Sunday...paperwork & washers

This morning I picked up an interpreter for his 9am appointment to get his badge.  Yesterday I asked him to leave me his paperwork, so I could make copies.  He said he'd make copies on his printer in his room.  I don't know if I need to clarify, but all the interpreters I work with are from Afghanistan.  Anyway, he shows up this morning and I asked him about his copies...he said "My printer was out of ink." Now I'm scrambling to make 35 or so copies of docs by using a scanner...emailing it to myself...then printing it.  We were late for the first guy.  

The next guy had his appointment at 10am and I picked him up at a little after 9am, since I was late from the first guy.  His paperwork was straight and he told me he wanted to take his downtown to make copies.  This morning he said he didn't take them downtown, so here we go again...he didn't understand we had to provide copies.  We were late on this one too.  They understand English, but sometimes just don't understand what you're saying.  I gave it my all to grin and bear it, but it's frustrating.

As soon as I dropped him off for his interview, I received a call that there was a visitor at the logistics depot asking if I could come out.  I jumped in the vehicle and drove straight out.  The Australian was looking for food for one of the outlying units.  I guess their running low and need 20 tons of rice and beans.  We resolved the issue, then I received a call that the new heavy duty washers had come in and were at the gate.  I called one of the guys by the gate to escort them in, but then received a call back about 10 minutes later saying they refused entry to the truck and that they had to hand load the washers onto the US truck...frustrating.  We want to fix their things and don't get any help from SOME of the Afghans.   

Now, I explained it clearly several times (can't rely on once) that there are only four outlets and we need four surge protectors, so each surge protector could have two washers on it.  I showed up and the electric guy (not calling him an electrician) is plugging four into one surge protector...they don't understand overloading the lines.  I think sometimes they stare at you and just say they understand.  Below are the washers.  The weirdest things too, they don't fill up with water...you have to use a hose or bucket to put water in them, but they do have a drain pipe on the back.  Never seen one quite like that, but they say it's normal in Afghanistan.  I guess if you don't have running water, what do you hook it to?  They also come with a 12 year warranty...I don't think the company will be around that long, but they do seem pretty sturdy.

We ended up purchasing two more washers after discussing what to do for transient interpreters.  They come tomorrow and we'll be done with washers.

We're also putting up a fence around the interpreters camp to keep the wrong people from destroying the toilets, showers and sinks as well as eating at their dining facility.  The US pays for it, so we need to ensure the right people are eating there.

These guys working on the fence really remind me of Indiana Jones.  These guys work hard and it's 111F/44C today.

When I was taking them out to the gate...first I have to say, I parked my car and ran into one of the huts for two minutes. I left the engine running with the A/C, because it get's so hot and never cools down...these guys were no where in sight...when I came out there were 9 guys squeezed into my vehicle like a clown car in the circus....insane.  Two people in the passenger seat, five in the back seat and two sitting in the rear of SUV...pretty funny!  It's even funnier that they think it's normal.

On my way to drop these 9 off at the gate, I saw these guys enjoying a swim in the river.

I went back to my office to wrap up some paper work and received a phone call from my boss.  She's still at main base Kandahar and wants to come over tomorrow morning.  We're meeting early for a tour and then she has to be back by 11am for another meeting.

Okay, I know you've been waiting to get your 1960s Afghanistan fix...so here are the pics.

This is my favorite of the day.  The first guy with a rifle.  Neat pic...still wish I knew who took these to give them credit.

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.