Monday, March 24, 2008

Snorkeling off the coast of Africa


Well, the powers that be at Camp Lemonier* decided the perfect way for 1,800 adults to celebrate Easter was to have the Easter Bunny make an appearance. Because, really, what better way is there to remind us all that we're away from our children for yet another holiday? But really, that's not the point of today's blog...

If there is a way to turn a deployment supporting the Global War on Terror into a sightseeing trip, you all know I'll find it. I did not fly all this way (and survive a rather rough cop-and-feel session with TSA) to not SEE Africa while I was in Africa.

Yesterday was my first day off since before leaving Little Rock. A group of five of us jumped on an MWR-sponsored trip to Moucha Island (a small island off the coast of Djibouti). And it was amazing. On the boat-ride out, we even saw dolphins (yes Amanda, even the dolphins are black in Africa).

We stole some ice from the chow hall, brought a cooler and some music, packed a few towels and we were set. Amanda (our legal council), Cindy (the resident videographer), JT (combat camera and the 2007 Air Force photographer of the year!), Ian (my photojournalist) and myself made up the motley crew. And a perfect crew it was. There was no drama - no bickering, no fights, no temper tantrums. Just sun, sand, and smiles. If I didn't look too closely at my surroundings, I could have been on a beach anywhere - Cabo, Tahiti, Pensacola.

I learned to swim when I was 5 and I don't think I was much older than 7 when my dad first taught me to snorkel. That is something I am very grateful for. We spent $6 a piece to rent rather new snorkel equipment and off we went. As the tide went out, we were no more than 5 feet above the reefs at points. We saw a baby stingray, a giant clam, eels, and every fish you can imagine. It was like swimming through the saltwater tank in your dentist's office. (Not MY dentist's office though, because my dentist currently operates out of a tent just down the gravel path from my office.) There were schools of silverfish and angel fish of every size.

Being that this island is located on the surface of the sun, sunblock was a necessity. I wouldn't describe my skin as translucent, but I will say that I might have glowed under a black light before yesterday's adventure. I applied the SPF 30 diligently - every 30 minutes. I used one full bottle. And it was new. But still.... I got color. I'm tan in most places now, but there are some spots (like the tops of my feet!!!!) that didn't fare as well. But I'll take it - because I can now say I snorkeled off the coast of Eastern Africa. And really, how many people do we know that can say that?

My goal while I'm here is to work hard and play hard. I focus on the mission, but given the chance, I am going to see every thing that there is to see. I refuse to turn down an opportunity to leave this camp - even if it's to visit the Somalia Refugee Camps that border our base. I figure (and hope) that I will never been back to Africa, so I plan to see it all this time around.

Next stop - Uganda. I will be sure to take a lot of photos while we're down there (It's me, Cindy and JT for that trip) and I hope to be able to post some of the articles I'll be doing on our missions out there. Next month I'll be in Kenya as well. So there is a lot of travel ahead. I'll keep you all posted as the time goes on.

* Camp Lemonier is my home for these 6 months. It's pronounced "Lemonade" but without the D and with an obnoxious French accent.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Wow. I knew the PA career field had it good, but seriously. You're on a 6 month vacation...well, sorta. haha.

I'm glad you're making the best of it though. It truly sounded like you were back on the team for a minute with all the trips, people hockin' their wares, midgets and red-assed baboons. Speaking of red-assed baboons, you didn't tell me you were deployed with Rat. haha...

Anyway, be good, be safe, and remember, sometimes being a hero is simply coming home in one piece.

I'm thinking about you kid...

Josh

Anonymous said...

Work hard and play hard? That's your goal? You're saying that's a new goal? haha Cause I might be mistaken but that was the goal for the last five years wasn't it... haha

Unknown said...

Kati...don't have too much fun!

Anonymous said...

i see hooterfish

Anonymous said...

Hey Aaron... bitter much?