My CHU ... containerized housing unit was bare when I moved in. Since I've acquired a wall locker and though I'm not very handy, have been experimenting with building a bookcase from shipping pallets.

The courtyard outside Charlie Company's headquarters houses one of Saddam's intriguing bomb shelters (background).

I'd like to just sit here, drink coffee and read the paper. Maybe one day as tourist.

The illumination from the stars and the moon at night can be equally magnificent.

 

The oil company located just outside of post burns off natural gas that adds pressure as they fill oil wells with compressed air to pump out the oil. To relieve this pressure, the natural gas is burned and at night leaves a bright glow that seems to dance unconnected above the horizon.

FOB runners courtesy of KBR. The Mitsubishi Pajero on the left is mine. These vehicles do not travel out the wire.

Specialist Lord, Sergeant Smaic, Sergeant First Class Gaynor and Sergeant Helton. Smaic and Helton are also both former Marines.

A Shiite shrine is located on the FOB. It is strictly off limits to military personnel to respect the sanctity. One council member -- a devote Shiite of Turkoman decent -- is permitted on the FOB once a year to tend to the shrine.

 

Couldn't quite get the whole rainbow into the frame, but is the first time I've ever seen a complete arch. It was vivid and stretched out across the entire sky.

One council member -- a devote Shiite of Turkoman decent -- is permitted on the FOB once a year to tend to the shrine.

Directions, 1/2 a world away. (Click to enlarge)

International 84. (Click to enlarge)