Just a quick post here as we have to leave in a few minutes and getting access to a computer let alone one that is faster than a telegraph is extremely rare. Took off to a small base now I know why Scott said that the smaller bases are more important-nobody ever gets any entertainment here at the small ones. The base (again which has to remain nameless) was mainly Marines and we ended up doing two shows because one unit (of about 35) were back from patrol while another was getting ready to head out. It was Graham's idea to add a last minute second show and even though we performed for maybe 12 soldiers it was more rewarding than if we had performed at some sold-out stadium. They were really happy we came in. And, because the base was literally in the middle of nowhere didn't exactly have the use of modern equipment to put on a show so we did it without any microphones. We just stood there as if we were Ye Old Town Criers. Scott suggested holding a water bottle ro give the 'feeling' of using a microphone so yeah, that helped. Oh, forgot to mention that when we first arrived here we were able to sleep for a few hours on these cots. I can pretty much sleep anywhere especially if there is some background noise so I conked out rather quickly.
What woke me up though was this annoying mono tone chant or something of a guy on a loud speaker coming froma mosque. Because it is still Ramadan they do this apparently five times a day not just the praying which is fine but a loud speaker of all that is happening inside! Now I know why some of the soldiers were asked not to shoot the speakers from their vantage point. Also remind me to brush up on my geography too because we were near the state or country of Jordan. After our two shows we arrived last night in Baghdad and will perform day trips again to smaller bases around here by helicopters. I have totally lost track of time and we sleep whenever we can. Scott commented that I snore loudly but Graham said Scott is louder! Graham got up at 4am to watch past of the debates said it was basically a tie but looking fwd to see for myself especially the VP debate. The coffee has been going over great because some of these small places barely have a coffee maker let alone coffee to put inside of them. In one instance we took off from this weird combo helo'jet that was so loud if you didn't wear earplugs you would be deaf!
It's called an Osprey (like the bird) and when board in the rear and after take-off they have a guy operating a 35 or higher caliber machine gun so in case fired upon can shoot back from the rear of the aircraft. We were allowed to take pics on the Osprey and as you can see they keep the rear opened up especially when getting close to landing at one of the bases..jpg)
Now I know why we have to wear the Kevlar and helmut on every flight no questions asked. Have some funny pics of the three of us dressed in battle gear too! Trying to remember stuff one day just pours into the next but I think we are here for two days which is great I have so much sand on me from all the other flights I might as well double for a camel. Okay they are telling me I have to go so will head back to the barracks (actually it's not that bad but we do share bunks with others) and pack stuff for a day trip which will include the pound of coffee since that seems to be going over the best....
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