Just a quick note to say I finally moved into a hooch, well, more like a box, er, ok, more like a cell, except prisoners have more room, better food, more free time and, um, human rights…
Ok, ok, it isn’t that bad. But it is funny to watch the BBC and see lawyers complaining about the treatment of their clients in London prisons and every soldier in the galley laughs, and laughs (and cries) … (smile).
Got moved in this evening, met my new roommate, an Army Lt named Willie, from Mississippi (via Minnesota, so he likes it cold in our cell, I mean room. Which is good, it’ll keep stuff from growing). A nice, quiet guy.
The previous roomers left us with some extension cords, a ceiling light, three flyswatters (an ominous sign?), a door mat and, most importantly, a tea brewer (!). Which is awesome, since that means we can boil water in our room to make coffee, tea, soup, etc.
(sigh)
Ok, I just re-read what I wrote and realized how one is reduced to the basic elements of civilization here. I mean, its’ not like it is primitive living (there’s running water, hot food, showers, heads, etc.), but one appreciates the little things. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and all that (food, sleep, shelter, sex…). Well, the first three of ‘em anyway...
The pic is of a painted plaster relief design on the ceiling of a random hallway in the Al Faw palace in Baghdad. The corridors are full of them. Quite beautiful examples of Islamic-style artwork.
Well, that’s a good place to end this message!