Taking a step back

I have told you about the backtracking I have been told to do, as well as my first attempt to mail my belongings off to where I will eventually be going to. I did not, however, fill you in on the process of getting away from the place I was required to in-process at (where I spent one day as opposed to the two I was told I would need to be there for) and to the place I am presently stuck in. It also turns out that my backtracking has taken a new twist, though more on that in a moment.

As one is not usually able to recount information with any real emotional content all at once, I had left out part of the story I am sure most of you are just dying to here, even if you don't know it yet. On Sunday, as I am sure you remember, I had a slight issue at the post office. This is what happens when one is forced to travel in a manner outside their comfort zone while already outside their comfort zone...it can cause brief bouts of insanity :)  Having overcome that bit of delirium, I returned early the next day at the bequest of my supervisor. He assured me that the post office opened early, so going into the office and packing all the rest of my things into the second gorilla box at 6:30 in the morning was a logical thing to do. Around 8:30am, I went over to check if the post office was indeed open. It turned out that it didn't open until 9am, though this time I was smart enough not to take my things with me!

Around ten until nine, I took one box over (taking two would have been way too cumbersome) and got into the already forming line. As the time drew nearer, someone came out of the post office and told us that it would be some time before it would open as there had been a theft the previous evening and they needed time to process the scene and take statements and pictures and such. From the time the post office opened until I was able to have my first Gorillabox footlocker sent just over an hour had passed! This did not really concern me until I returned to the office where my boss asked me "are you almost finished? It took you over an hour to get that done. You need to make sure you are done in time to meet with the Colonel and then to convoy out of here." There was no way to guarantee this, but I told him I would do my best.

Off again I went to the post office with my second Gorilla box. I stood in line for about half an hour this time and was able to get finished just in time for my meeting. Thankfully things went smoothly after that. I have since convoyed over and am waiting to catch a plane out. I was first told that I was to go to one place, but then I received an email telling me not to go there, but to go to some other place first as there is more of a chance to get to my final destination from there. So,  I had to return to the passenger (PAX) terminal to change the desired destination.

I managed to get wait listed on a flight. When I went to check in for the flight, however, it was no longer on the list. It seemed that it had been postponed. All in all, the flight was delayed five or six times. I am not sure if it was able to get out the last time as I decided I was tired and needed to sleep. I went down today to see when one would be leaving today, and the two flights listed are full. I should still go and see if someone decides not to show up, but the chances are slim. It appears that the next best time for me is in the morning! One more day here waiting to get out; eating food fixed more toward a British palate; thankfully sleeping in the permanent billeting. Eventually I will get there, I am almost positive!

Travel Changes!

I was to go back to where I had just come from; to retrace my steps back to places. Then, after having convoyed back to the previous, setting myself up for any flight that may be going to the destination I had been to before, I get a message telling me not to go there! I need to get to either Harat or Kandahar in order to make it. So, I have probably managed to get myself on a flight out today.

Having come back to here was not a bad thing for me though. I managed to meet up with a couple of people from my flight from Air Advisor Course, so that was a good thing. Unfortunately, I managed to lose my hat, but one of my friends gave me an extra one they had but would be unable to ever use along with a duffel bag that she had extra; one of the straps on mine won't stay hitched for some reason! I guess I am just destined to have problem after problem until I finally make it to where I am going. Is it no wonder I don't like traveling?

I am not sure what time lunch is around here, but off I go to figure it out. I hope all is going well on your side of the world. Don't be strangers!

--
Jason Rice
ESL Instructor

On the move once again!

I have been having a difficult time with the whole posting thing as the internet would not allow me to do so. I am once again attempting to update you on what is happening with me these days. I spent only one night in Manas, though I was told it would be a long time. I think I was able to expedite the process by making them question my existence. I am not sure exactly what happened, but I was on one of their lists, but I was not manifested anywhere. I told them where I was trying to go, and they put me on a plane with a company of Army personnel; a strange adventure indeed.

I arrived to my next destination. I was sure I was going to spend the night here as I was told this was to be the case. As it turns out, however, I was able to just catch a flight from there to the airport of my final destination. Of course, the flight show time was about 20 minutes after the arrival of the first, and I had to get my luggage and such. Thankfully they were able to take their time (not quite sure it was on purpose) so that I was able to make it with a couple of companions I met in Manas.

