Has it really been 3 weeks since my last post?

Hello All,

With 3 weeks having passed, you would think I would have something to write about.

Christmas and New Year's Day both fell on a Sunday this year, which is normally a day off for us, so we got Monday off as an extra day of observance.  There wasn't much taking place on base other then religious services and special holiday meal at the chow hall.  As you can probably imagaine, I took this opportunity to go SCUBA diving. 

The week between Christmas and New Year's was fairly busy, but not from a work standpoint.  Our higher headquarter in Stuttgart was largely closed which always makes for a light work week.  Many of our projects on the continent had finished up before the holidays and new ones were not started until the new year which was another reason for the lull. 

We had a big staff turnover with a lot of our folks leaving so we had a "Hail and Fairwell" gathering.  This is a social event where we say goodbye to those departing and welcome those who are replacing them.  Of course, I always play poker on Saturday but also had a cigar event to go to on Friday.  Some generous manufactures sent some of their product asking for nothing in return other then some snap shoots of guys in uniform smoke the cigars they sent. 

I also went to a wedding/wedding reception on that same Friday, of all things!  A wedding here on camp is a first as far as I know.  One of the guys deployed here (reserve unit from Kanasas) whom I also dive with married a girl who works as a dive instructor for the company we dive with.  They make a great couple and are headed down to a diving resort in Honduras where they will both work as dive instructors.  I wish them as much happiness as I have found in my marriage!

What is REALLY hard to believe is that I will be departing in about 6 weeks (we call it redeploying in the military).  There were times when I never thought it would end but once I got into a routine, the time really went by fast.  It has been a much better tour then I ever thought it would be.

As you probably recall, my last experience with Djibouti was not that great.  I was here a total of 3 times covering 21 days or so.  I am happy to say that my time here was enjoyable and my perception of the country and its people is very favorable. 

Until next time...
Michael