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Bone Yard

A bone yard where old pieces of Iraqi military equipment go to get older. Not sure when this collection point was established, but it has been there a while. It was still impressive to see from the air. 11/2/03

Road To No Where

There was either a really big truck driving through the desert, or it is a road out of Kuwait and into Iraq, ultimately ending in the vicinity of Baghdad. Pretty desolate looking road, terrain and visibility for that matter. Bring lots of extra food and water for a road trip! 11/3/03

Things That Make You Go Hmmmm

On my way to breakfast this morning, I had to laugh because sitting outside our mess hall was an odd delivery truck. Anything to save a dollar or two since it is probably cheaper than real meat. 11/4/03

Saddam At Saddam International

One of my most memorable experiences so far was a four-day and three night all expenses paid stay at the luxurious airport formerly known as Saddam International Airport. Actually, it was anything but luxurious since we slept on a marble floor, there was no electricity, no water, and the Third Infantry Division had made it there about a week before we did and left some nice things for us! 11/5/03

Highway Arches

This particular set of arches along our local highway is symbolic of a significant location in the Islamic religion. To Muslims, there are three significant mosques in the world: one located in Mecca, one in Medina, and one in Jerusalem. The upper portion of this set of arches is a replica of the mosque in Jerusalem known as The Dome of the Rock. The Jerusalem mosque is significant because that is the location from where Mohammad ascended into heaven (after being purified and transported there from Mecca) to receive guidance from Allah. Because of Mohammad’s journey and ascension into heaven and his prayer with all of the prophets (especially Moses), the Islamic religion now has a call to prayer involving five prayers a day. So as you see, these are not simply arches along the highway. Additionally, the spiral staircase is symbolic of Mohammad’s ascension through the seven heavens. 11/6/03

Waterway Rest Stop

A view of yet another "palace" or in this case extravagant house along the Tigris River. The number of buildings in the entire palace complex is mind boggling. Maybe it was like the Lincoln Room at the White House; reserved for those special guests. 11/7/03

Going No Where Fast

It is not everyday you get to drive along a highway and see blown up military equipment. Not sure what took out this tank (specifically a T-62 tank produced by the country formerly known as the Soviet Union), but it is not going anywhere anytime soon. 11/8/03