Sunday, May 23, 2010
Hot Air Balloon Ride
On Saturday evening, Taylor and I went on a hot air balloon ride. I got a free ride from the owner of the hot air balloon because I taught their daughter, Sydney. What a great teacher gift:) Taylor and I lifted off from Kollen Park. It was filled with lots of people--many students taking pictures before prom and lots of families enjoying the weather. I helped with getting the balloon ready for the flight while Taylor took some pictures. Our flight lasted about 45-60 minutes (it was a very calm night, so we did not go fast). It was amazing!! We were just above the buildings in downtown Holland. Our flight past took us from Kollen Park to the former Holland Country Club where we had such a smooth landing. We travelled almost straight down 8th Street. When we finally landed there were several people who came to see the balloon land and then everyone helped deflate the balloon and pack it away in a small bag. The kids that showed up to see it land were mesmerized and excited to help deflate it. It was so quite as we took the flight (except for the occasional tanks that went off to keep us afloat). We could hear all the people who came out of their houses and buildings so see the balloon talking and waving to us. We passed right over City Vue and could see the people eating their dinner at the restaurant. There is also a few great pictures of Hope College's new Soccer/Lacrosse field. I even managed to get a picture of our subdivision and I can spot our house, too. It was a very unique and special experience. At first Taylor wasn't too excited about the flight (he thought it wouldn't be that great), but when we up in the air I could tell that this was an experience that he would remember for a long time:)
Playful Pups
While we waited for COL Murphy's helo, these two dogs had a great time playing and keeping a watchful eye on us. I tried to get closer but they ran away every time. Not a good idea to pet dogs here unless you want lots of shots!
COL Murphy's Departure
Our group usually travels by Blackhawk helicopter and COL Murphy's departure vehicle was no exception. While the helo lifted away, myself and another guy saluted COL Murphy. I received an email from him a few days afterward, and he said that gesture meant a lot.
COL Murphy's Departure
Very sad day May 14 when COL David Murphy left us to head back to the States. Although I only worked with him for a month, he made a good impression on me. I'll miss talking hockey with him.
Group photo includes, from left, me, COL Murphy, Navy Master Chief Tim Tully (from St. Petersburg, FL) and Marine Staff Sergeant Ian Meinert (who was raised in Kalamazoo). A Marine is never without his weapon and Ian was no exception.
Bathrooms
Here are a few photos of the bathrooms. What makes them unique are the urinals and the troughs where we brush our teeth. Needless to say, showering every day with 60 strangers from foreign countries builds your humility factor a lot!
One of the low points during my first week here was walking behind a Belgian guy who was brushing his teeth and rubbing against his back hair due to lack of space. Ugh!
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Happy Mothers Day
Happy Mothers Day Kelly! Thank you for all the support, love and unselfish devotion during our almost 25 years of marriage. Thank you for being an incredible mother to Taylor. I'm always overwhelmed by your patience and unbelievable guidance, love and support of our son. He could not ask for a better mother. I could not ask for a better mother, wife and best friend.
I miss you terribly and would give anything to see a movie with you, hold your hand and hug you. I promise when I get back to spend the rest of my life doing these things with you darling and never taking the little things for granted that we share.
Hugs and kisses...
Love,
Me
Scenes from Kabul
Here's some photos I took while in the car when we went and picked someone up from the airport.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
My Coworkers
This picture was taken at an Australian compound/restaurant where we had a team building lunch one day. On the far right in the green shirt is my boss, COL Dave Murphy, a Special Forces Army guy who lives in Connecticut, is a NCAA hockey referee and hockey fanatic and an overall terrific guy. He left Afghanistan 13 May and will be missed by everyone. To the right and back of me is Kirk Meyer, the director of our group who works for DEA, is from Chicago and has been in Afghanistan over four years! To the left of me with his arms folded is Frank Calestino who works for the Treasury Dept. and by the time he leaves will have been here three years. Other folks in the photo are in the military, FBI agents, and our group's interpreter. we were the only people at the restaurant and it was located behind a gated wall in the middle of Kabul. Very surreal experience.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Funny Reflection of the Week
I'll try and come up with a funny incident that happened to me each week.
Last week I was walking to a building to call Kelly and Taylor early in the morning. I was wearing a Red Wings shirt and as two guys approached me running, one yelled out, "Go Penguins." Even in Afghanistan, people are involved in the NHL playoffs and root for their favorite teams. Taylor, a HUGE Penguins fan, enjoyed that!
More Gym Photos
The sign at the entrance to the gym and some spin bikes used for classes throughout the week.
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