When I got to the airport of my new location, I once again had to spend the night. Spending the night in tents is becoming a very interesting and common occurrence. In Manas, there were about 150 or so others in the tent. In the next location, I was fortunate that it was down to about 20, which is also the number in the room I am currently in. To get to where I am now, I had to convoy through the city.... somewhat of a dangerous prospect that took much longer than it probably should have.

Today I spent my time in-processing and repacking things so I could send them via mail to my next destination. I will have to convoy back to the airport, and then see if I can catch a plane sometime within the next 3 days... not really a prospect I look forward to! All of this lack of sleep and traveling has caused me a great deal of frustration. When I went to send my first box, the post office was closed. This should be of no surprise as it is Sunday, but this is not something that is easily remembered when you have been traveling for sometime. I was so frustrated that I decided it would be a good idea to just throw my footlocker into one of the large, green, metal garbage bins. It had recently been emptied, so all that was inside was the muddy water from the rain that had been coming all day.

After having hoisted it into the bin (surprising that I could even lift it!), I started to walk back to the office. A major who had witnessed the incident asked me why I had done that, and I told her that having stuff caused too many problems. She told me that I should at least put a note out that I have a Gorilla Box for someone to have. Of course, she was right; one doesn't generally become a major and not know something.

After 5 minutes or so, I returned to the bin to somehow collect my footlocker. I had to actually climb inside in order to get to it. I wasn't quite sure how I was going to accomplish this mission as it was very slippery due to the water that had collected on the surface of the green, metal bin. Fortunately, the major had apparently made a comment to another major about seeing me as this new major came looking for the box. He helped me to retrieve it and be on my way back to the office, gorilla box in tow. I guess sometimes you have to do something just a little stupid to relieve the frustrations that arise in this rather odd life.

A little later I went to my bunk to take a nap. I slept for maybe an hour or so and got up to see if I could find where they have computers connected to the internet that I could use. During my search, I found the Green Beans (coffee shop) and a big tent in which there were chairs and a band practicing praise songs. I went to get some coffee and then came over to participate in the service I didn't even know what going to happen. It was odd seeing a number of weapons at the service, as well as carrying my own, but it seemed oddly (or not so oddly) appropriate. I also stood next to a general during the service. When asked who was there for the first time, he introduced himself by first and last name, but never mentioned his rank. I thought this was an interesting decision on his part, though I am not sure what his rationale behind it was as everyone else made sure to include their rank in their introduction.

Even during the passing of the peace, it was very much a military environment. They would shake hands and formally say  "sir" or "ma'am".. It was not really a surprise, but it was interesting to note. So many different things going through my mind about this and all things related to it!

I was able to talk with the Chaplain (Navy) afterward. He told me about some of his past assignments and how he came to be a Navy chaplain at all. Very interesting stories to hear! Then I walked out with the supervisor of the language programs here (my boss's boss). We had a short friendly discussion before I went back to my bunk to unsuccessfully attempt to get some sleep.

A LONG Long day of travel!!

As you know, I started my first leg of international travel in Baltimore. I started out about 5ish or so, and I haven't been to sleep yet! (It is currently almost 7pm right now). My computer says it is still Thursday; I left on Wednesday. I don't think the days really exist like they used to!

I flew first into Germany where I had a layover, then onto another airport with another layover, and then to my present location of Manas Air Base in Kyrgyzstan. I am still not sure how long I going to be here for, but as I am officially a transient just passing through, I get to stay in a huge tent with 30 - 40 other men. Not my idea of a good time, but I guess it beats sleeping outside, or not sleeping at all... though it seems like that is going to be the case anyway. I will be so glad to finally get to Afghanistan!

The flights were not as bad as I had been led to believe. I got 2 meals on each flight, watched a few movies I probably would never have otherwise (Footloose; Crazy, Stupid, Love; etc). The food, while not great, was decent. They had a lot of chicken, and they kept the galley open for people who wanted to come back and take soda, water, juice, cookies, or anything like that from the cart. The plane wasn't full, so no one was in the middle seat. I was comfortable, well fed, and entertained. Unfortunately, I was still unable to sleep.

Airports for the second day

The evening at the hotel was great! I was able to relax, change around my packing a little, and have a nice meal of a Beef Patty MRE. I didn't leave the hotel, but with the catching up on some much needed time alone and online, I had a pretty full night. I went to bed around midnight. I woke up at 5:30, which really surprised me because I was sooo tired last night! Around 6:30am, I heard church bells. I hadn't seen a church around, and I couldn't figure out why they would be ringing their bells so early. It was then that I realized it was the alarm clock!What wonderful way to wake up in the morning!

