Day 122: Exotic Istanbul

First, for those who were thinking about Istanbul for great prices on jewelry, leather and gold ... well, not so much. Since turning to the Euro, and probably well before that even, the prices here are much more in line with that of any big city USA or Europe. Dinner for two averages $55, adult beverages $3-$5 and leather, gold and any other previously good bargain is now at big city prices.

It is, however, still very much exotic -- with the daily prayers and mix of old Asia with modern day Europe.

If you like Mediterranean food, you'll love Turkish cuisine. If you love exploring ancient cultures, you'll love Turkish sightseeing.

If you're looking for bargain shopping, you may want to look into Korea, Philippines, China or other Middle East locations.

For me, however, it was about getting away for a bit of R&R. And all I needed for that to be successful is a nice hotel, good food and some sights. All of which Turkey has.

It's day 122 as far as Kabul is concerned, and this much needed break from the realities of war there has been good to me. I've enjoyed living again -- waking when I want to, exploring where I want to, just feeling free to come and go as I please. To use a knife and fork. To use a bathroom located in my own room. To walk the streets without fear of who was watching.

I may take another three or four days in Dubai at the end of this. But for now, I'm feeling pretty good about the vacation.

Day 102: Blanks aren't for kids

There's thousands of miles of open terrain in Afghanistan; rock, sand, and mountainous terrain greet the ANA soldier who, even during basic training, is asked to hike the rugged ranges. (Photo by G. A. Volb)

Initial entry into the home comes fast and violently. Select this photo and read what it says on his canteen. (Photo by G. A. Volb)

Then the rest of the team begins their entry into the home. Security is stressed with each member of the team covering a specific area. (Photo by G. A. Volb)

Being prepared for the unexpected is what this is all about. (Photo by G. A. Volb)

They were blanks, sure enough, but they caught me by surprise.

I was standing in front of the large main window to a "home" being used by the ANA to conduct house-to-house search training when they opened up. As if to take the house by any force necessary, the sound of many rounds echoed throughout. Since nobody let me in on the fact this would be happening, I jumped out of my shorts.

On this day, the ANA commandos were in "town" to select a few of the best troops to join their ranks. I stood by as they had them running up and down the hills in sweltering heat; I remember thinking it was nice to be a retiree. The fact is, as an Air Force guy I rarely had the opportunity to experience live fires, commando training etc. And I'm glad I didn't.

Yesterday, there was a sand storm that came through the camp. It reminded me of those days when it rained so hard back on the east coast that you couldn't see two feet in front of you. The only difference is you never had to worry about chewing on rain. Here, bits of sand and dust fill up your eyes and mouth -- you spit and rub, rub and spit for hours afterwards.

In two weeks I'm taking a much needed vacation. I'm looking forward to a stress-free week or two in some exotic location.

Day 98: Sneakin' and creepin'

Loading the SPG-9, the training is carefully watched over by a member of MPRI. (Photo by G. A. Volb)

Hands-on experience is a must when dealing in lethal weaponry. Select the photo and read the munitions. (Photo by G. A. Volb)

Prepping prior to live fire of the SPG-9. (Photo by G. A. Volb)

It should come as no surprise, given Pakistan's inability to control its northwest territory, that things are picking up here in a bad way. Simply put, the Taliban are "sneakin' and creepin'" up on Kabul.

Attacks on coalition forces are taking on a more aggressive posture, closer to Kabul proper and intelligence on surrounding villages tells us Taliban "recon" teams have been spotted on several occasions.

All this points to one obvious change in the environment here, that things are about to get ugly very quickly.

In other "news," the ANA held it's bi-weekly graduation ceremony which is always a treat for me. There's a hope that comes with hundreds of new troops heading out to meet the enemy of democracy.

Back in the states, prior to my arrival here nearly four months ago I was quite the health freak. The same applies here, as much as I can given the local cuisine and limited workout facilities. Anyway, I've reached that point where I nice cold adult beverage would be nice -- quite a few actually. And I'm looking forward to visiting some exotic location in a few weeks.

Day 91: Boom!

ANA prepare to enter a "home" for a search during training. (Photo by G. A. Volb)

As his comrades secure his back, one ANA peaks out from his cover to check on things. (Photo by G. A. Volb)

Once inside the outer perimeter, the team prepares to enter the interior of the "house." (Photo by G. A. Volb)

On Monday an IED (Improvised Explosive Device) went off just down the road from the "cubicle" I call home. As soon as I scraped myself off the roof of my kingdom, I ran outside to see what had happened.

The plume of smoke rose off in the distance ... it looked like it was set off on our side of JBad road (Jalalabad road) just on the other side of the camp. In reality it was about 1,300 meters away, but on a road we all travel quite often.

You might have seen the news reports of the suicide car bomber who hit a British convoy here in Kabul; well, that was it. The convoy left our base only minutes earlier, but that's life here. Each day you're reminded that you may end up in the wrong place at the wrong time. In this case, a suicide car bomber found a convoy to sacrifice himself near in hopes it would take out coalition troops.

The truth is, however, that in most cases, as was the case here, these attacks kill or maim many more innocent Afghans than coalition. This, somehow, remains out of focus in the news.

Anyway, yesterday being Wednesday I ventured out to the ranges again. The ANA was holding training to include small arms tactics and house-to-house searches.

They are still new to the business of building a professional army, though five years into it. But I see promise if only in the numbers themselves. Hundreds each week are brought in; some look like they're 12 while others look as old as me --- many though join to serve their country, which is a good thing.

Today was massage day, an hour of physical therapy that offers enough relaxation I can plant myself in some exotic local, if only for a short time. I've noticed I'm up to 219lbs now. It's not sloppy though, which is the goal. In fact, I'm looking to hit 225 before long. We'll see how that goes.