Briefing Day

Saturday consisted of one briefing upon another, at least 12 in total. I consider myself now well briefed, at least for the moment. In the few hours that we were not being briefed, I managed to do many of those small but important things that, unless they are taken care of, continue to buzz around in the back of your head ad infinitum. Filling up the weapons' oil bottle, collecting free postcards and stamps from the staff, checking out the library, putting plastic foil on important documents, bringing your fatigue jackets to the tailor to be mended and purchasing dental floss are just such things. And of course, calling A on the phone. She has a hen party.

I met some of the Swedish soldiers here today and yesterday, too. There is indeed a distinct difference in the way we operate (notice that I did not say one way of operating was better than the other). But we are in this operation together - brothers, sisters and neighbours in arms. There is one thing that the Swedes have that I'm jealous of (notice that I did not say it's the only thing I'm jealous of): they are allowed to grow a beard. That's something that I would definitely do if our regulations would allow it. I hear it is one and perhaps the only method in which a westerner might improve his personal prestige with the locals.


Peace doves (?) on barbed wire.

It was hotter today than yesterday, and I hear tomorrow is going to be even hotter.