Safe and Sound on a Compound

Update time! 

I've been in Kabul 16 days now, but it's really a stretch to say "in Kabul." I'm living on a compound with hundreds of American officers, local Afghan staff, TDY LES from places as diverse as Belize to Ethiopia, and Nepalese Gurkhas patrolling around. That's right, real Ghurkas. It's really a small town with a lot of bunkers and high walls. They try to make it livable, with giant posters of scenic America on the walls and wildflowers planted in little corners, but at the end of the day, it's a compound. 

If you want to go a little farther, you can go to the ISAF compound, which is right next door to my housing. It's larger but more concrete and industrial feeling. Still, they have a permanent bazaar, an Italian restaurant, a salon, and a chapel. Every day helicopters fly in and out, which is still taking some getting used to. I tried their DFAC ("dining facility") today just for variety. And when I am desperate for something more, I'll cave and pay the concierge service to bring some real food from a real local restaurant. Just have to remember to order one day in advance!

Because of security restrictions, there are no photographs allowed on compound, with the exception of your "hooch" (CHU - containerized housing unit) and the official seal of the embassy. So, I present to you my new home, a standard container sized room with my own bathroom. It's pretty much like going back to college but dustier and with metal walls. I even dug up my old college dorm stuff - same sheets, same quilt, same bucket for washing dishes.

This was the scene the day my UAB arrived - chaos! Things are a little more orderly now. 

Some little touches - favorite family photos, knick knacks, and a little scenic America magnet collection  above my kettle and mugs (metal walls).

It's pretty different from the lovely apartment tower in Shanghai. Just the basics. But it's all one really needs.

Although it's true that the security and walls can make you feel stuck, the CLO (community liaison) here does a tremendous job of organizing everyone's talents so that we have far too many clubs, gym classes, dance and game nights, and bazaars to ever attend. And I'm luckier than most because my job takes me off compound for official purposes. More on that to come!