The Pool
At Iraqi Club Med near the presidential palace we have a beautiful swimming pool surrounded by palm trees, flowers and grass. There is a large pool house that has a bar serving drinks, and several seating areas where people congregate. The US soldiers are not allowed to partake of alcoholic drinks but there are plenty of civilians and soldiers from other countries that keep the bar in business. The pool atmosphere also includes a fountain, ping pong tables, horse shoe areas, a stage for open air concerts, and a bird sanctuary. The bird sanctuary houses parrots, parakeets, doves and pigeons all which serve as pseudo prey for several of the local stray cats. It is very entertaining to watch the cats dive at the sides of the bird house and hang on to the screen in a stare down with the parakeets. It is reminiscent of the cartoon Sylvester and Tweety Bird. While sitting by the pool it is easy to forget I am surrounded by a dangerous war zone.
When I was at the pool last night only 2 people were brave enough to swim in the chilly water, which is currently only 65 degrees. I hear that when the water starts to warm up, the pool is one of the most popular destinations in the International Zone. Military folks are required to wear their uniforms at all times so many soldiers swim in their PT outfits. (Grey army t-shirt and black shorts.) The uniforms are made of 100% polyester so they dry quickly.
I hope to get the opportunity to lay out by the pool real soon. I'm sure it won't be a long wait for the warmer weather to arrive. I did get to experience an Iraqi rain storm a couple days ago, but it was a little disappointing. The dark storm clouds hovered in the sky all day but only spit out a few raindrops. Several times I have been tricked into thinking that it had rained because when I walked outside the pavement was covered with puddles of water. Soon I learned that the Iraqi housekeeper likes to scrub the pavement with lysol water daily. Talk about a clean freak! I think Jay is hoping I will pick up some of her habits.
Heidi
When I was at the pool last night only 2 people were brave enough to swim in the chilly water, which is currently only 65 degrees. I hear that when the water starts to warm up, the pool is one of the most popular destinations in the International Zone. Military folks are required to wear their uniforms at all times so many soldiers swim in their PT outfits. (Grey army t-shirt and black shorts.) The uniforms are made of 100% polyester so they dry quickly.
I hope to get the opportunity to lay out by the pool real soon. I'm sure it won't be a long wait for the warmer weather to arrive. I did get to experience an Iraqi rain storm a couple days ago, but it was a little disappointing. The dark storm clouds hovered in the sky all day but only spit out a few raindrops. Several times I have been tricked into thinking that it had rained because when I walked outside the pavement was covered with puddles of water. Soon I learned that the Iraqi housekeeper likes to scrub the pavement with lysol water daily. Talk about a clean freak! I think Jay is hoping I will pick up some of her habits.
Heidi
posted by Heidi O at 4:47 PM
3 Comments:
Hi Heidi,
We really enjoy reading your journel. You write very well.
It's hard to imagine such a nice place while such dangerous things are going on all around the near area.
We are getting to watch Cole today. Jay is going to play golf and mow the lawn.
Cole has been very good. He likes playing with the lagos. Jim stacks them and Cole knocks them over. Cole just had lunch. Mom and Dad would be proud of him, he ate all of the No. 2 jars of chicken, sweet patatos and almost all of the bananas. He was getting pretty sleepy. Now he is taking a nap. He resisted just a tiny bit.
The temperature here today is 80 degrees. The wind is blowing a little. (Imagine that) Not in Kansas (Ha) We are supposed to get rain tonight, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of next week.
We are going to grill chicken this afternoon. Jim is going to fix what they call beer butt chicken. You set the chicken on the beer can on the grill. Hope it's good.
Jim took some pictures of Cole and will be sending some to you.
Love you. Stay safe.
Camilla
Hope you get to lay out and get all tan. When is it that is gets quite hot there? Sounds like Cole is being a very good boy for his Mommy and Daddy. Love and prayers. Jan
Just writing to let you know I have been reading your reports for a few weeks and enjoy them very much. Please keep up the good work. Thank you for the sacrifice you are making. Sounds like you have family back home. I am praying for you and them. (Really.) Thanks again.
Post a Comment
<< Home