Settling In

Been busy settliing in and trying to find a rhythm.  I arrived at Camp Sabalu-Harrison on Monday, however, looking back it seems like a couple of weeks has gone by!  We are still in temporary quarters (tents) but hope to be in hard structures in 2-3 weeks (minimum).  Right now the unit we are replacing is still in the process of moving out and into temp quarters while the buildings get redone/cleaned....then we can move in.  They are quite small and will be two to a room.  Oh, well, at least I wont have to live out of a duffle bag for awhile. It looks like my BB and I will be room mates and plan on getting internet for our room so I will be able to stay in closer contact and send some pictures.  Right now I have to walk over to the TMC and use a government computer.  That is one good thing about being medical, I get a little extra fluff, like having access to the clinic computers after hours.  It is very nice to have such a goodie over here.

Before I forget, here is my addy:

Michell Knight

352nd Med BAF

APO AE 09354

They say it takes 2-3 weeks to get mail but at least we now have an address!!

The fob is small and not at Bagram proper, but there is a bus system to get there if a person has time and doesn;t mind a few stops along the way. I made one trip there on a rickety bus crammed full of people (military, contractors and coalition forces) along very dusty, narrow roads that should be one way roads except there was two way traffic!  The base itself is dusty and looks like a busy cargo dock then a base.  T-walls and cargo containers everywhere.  Trying to find a building, let alone the entrance is a bit like being a mouse in a maze! We mostly looked around at a few shops, most were closed as it was the Afg New Year. I picked up two haji dvd's of movies still in the theater........we'll see if they play......but for 3 dollars its worth a try......

Speaking of Afg New Year.............they like to celebrate by sending things that go boom at us to celebrate.  last night we had an IDF siren go off.  You should be proud to know, that even though I am on the top bunk, I was the first to hit the ground, be in my armor and helmet and under the bed frame before the other 11 females in my tent..........I impressed everyone...........and from a dead sleep no less!  All turned out well, with the exception of some lost sleep.

I have started "left-seat-right-seat training with my departing counterparts and my job can be quite overwhelming if I stop too long and think about it.  Treating the troops is an honor, but it is difficult adjusting to my other patient population.  Fortunately, I have great soldiers in my unit and we are all taking it in stride and taking the extra effort to give each other a "thumbs-up" and quick smile in passing to keep the spirit positive. The troops we are replacing are very happy to be leaving and are quite exhausted as they begin to pack up and leave.......guess time will tell what we will look like in a year!

The food is not too bad.  Mostly the same fare every day and one has to be careful to stay light on the portions as it is too easy to sit in a comfy chair, away from work and just eat what is put in front of you, no matter the taste!  Right now there is not milk as the milk we can get (its in small juice-like boxes) has been recalled, so I am finding soy as the only alternative to soda pop for meal beverage.  Most of the service industry on the fob is contracted through locals so there is a slight unease even outside the work place.  But, the Air Force Navy and Army that is already in place have been great in supporting us upon our arrival and playing tour guide to make sure we can find all the places needed to "scrub a living" on the fob, like laundry and hot showers which by the way are 3 minutes long and only every other day due too limited water supplies.  Not sure where they truck the water in from, but it is some distance, and even what is trucked in is not potable so your see well-stocked water points everywhere with bottles of water for the taking.  It is even used to brush one's teeth.  Luckily, I was smart enough to have my hair closely trimmed so the sparse conditions have not affected me too much......and my BB and the other women in my tent have a great sense of humor and find quite a bit to laugh about, no matter how the day (or night) goes!

Well, that's it for now.  I will try to right more as time allows. 

Best Wishes and Good Health

Michell

A few (sideways) pictures from Kyrgyzstan: