posted
I missed this - but Eric posted an update on the VVV forums. I will re-post it here without his permission
posted 08-13-2003 03:21 PM -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Well I suppose it's about friggin' time I posted again, huh?
Believe it or not, it's HOT in the desert! Temperatures are soaring into the 120's daily, and the humidity comes out of nowhere at night. During the day it's incredibly hot, but it's dry so it's actually bearable (compared to a 90+ day in Minnesota's humidity).
Anyway, the base we're stationed on is pretty nice actually. It's near a VERY touristy part of Egypt. Na'ama Bay and Sharm El-Sheikh and we're RIGHT on the Red Sea. Those two cities are like the Ft. Lauderdale for Europeans (kinda). There are a lot of Italians, Germans, Australians that come here to stay on the resorts, and hang out at the bars. Of course WE haven't been off post yet because we've been pulling 12 hour shifts for about a month now. I'm currently on 6pm to 6am (nights) so it's been really quiet, which is good. As MP's our primary responsibility is to secure the front gate, perform perimeter checks, routine patrols and roving patrols. Our main problem is this equation: Stupid Soldiers + Excessive Alcohol = Incredible Dumbasses.
We did have a young Private crying the other day because he thought we were going to beat him down. Imagine yourself being absolutely BOMBED off your ass and getting yourself into a fight (of course) and getting swarmed by 4 MP's screaming at you to "GET ON THE GROUND!" It was hilarious.
For the most part it is quiet over here and we don't have many incidents. The Egyptian population loves the fact that the U.S. is over here (contrary to what your liberal media might have you believe) because we bring one major thing with us: $$$. These Egyptians are rich compared to the normal Arab population because the Egyptian civilians that work on this post make a healthy living ($300 per month) compared to what a normal Egyptians makes ($50 per month). So we're staying vigilant, but the threat of an attack is very low since it would fuck up their lives as much as it would fuck up mine to have to shoot them.
What else? Ah, the Red Sea. Saltiest water I've ever tasted, feels like bath water because it's ALWAYS hot here, and I was selected to be a "Drownproofing" instructor. "Drownproofing" is a course we teach that has a group of soldiers go into the water in full uniform, boots included, tread water for a while, swim 15 meters breast-stroke, 15 meters side-stroke, etc. Well as an instructor we had to do 30m per event, and then while the other soldiers are swimming we're in the water in our swimsuits helping out. Last week we were entering the water when the instructors and lifeguards noticed dark shapes in the water. It turned out that there were jellyfish in the water. Upon closer examination we discovered that in addition to the 3 or 4 HUNDRED that were on the top of the water, there were an additional 3 or 4 HUNDRED under the water. Luckily they were not the stinging kind, so we continued the class. I spent the next hour and a half swimming with about a thousand jellies. It was crazy. Some guys were really freaked out because as they'd do the breast-stroke they'd come up for air, and then as they went back into the water they'd have a jellyfish all over their face. HA! LOL
Not much else. I have a couple days off coming up so I might get into town. Next month I have 4 days off in a row so I'll be getting to Cairo and seeing the Pyramids and that damn Sphinx thing. Aren't you supposed to tell it a joke or something? There's also a trip to Mt. Sinai that people are going on, and a city in Israel that apparently isn't to be missed, so I'll be busy, even on my damn days off!
Things are great though. I'm used to the heat, I've dropped 16lbs, added some muscle, I work out constantly because there isn't much else to do but work, eat, sleep and work out. I DO have my laptop, and I DO need some games and pirated movies! I'll be starting a "wish list" post, and if you bastards can find the time in your lives to help a brother out, I'd appreciate it.
Seriously, I miss talking to you guys, and miss KILLING you fools at CS. Is Condition Zero out yet? When? Half Life 2? What's this I'm hearing? Help a Boondock out and send me some news on the Home Front.
Not much else. Thanks for the notes and support, Matress that would kick ass if you could get that sign...I'd post it with pride. My girlfriend just completed her first Tri-Athalon, and will be a State Trooper when I get back...wow...that means we'll BOTH have handcuffs. Uh oh...
If you really feel the need to send something, here's my Egypt address:
SPC Eric Nielson South Camp, D Co. TF 1-133 IN (MP) Unit 31530 APO AE 09833
And you can always email
eric_nielson@hotmail.com
Seriously, enjoy the fact that you can get up whenever you want, go wherever you want, whenever you want and do whatever you want, because it SUCKS when you can't!
Boondock, out.
"He ain't goin' NOwhere! Where you goin'?"
--------------------
Power hath descended forth from thy hand that our feet may swiftly carry out thy command. So we shall flow a river forth to thee and teeming with souls shall it ever be.
posted
I emailed Eric and offered to send him whatever movies/software he might want. He replied with send whatever you can. I will be making a couple DVD's of software/movies/porn in the next week to send off to him. If anyone would like to include anything - let me know.
Posts: 5484 | From: St. Paul, Mn | Registered: Apr 2002
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