Day 2 - Trip to Camp Eggers

Today I had to go to Camp Eggers for in processing and a few of the necessities that I forgot to bring (towels, a blanket, foot powder, etc.). I did pretty well packing, and I was able to pack much lighter than anyone else I saw traveling into country. I just couldn't live without a towel though, drying off with toilet paper was just too tough (only kidding), our incoming team lead lent me a towel for a few days. My feet did take a beating during travel though. I was in my boots for almost 72 hours, which was a huge mistake. I should have known better.

Travel from KIA to Camp Eggers is basically a straight shot down Bibi Mahru a few miles to Massoud Circle, and then straight into the green zone. This is in the center of the city and contains Camp Eggers, many of the embassies, the presidential palace, coalition force headquarters, etc. My first ride "outside the wire" was a little bit nervous, but it went totally to plan with no incidents. Our procedures are good, and we travel in up armored vehicles with full body armor and a few other trick devices.

Once we got to Eggers, things were reasonably laid back and relaxed. The international coalition here is impressive. Over 43 different countries contributing, and they all have representatives in the green zone. Add in the embassy presence and it is an interesting place to hang out for the day. I was supposed to be back by late afternoon for a chai meet and greet with MGen Sharif, but we got hung up and weren't able to leave in time for the meeting. We called ahead to make sure we didn't offend the Superintendent with our absence. Appointments and meeting times are a very fluid concept in this culture.

I ran into some of the friends I made in the Maine Volunteers while I was having a coffee and waiting for the rest of the team to wrap up their business. They jumped right into duty the day they landed. I can't emphasize enough what a good bunch of soldiers they are. I also struck up a conversation with many interesting civilians and contractors over here doing things you only read about and see in the movies.

The rest of the day was a non-eventful, so this will turn into a fairly short post. No pictures today as I was too busy with our convoy security to take any. More tomorrow.