The past week has been a blur. As I am sure you've probably guessed I did catch my third rescheduled flight out of Mosul. I woke up at 0345 on Friday morning to make it to the airport by 0500. I flew in a C-130 to Ali Al Salem Air Base (Kuwait), not Al Udeid (Qatar). From there I waited until 1730 (5:30 pm) to check in to my next flight. I killed most of my time in the MWR watching TV and taking pictures of some of the base.
Checking out of Kuwait (pictured below) was a project. My actual flight didn't leave until 0330 on Saturday (the next morning) but you have to go through customs. I had to empty all three of my packed bags completely so U.S. custom officials could make sure I was trying to take back war souvenirs, such as weapon parts.
I had a three hour layover in Germany. It was so nice to breath in the crisp, cool air. I knew I was on my way home. Doesn't the picture even look crisper?
First stop in the states was Baltimore. I arrived at 2:25 pm, but my flight back home was not until 11:00 am the next day. Of course I asked to see if there was anything earlier. I didn't feel like spending the night at the airport for another night. They did have a flight leaving at 4:45 pm, but it had a three hour layover in Charlotte, NC. It was a small layover in comparison to spending another night in an airport. I made it back to Dayton, OH at 11:00 pm.
I had a three hour layover in Germany. It was so nice to breath in the crisp, cool air. I knew I was on my way home. Doesn't the picture even look crisper?
First stop in the states was Baltimore. I arrived at 2:25 pm, but my flight back home was not until 11:00 am the next day. Of course I asked to see if there was anything earlier. I didn't feel like spending the night at the airport for another night. They did have a flight leaving at 4:45 pm, but it had a three hour layover in Charlotte, NC. It was a small layover in comparison to spending another night in an airport. I made it back to Dayton, OH at 11:00 pm.
Then I was home. I still can't believe it!
5 comments:
I'm so happy for you buddy! In those days I knew you were flying over my head!It must have been very tiring but all worth it! You're safe home now and all you gotta do is finally enjoy the life you missed so much while away..it all made you appreciate it more than ever didn't it?! I look forward to talking to you soon!Take care my friend!
so happy you are home safe and sound...
At your request I paid more attention to the play list. I would have selected almost the same play list myself...some versions or song selections (for the particular artist) may have varied...but definitely good list. "Forever Young" is a little cliche and the Sufjan Stevens' song is a little sad (yet not); either way it's definitely out of season with the Dark-Eyed Junco reference. Any new songs about a more seasonally appropriate little bird in your list?
I'm glad you included the intro to "Welcome to the Black Parade " though...it makes a mediocre song good.
And for Steve: Isn't a crisper that drawer in a refrigerator??? I'm so confused on how this plays into your pictures. Where are the veggies??
Should read: "isn't that A drawer in a refregerator"
Now everyone can make fun of me instead of Ben.
I think Ben meant to say "Doesn't the picture even look like a crisper?" ...referring to that square-shaped building on the left.
Are those things in a fridge really called drawers??? :)
Enough shenanigans... welcome back, Captain!
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