Kuwait...Sandy, Hot Kuwait

Hello from the Middle East, where it's HOT HOT HOT and full of SAND SAND SAND! I'm doing well actually. I've been here for about 3 days (I am very disoriented time/day-wise because the trip was so long and the time change so drastic) and I've yet to get used to having sand in nearly every crevice. I have settled in to Camp Buehring in Kuwait, the in-processing and training area all soldiers are required to go through prior to getting to Iraq. It's just another stop on a seemingly never ending trip! I truly forgot how grueling and tiresome it is just to get to where I am headed. Since I've been here, it's been fairly easy. I do not have immediate access to the internet or the phones and the lines, they are LONG! Thousands of soldiers vying for the same resources and it takes a lesson in patience to deal with it. But I'm doing just fine. Right now, I'm currently in the USO Morale Tent with my own laptop hooked up to the land line...what a luxury! I have had minimal training so far; they are trying to determine what it is I need to get to Iraq. It's different for each MOS (Military Occupation Specialty) - our job - and since I'm here as an inidividual augmentee, they aren't sure what it is I need. While I wait, I hang out in my assigned tent with no less than 25 of my closest battle buddies...so many broads it's like a hostel! You can say the accommodations are less than stellar. See Exhibit A, B, C. The last picture is where I sleep...inviting, isn't it? Well today the air conditioner went off in the tent and it was so hot one soldier walked in from using the bathroom and fell right to her face from the heat. Poor child has scratches and bruises all over her legs and arms from hitting the wood floor without warning. Hopefully they have that fixed because sleeping is not an option when you're pruining from lying/sleeping in your own sweat. N to the ASTY. Fo realz.

As for the rest, here's a little tour. The endless row of tents that house thousands of transient soldiers: The trailer we shower in (only 15 gallons per soldier...aka a very cold, uncomfortable, dry shower):
This is self explanatory...but no less disgusting in 122 degree heat: Bomb shelters (rarely, if ever, used in Kuwait): And finally, here are some pictures from our trip to the range early yesterday morning to test fire our M16's and M9's:

The range was VERY far out in the desert but it was nice that early in the morning (we went there at 4:30am). We saw camels being herded (are camels herded??? if that sounded ignorant, I apologize): The more I see, the more surreal it seems! Someone commented that I need to remember all I see and do, and commit it to memory...they are so right because in spite of the pain this separation is causing me, this is truly a unique and interesting experience. I'm lucky to share it with you. I hope you are enjoying it. I miss you!