This morning was a slow morning. The breakfast was small, but with more of a selection than I have seen at many other places. After breakfast, I spent a leisurely time in my room preparing to leave. I requested a late check out and left for the airport around 1pm. Perhaps I shouldn't have done that as it meant that I had to spend an inordinate amount of time here, but I would much rather spend my time waiting at the airport than waiting elsewhere... I figure I am much more relaxed when I am able to do that.

I hope these updated don't reflect the extreme boredom that is liable to be part of this trip. It is an anxious time for me, but the waiting with little to do is hard to make exciting even given where I am going... So until next time, have a great and wonderful day!

Dee Plane, Dee Plane (Ride)

Believe it or not, there is a nonstop flight from San Antonio, Texas to Baltimore, Maryland on Southwest Airlines no less! Such an efficient airline when it comes boarding, though a little strange for those who have a desire to have an actual assigned seat as oppose to a numbered place in line.

As I was in the B group, I found a spot near the back where there were few people sitting and plenty of overhead space. I had quite the large bag this time around and was almost unable to place it into the bin myself. I achieved this difficult task and sat down next to the window, a place I normally do everything to avoid, to wait for those who were going to join me on this 3ish hour flight (does this ring any bells???)

 A slightly older man comes along and sits in the aisle seat and places a legal pad on the middle seat. I was not sure if he was attempting to save the seat, or if he was just being weird. As I was pondering this rather mundane question, I noticed a young woman standing a little forward in the plane. It was obvious that this middle seat was the first that was open to her. I found myself looking at the remaining people wondering which ones would attempt to assault people for this seat next to me (and no, not because it was next to me.) I found myself thinking that I would like to have her be the one to sit beside me because she looked a little more comfortable. Much to my surprise, she actually sat next to me!

Normally when I fly, it is a nerve wracking flow of adrenaline constantly pumping through my veins until I arrive wherever it is I am trying to arrive to; this time it was different! I told her good afternoon, she responded, and from there it just kept going! We discussed each others families, my job and my travels, and her travels and education. We kept talking the whole three hour flight! I felt I was getting reacquainted with an old friend I hadn't seen in a while. When we finally were forced to part ways because she was on her way home to Massachusetts, and I was going to the baggage claim, we separated with a hug.

Normally I do not engage with strangers on the plane other than to find out the time or something similar. This time I opened my mouth for reasons I cannot begin to fathom, and I had a wonderful time! Things do seem to have a way of getting done, don't they?

Bad weather :(

It seems that we under thunderstorm warnings here until tomorrow morning. I can only hope that this doesn't interfere with my flight tomorrow. We may even get a tornado as well! They are afraid that there may be flash floods as a result of the storms as well. At least I don't have to go into work until 11am tomorrow! It is good to finally be leaving! I have been waiting for what seems like forever!

I still have a lot of packing to do. It seems like it never ends when you have to pack everything you own while still trying to decide what to take and what to put in storage. I am not sure it is going to be possible to take everything I need and still keep it to one carry on and one checked bag!I will definitely give it my best, though.

I am up in the air about what to do about school. There have been some issues, but I guess I have to just see where things finally end up. At least this quarter is over!

Days inching closer!

The past three months or so have been quite full. I have been working, but most of it entailed training to prepare me to go to Afghanistan to teach. Normally when I obtain a new teaching position, it doesn't take so long to travel there and start; the extended time of this particular prep time has been quite difficult for me. That being said, I am very grateful for it at the same time. I know that when I was in Iraq, there were many things that I didn't understand, and I felt very lost. Having received the this training, I will have an idea of what is happening, even if I never actually use the skills and information I have acquired.

My month at Air Advisor Course was one that was physically and psychologically demanding. Somehow I managed to be put in a group that coalesced from day one. We not only got along and accomplished all the tasks and trainings together, but we also hung out in our off time as well; I am really hoping to be able to meet up with them when I am in Afghanistan; they were all such great people. I think I learned more from hanging out with them than I did in the classes themselves.

And now I am down to a couple of days before I once again leave San Antonio. I haven't been able to bring myself to pack up my room just yet, but it needs to get done quickly! I always hate packing and getting ready to go... as much as I do it, the feeling never goes away. Here is one more time of stepping out of my comfort zone into the great unknown.