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The weekends here are Thursdays and Fridays. Friday is the Muslim holy day - it's like our Sunday.
We are strictly not allowed out into the city unless we are in armored convoys, so we limit our movements to "mission essential." (Although we have manged to occasionally convince the security people that trips to the BIG PX over at Camp Victory by the airport are, in fact, quite essential. LOL) It is very dangerous for us out on the "mean streets."
There are movie theaters, bars, amusement parks and other places like that around town. (And we don't dare go to any of those places right now...but the locals do.) The fundamentals have never really been in charge in Iraq like they have in Saudi and Iran. Liquor is legal here and women don't have to cover up and many of them don't; they pretty much dress like we do.
There are plenty of activities run by the MWR on base - there's a movie theater, DVD and book libraries, two big swimming pools, a couple of bars and cafes, gyms, recreation centers, little "Haji shops," occasional rock or R&B concerts, etc. So if you want something to do, it's not hard to find it. The sense of comeraderie is very strong here as well, so everyone has friends to hang out with during off hours.
We mostly work, work, work, though. Today is kind of quiet because the locals are off and all of the shops in town are closed. I'm enjoying the respite. ;-)
Glad you having a break..enjoy!
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Thanks for the little look into the world there. In years /war areas past there was R& R for troops in the communities.. different times/situation unfortunately. Guess if were okay for troops to socialize in city, there would be no need for us there.
Let us know what the big BOOM BOOM was if you find out.
trying to catch up on email, FReepmail, pings as well as do the weekly fun job of "garbage day" here.. lotsa fun with lots a pets!
