The Camp

The next few days allowed me a better look at our surroundings.  Yes, it was a “hotel”, but in quite different surroundings.  They attempted to provide the best hospitality and services they could, given the situation.  We were surrounded by mountains whose peaks poked above the sniper screening, which could be seen in the distance if the day was clear enough.  One could get an idea of how badly the air smelled without having to go outside.  If you couldn’t see the mountaintops – it stunk out there. 

The compound itself wasn’t very big.  From a center point near the rec center, one could look from one end of the camp to the other.  It was surrounded by tall green fabric mesh, otherwise known as sniper fencing, which rose above concrete walls. The fencing didn’t offer any ballistic protection, just concealment from anyone attempting to look in from the outside. Inside the fencing, razor wire was positioned at the top of concrete walls. As you can imagine Hescos, concrete walls, and sniper fencing are a familiar sight around Kabul and surrounding vicinities. 

  A view between buildings of the sniper screen, with a mountaintop in the background.

On the grounds were approximately 10 steel and aluminum buildings.  Most were sleeping quarters, with others used for administrative offices.  We were provided laundry and maid services - nice benefits!  Sandra, one of the mental health professionals that also attended T1G, struck up conversations with some of the women on the housekeeping staff.  She was told that many of the ladies that cleaned our rooms in their traditional Islamic garb (long coverings, with open-face head scarves) were widows whose husbands had been killed by the Taliban.  The mess hall and Rec Center were staffed by foreign nationals from countries such as India, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan.

Within the rec center were a pool, ping pong, and Foosball tables, a classroom, an eatery (which was soon to reopen after undergoing a thorough sterilization – remember the parasite I previously mentioned?) hard-wire internet connections, and an area where haircuts, manicures and pedicures, and massages could be purchased.   It was actually, a nice place to relax.  

Work was being done on the Tiki Bar, a small outdoor stand that would soon be charging $4.00 for a couple scoops of ice cream (Hotel prices, I guess).  

A view of the TikiBar, with again, mountains in the background.

 

There was also a “real” bar located within the Rec Center.  However, we were reminded, in no uncertain terms, that the bar was off limits.  If we imbibed alcohol while in country, it would be grounds for termination. 

During much of my stay, a work crew was busy pulling cable underground from one end of the camp to the other.  Their work ethic was apparent as they labored in the hot sun; some with footwear; others without.  I was doubly impressed considering they were working during Ramadan, and were not permitted any water throughout their entire workday. 

They relied on an old Jeep-like vehicle (which frequently required tinkering to keep running) to assist them in their efforts.  The Jeep struck me as something that would be great to drive on the sands of Island Beach State Park, back home in NJ.   

  A member of the work crew.  OSHA might have had an issue with his footwear (or lack of it). 

 

  Can you spot the supervisor?  (Hint – check for the guy that’s seated in the shade).  I guess we do have SOME things in common.

  My favorite “Jeep”

  

    

Also scattered about the camp were bunkers to which we would go in the event of rocket attacks.  Back home you’d be hard pressed to find one of these at your nearby Holiday Inn.  Pretty cozy, no?  

As the days passed, more and more of my colleagues received their assignments. Those of us who remained, were required to attend daily meetings for local assignments, as needed. 

  Bernie and myself outside of the Rec Center, awaiting word on our assignments. Bernie was one of the first people I met upon arriving at Memphis Airport.   Retired from the military, he’s also an excellent photographer.  I used many of his shots (the better ones). 

 

After a couple of days, I think I started to feel the effects of the food.  Pardon the description, but things were beginning to get “a little loose”, if you know what I mean. Many of us seemed to share the same symptoms.  After a few days, however, things began to “firm up”.  I wonder if the Imodium had anything to do with it?