Meeting my first Afghan... and ramp ceremony

"Cap'ns blog, Stardate 070708"  (Haha!  That was for you Pebble!)  ;) 

 

The other day, I met my first Afghan.  He was a really dignified gentleman, dressed in turban and typical Afghan clothing (The name of which, totally escapes me).  I was formally introduced to him, and at first, I was a little nervous.  In Cultural Awareness training, they told us all sorts of things like 'never wave with the left hand, NEVER shake with the left hand, etc. etc. (The left hand thing is because, apparently, they view that hand as the hand used only for handling filth...).  One guy around me was nervous and was trying to coach me from the side as to what to say.  You know it's weird - sometimes we as humans act like people all over are just stupid.  I think this guy I was being introduced to knows I know nothing about his culture, so if I slip up, what's he gonna do - freak out on me?!  Haha!  No way!  I just did the basics - I stood up from my seat, walked over to him (and he stood up), and I gave him a traditional greeting here (of which I love): "Asalaam Alaikum" (which means "Peace be with you!").  I was reminded that Our Lord said if you offer peace, and somehow it is rejected, it will return upon you!  I tried to give the friendliest smile I could - to put this guy at ease, and it worked!  (It almost always does!... unless people are really uptight).  He said "Asalaam Alaikum" to me as well - and there ended the speaking part of our conversation.  For the rest of the time, as he was talking to others, he looked over at me every so often and smiled, as if to be respectful and keep me in the conversation, although he had no clue of whaty I was saying, and I sure as heck had no clue as to what he was talking about!

 

I bought a pair of gloves the other day as well.  Gloves?  Are you crazy? (You might be thinking).  I thought so too when I saw pics of people over here wearing gloves, but there is a purpose.  Remember when I told you about my shooting on the range?  Well, when I picked up my weapon in the hot sun - it was like picking up a pot of boiling water - OUCH!  Hence - that's why the gloves.  July is hotter than any other month here apparently, and earlier, I heard some soldiers complaining about how much hotter it was here this year than last.  (Poor guys must have been stuck here for over a year, or are on multiple rotations away from home).  I stood still on the pavement, and I could swear my boots melted and I was standing on heating elements, it was so hot!

 

We said farewell to a fallen soldier in a sad parade known as a ramp ceremony.  It was a fitting goodbye for a soldier who died in the service of his country, and for the Afghan people.  I hope our fellow countrymen will never forget what the members of the armed forces are doing over here, and the sacrifice that the families of those who have lost loved ones have made.  Unfortunately, many people don't even realize that there's a war going on over here.  For those who died - Requiescant in Pace (May they rest in peace).