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Sent: 13 September 2003 14:23
To: David Clark; Jen Clark
Subject: ALL OK
I knew it hadn't been a dream due to my body armour and helmet on the floor
next to my cot. I had heard word of the rocket attack before I went to bed,
and then I heard a crump. Someone came around and told us to put our
armour on but stay in bed. It was a bit like camp. We told jokes and
eventually someone else came around and said to stand-down.
It has been a busy week, and I apologize for not sending any news recently. I
had a fun drive yesterday on the way back from HQ. We took an out of the
way route to mix things up. It was Friday, and that is wedding day in Kabul.
Brides and grooms rent cars that get all decked up. One was stalled, and the
driver was looking under the hood. I saw the first look of emotion or feeling
on a woman in Kabul. It was the look of a bride who is not amused. We
would have stopped, but I don't think that Iltis would be a suitable ride for
someone in a bridal gown.
Sep 11 was a significant day here, as I am sure it was back home. I can
remember watching the news in the mess at Meaford and thinking that I
would be going somewhere because of it. A large bazaar came to our Camp
that day. I bought a rug made near Mazer-I-Sharrif that depicts a map of
Afghanistan with US jets attacking the Taliban and Al-Quaida. It seemed
appropriate.
I have learned some local dialect. I can now say "hello" and "thank-you". I
tried my thank-you at the bazaar with an 11 year old vendor that can read and
write English. I said "Takashour", which brought a vehement " You must
never say that again!"
I was afraid that I just insulted his sister or something like that when he
informed me that I should have said "Tashakour." I guess that grammar is
quite important here. I tried my hard won expression on another vendor and
got a smile and a response in Pashtu. The kid was a firm but fair teacher. He
even has a business card. I bought two metal chess pieces that depict armies
of the Crusades.
We had the Terry Fox run today. Parking was much easier this year than last
year. I am now used to the altitude, and the run went well. I imagine that the
line-up at Tim Horton's is shorter this year as well.
I should sign off now. The letters are worn off the keyboards here, and the
computers are in constant use.
Take care,
Iain
Sent: 13 September 2003 13:57
To: David Clark
Subject: Re: The Patriots' Super Bowl Seems a Long Time Ago
[In response to an NFL article David forwarded to Iain, a few days after the
Buffalo Bills had trounced the Patriots.]
It is good to be on top of the AFC East, if only for a short time. Most folks
know that I'm a Bills fan, and so is our Ops WO. The Bills pennant hangs in
our CP. A Leafs flag is there as well, but I can't control everything!
Iain
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