Greetings from Helmand!

I'm in Helmand Province!  It's a whole new world out here.  In getting here we passed over many Afghan farms, desert, and some awesome looking mountains.  The farms that I did see had some nice crops growing, but I couldn't make out what they were.  (Travelling by helicopter is always a great experience!)  I'll have to share these pics with you when and if I can.  Lots of good work being done out here by many people.  Since I have friends here, it's not such a foreign place. 

 

I was so knackered the day I got here, I took a nap in the afternoon - only to be woken up by what I think was a Muslim call to prayer.  I can't be certain.  You know when you're in the stupor between sleep and being fully awake?  Well that was me at the time. 

 

Being with Brits is pretty novel - I am learning 'English' all over again!  Ever watch that episode of Twilight Zone where a guy wakes up one day and different vocabulary is used for different things?  (eg. 'Dragon' to mean 'Lunchbox', etc.)  Over a few days, the whole world speaks "English", but the use of the words is all gibberish?  Well - that's what it sometimes feels like here.  SO - I went to the Naafi, and bought some scoff.  I wondered whether I had any dosh.  When I looked in me trousers, I found some and was just chuffed!  Nevertheless we'll go and get some scran soon with me mates.

 

I'm also getting used to 'Ship Showers'.  We're only allowed to jump in - get soaked, turn the water off.  Soap, then turn the water on only to rinse.  It's not that big of a deal, but over time I can see how it can get annoying.

 

I somehow slept through THE BIGGEST alarm clock in the world!  There is a helicopter landing pad nearby.  When the choppers land or take off, the whole tent shakes and the noise is really LOUD!  I must have been really tired!  Well - off to scran!  Cheers!  ;)