgt and thanked him for the work he did so early in the morning. I really hate when you think you are absolutely right and then find out you were absolutely wrong...who would have thought he would really be loading mattresses at 3am. He said he still wanted to run with me, so I guess I didn't offend him too bad. I guess he at least knows I expect him to keep his word now. I'll have to pay close attention to him and ensure I work on the relationship I probably damaged today.

In the afternoon, the wind picked up and so did the dust. Here are some pics of what it looked like. It was like a convection oven with the wind.

These guys are hiding from the dust/wind.

Now to the vintage 1960s pics of Afghanistan:

Good...Tuesday!

Got started this morning at the logistics depot, but the ANA Major was at the clinic.  I stayed and talked with the soldiers and then departed for a tour of the hospital.

The hospital was pretty interesting.  The American advisor at the hospital gave me the tour.  He told me the level of care is pretty good and they know what they're supposed to do, but sometimes take the path of least resistance.  For instance, before an operation they should sterilize the instruments, but may not if they don't have time...they are mainly concerned with having the instruments.  As we went room to room in the hospital, I got a surprise.  I saw these three guys sitting on beds and the advisor told me they're Taliban.  They had been captured and were there for medical treatment before being moved...of course there was a guard and they were handcuffed to the bed.  I went and shook their hands and asked them how they were being treated.  They were very happy with the treatment.  I considered just turning around and not shaking their hands, since the Taliban do some pretty bad things.  I thought it might be better to show them that we are not as bad as they heard and actually talk to them.  They were very curious about my interpreter and asked if he was Afghan.  He is Afghan....like I said before, the Taliban want to kill the interpreters more than they want to kill the military; didn't like their interest in him.

Today was women's day at the hospital, so they had it blocked off for women only...due to the sensitive nature placed on women.  Here are some pics of the women with their children.  You can tell before I pulled out the camera and below is after everyone saw it.

The kids are so cute.  They were amazed by the digital camera and by seeing their picture on the back of it.

After the hospital visit, I got a call that there was a truck at the gate again.  We drove out to escort them in and I had to talk to the guard about searching the truck.  He thought if I was escorting them, they must be safe.  I appreciated the vote of confidence, but told him this person was just a guy hired from the area to do a job and we didn't know him...he agreed to start searching them.  He did catch me off guard when he said that you guys (Americans & Coalition) are here to make Afghanistan better and we trust you bringing these guys in....That is the best unprompted statement I've heard since I've been here...he understands we care and are trying to make it better...wish he'd tell all the others.

Here's a nicely painted jingle truck I followed back from the gate.

I then went to a meeting to justify money to purchase generators for our interpreter village and our living containers on our FOB.  I needed $148,000 and I got it...yahoo.  The generators will be ordered soon...I'd prefer solar/geothermal/wind power, but it takes too long...there's no experts here to install them and it costs too much up front...I know it's cheaper over time.  Anyway, the meeting usually runs up to 4 hours...ugh, so I asked before hand and they said my package was near the front.  I thought great, I'll be able to see how people articulate their case and I can adjust my argument if needed.  They started the meeting and guess who's package was up first?  Yep, mine.  Oh well, I'll provided the facts and asked if anyone had any questions.  Only had a couple minor questions and the process was rather painless.  Meeting started at 2:00 and I was out of there by 2:10...those poor people that remained.

After the meeting I stopped by the boardwalk and noticed a new restaurant...Kentucky Fried Chicken.  I guess they've found away around General McChrystal's order by using local vendors to stand up American restaurants.  I won't complain.  I don't care about eating there as much as it's a reminder of home...it's nice to just see it.

Okay, I have to give it to the British.  They're living rough on Kandahar.  No portable buildings for them.  They are in no kidding tents.  It's 109F.  I'm sure they have A/C, but still...those tents are heat magnets.

The Brits are also funny about tanning.  After living in England for 5 years, I can say I had some pretty white/blue skin.  The Brits are crazy about tanning.  I don't know if I saw a guy with a shirt on the whole time I was there.  I walked behind one tent and two guys were laying out on sun chairs...too funny!

