Ok, before I tell you about the fun stuff, I need to fill you in on the somber first. Last night I attended my first Fallen Comrade Ceremony on the flight line. Each time a U.S. Soldier is killed they fly them through Bagram to Germany. We all form up on the flight line a couple hundred yard behind the C-130 they are loading it up on. A HUMMV carries the body to the pallbearers who then carry the casket to the plane. This is all done very ceremoniously with a band and honor guard. It was a very surreal experience.
Today, Sunday, I woke around 8:30am and rolled out of bed and hit the gym for some light stretching. Have to work out all the soreness from working out everyday. A group of us the Army run Aviation dining facility for brunch. They do this on Sundays for those that get up late. I had a good helping of french toast, smoked sausage and scrambled eggs and did it ever hit the spot. After that we walked down to Entry Control Point 1, about 1 mile, to a bazaar that is just inside the gate to check things out. They have some really nice things, you just have to be careful of what you are buying as much of it is made in China. Nope you cannot get away from it. However, going with those that have been there before and knowing who to talk to you can get some good deals. I did end up picking up a few things and posted some pictures of the different shops below. If anyone is interested in something, let me know. We can always do a paypal deal and I can ship it home. The prices are pretty reasonable and you barter.
Enjoy the pics.
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| This is at a little antique type shop. They had all kinds of vintage firearms, knives and helmets. |
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| Different hats scarves and other local attire. |
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| This guys shop was very nice and our guys do a lot of business with him. These were stacks of real silk scarves. They only run about $25 apiece. |
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| Same shop as the silk scarves. These were pashmina, which is a grade above kashmir. These were only $7 each. |
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| Marble cup and bowl sets. About $45 for a set. The ones below look like wood, but were marble. |
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| These bowls are marble, but look like wood. |
Well, that is it for now
TTFN,
Travis
Nice to see that they are treating you well on the base. That is amazing that you have all of that stuff right on base there. I recall having to go through a lot more trouble just to get a couple of good shemaghs.
ReplyDeleteAnyway... Take care of yourself, and keep the updates coming. I really enjoy hearing from you. It's fun to see how things are shaping up for you. Were all anxious to have you stateside.