Dispatches from the Front

Well, December has been quite exciting for me thus far. It all began with a trip to Camp Victory here in Baghdad for some internal management training. I focused intensely on the course and was pleased with all I learned.

The model student

The class was taught by Peggy Johnson, who works for the Secretary of Defense. A bright, cheery woman, she kept the class entertained with catch slogans and a myriad of group exercises.

With Peggy

The food was wonderful at Camp Victory as well. The large dining facility offered a variety of choices that we don't get here at Phoenix Base, and we were offered a steady stream of snacks throughout the day.

I do enjoy Pop-Tarts from time to time

What I enjoyed most was the scenery. Our living conditions were more than comfortable, as we were staying in a an honest-to-goodness palace. I spent much of my free time enjoying the plush couches that once belonged to Uday and Qusay Hussein.

The foyer area was decorated for Christmas, and I enjoyed the lovely tree and the inflatable Sergeant Santa!

With one of my US Navy colleagues

During an extended dinner break, I was able to visit Al Faw palace, right down the lake from where we were staying.

Enjoying the scenery

I went with a few of my teammates and we marvelled at the ornate entryway.

Marissa posted quite a few pictures of the interior, so I won't bore you with duplicates. However, I did get to sit upon one of Saddam's thrones.

Don't I look regal with my sailor servants?

Roughly translated, the plaque says "He who sits in this chair rules all of Mesopotamia"

I also got a picture with Marissa on the large spiral staircase.

We spent our last evening at Camp Victory enjoying the lake. I took a much needed bath...

This beautiful marble sink is a remnant of a destroyed bathroom facility

...and visited with a few of the local residents.

Upon my return to the International Zone, I was invited to participate in a Hannukah service with our new Australian officer, Major Leonard. After assuring my colleagues that I was indeed kosher, I even participated in the lighting of the menorah!

I love experiencing the traditions of others!

All in all, the first half of this month has been wonderful, and I am anxiously awaiting Christmas and my impending redeployment, now less than four weeks away!

Until next time,
Paul