Now I guess you want to see some vintage 1960s pics from Afghanistan. To answer a comment from the last post, Kim: the pics were given to me by an interpreter from Kabul. He said a friend gave them to him.  I assume they are pics from a family stationed at the British Embassy in Kabul in the late 1960s.

I can't get over how clean the water is.  I haven't seen water this clean anywhere in Afghanistan.

Beautiful shot of the mountains. The road is paved very nice too.

Farmhouse/Hotel near Kabul.  Can't get over how nice it is. I heard it's still there and still nice.

Monday...108F Today!

I started today with my run.  I picked up the interpreter at 5:20am and we drove to the place to meet our ANA runners.  Not a single person showed up.  I was disappointed that my regular guy hadn't even called...I don't like getting up at 5:00am either, but I wouldn't leave him hanging without a call.  I talked with him today and he told me his shins were hurting.  The way he runs, he probably does have shin splints.  He asked me for American medicine...they think anything we give them is the best there is...sometimes, but usually it's generic.  Anyway, I told him to go to the ANA hospital and get looked at and ask for some medicine.  If he can't get it there, I'll buy some and give it to him.  The other guy that was supposed to run today didn't even show up for work today. No one had seen him and then someone told me he smokes hashish and I shouldn't be around him.  We will definitely be having a very direct conversation when he shows up.

So after the run, the interpreter and I still did the run, we were going to visit the logistics depot.  I received a call just before driving out to the depot and was informed that the ANA Colonel had left to go see his family in Kabul and we don't know when he'll be returning.  The interpreters, who've worked here for many years, told me that no one is doing anything at the depot, since the Colonel is gone and that we need to go out there to push them back to work.  We did a visit and sure enough, nothing was going on.  People were strolling in from lunch at 2:30pm and the place looked like a ghost town.  We sat and discussed processes with as many ANA soldiers as I could find.  It was a valuable discussion, because I learned how they see the process and also found that they all definitely know the right way to do things...they just don't have the motivation to do it.

After the depot visit, we received a call that a truck was at the gate and the ANA guards wouldn't let them in.  When we asked the guard to let them in, he said we needed the garrison commander's permission.  This has been an ongoing problem.  I've heard about corruption and prices of up to $1,200 for personnel to get a gate pass.  Anyway, I was frustrated and angry that this ridiculous process was holding up our progress.  We drove straight over to the General's office, but the office door was locked.  I knocked on it pretty hard and a man came out and appeared to be just waking up.  I told him I was looking for the Garrison Commander and he said he was the commander.  I asked why we couldn't get our trucks through the gate and he mentioned something about searching them...I told him I love for them to search them, but let the trucks through.  He said the guy at the gate must be new, so he'd call him and we wouldn't have any more trouble.  It was too easy...I don't believe we'll have no more trouble, since for the past year we've had trouble getting our trucks through the gate...we'll see.

After all this, I had a teleconference at 5pm, so I rushed back to get to the phone and we couldn't connect.  I was a little relieved, since the majority of the meeting does not apply to me.  I can communicate my concerns over email, which I did.

On to the pics.  Today, when we were heading out to get the trucks we had problems getting through the gate, I saw these Hummers being used for ANA training.  Looks like fun, but could be a little wet.  If you had any doubt about military Hummers and how much water they can drive through, this should give you a good idea. Click on the pic to make it bigger, if you want a closer look.

Here are some of the new ANA soldiers.  You can't really tell, but they're trying to march.

If you remember a while back we demolished a kitchen that was in disrepair.  Here is what the old area looks like today, finally cleaned up.  The concrete pad is the only thing left.  We'll be putting tents up here as temporary living areas for in-transit interpreters.

Now for some 1960s pics from Afghanistan:

A ski resort in Afghanistan...who would of thunk it? Mountains are beautiful.

Clearly in the 1960s with the clothing.

Look at all the outsiders just relaxing in Afghanistan...nice that it was so safe.

I can't believe people brought their own car to Afghanistan.  Again, I wish I knew who took the 1960s photos, so I could give them credit.  It's a great insight into a forgotten past.