Fake tans and orange sky

Been here in Iraq a little over a week now... I think. The days and nights run together already. I wake up around 10 am for my shift. When I open the door I never know what to expect. Some days it's bright and sunny and hot as the face of the sun. Other days the wind is blowing and jerks the door out of my hand and then I get a face-full of dirt. Another thing that happens, like this morning, I go out, it's hot and shiny. I walk the 1/4 mile to the shower, then by the time I'm out, the sky is orange again with dirt and sand blowing and blotting out the sun. The only good thing about the blowing dirt is it does cool things down. However, by the time I get back to my room, I have a nice tan. Not a real one mind you, but one that washes off. 

I've attempted to wear my contacts twice. It's no use, the dust is so fine it wreaks havoc with them. Good thing I brought several extra eye glasses for when I need them.

There's also little sand fleas that can't be seen. They eat you alive and there are bigger insects as well that bite the crap out of us. After only a little over a week here, I now understand why these people are so angry all the time. This part of Iraq is desolate and dreadful. 

The only true upside is, they aren't shooting at us or trying to blow us up here. I've only heard distant machine gun fire a few times and no mortars or rockets. It's boring as hell here but that's a good thing I suppose. If you're a girl it is!!! I never thought I'd say this but I miss riding around Baghdad and cruising around on UH60s. 

Ok, enough of my perspective and whining. I just wanted to paint a bit of the picture here. Dirt, dirt and more dirt... It just goes to show that every place is home for someone. I can't wait to get back to mine. :D

Photos from Venice and my current location (close anyway)

 http://picasaweb.google.com/drjones2005

Enjoy and thanks for the support!

D