It is getting hotter here up to 115C which is boggling for me...By the end of the day I am a puddle...
The members of the Contingent are starting to rotate through on their first CTO (Cumulated Time Off) periods. The routine is the same we pick them up at an ungodly hour. They are hot tired and filthy. We get them stowed away. They sleep, eat we have a giggle and a laugh and then big hugs as they are out for a couple of days off. Honestly these guys and gals deserve it! Everyone is positive for the most part, if anything frustrated because they aren't able to do more.
We have moved an set up a permanent 'Canada House' as our logisitcs base here in Khartoum. The spot is very nice, with a walled little yard so we are able to sit out when the sun goes down. One of my roommates just came back from CTO and the other is just going...I am out on the 29th!! Hey I love my job but it has been 95 days in uniform so its time for some R&R.
We just went through out first week long huboob. A huboob is like a snow storm except with sand and dust. It hangs in the air for days and basically turns day into dusk. As the sand is fine it gets into everything, electronics, the house, your nose everywhere. I have attached a photo but it just doesn't seem to do it justice.
In case anyone from Sudan is reading, the driver is the one and only Ukrainian Cowboy...Long story of a great guy for another day...Back to the haboob...imagine being in a snowstorm that had 110C winds...It is like standing in front of a blow dryer.
I am really feeling the separation with Donald and Molly. I guess it is seeing the kids in the street. Tonight, honey kiss my kids good night snuggly into their beds. Tuck them in, yes even the man of the house Donald, and tell them their Dad loves them.
Don
