What better starting place than an Iraqi sunrise! The pictures don't show much, but I am trying to be a bit artsy with my point and shoot camera and show some beauty in the area.
This is one of the 2 communication hills on base. The rumor is that the dirt/sand that makes these hills was dug from the many lakes on base. All the lakes are man made for Saddam and his party. Another rumor is that he turned off Baghdad's water supply for 10 days to fill all the lakes. Before the US invasion the lakes were all filtered and people swam in them. You can see the entire base and some of Baghdad from the top of these hills, hence, no pictures allowed from there.
This looks better than the other pic I took a few minutes later. You can see more of the foreground and it looks like a moon scape to me.
One of 2 mosques that I have seen on base. As far as I can tell they have been left alone since we got here, although they are in great condition and must have someone keeping them up.This is the other one, much smaller scale but just as nicely kept up. I love the shapes and colors
Can anyone tell me what this says?
Random building. It looks like something you would see from Egypt, but parts look like a federal buildings from the US. Very grand. I have to say he had an eye for buildings.
The Bath party house below - where Shock and Awe began. Built over the water on stilts because, according to what I have heard, they believe that sins don't count in water. Doesn't sound like an all seeing god to me. Interestingly, the building is very impressive from a far and some of the details look well done, but I have noticed that it is all just window dressing. Look under the outside and you will notice building techniques from 200 years ago. Layered bricks and mortar.
To the right side is the blast damage from one of our initial bombs, total collapse.
This one has an interesting name; Victory over Iran and Victory over US. It is two palaces built into one. As you can see, it was never completed. I wonder why?!
If you notice on the right side of the building there appears to be another crane. It collapsed last winter. Texas said it made some noise when it fell. I guess 5 years of nothing takes it toll.
Bravo troop has been here and dubbed it "the Flintstone" village. Saddam built this for his grand kids. It looks like something you would find at Disneyland. It has been pretty marked up and some parts are collapsing, but it looks like it would be a pretty fun playground for children.
I know people that have lake front property, but this is amazing. I'm always amazed that they are this low to the water. They don't have to worry about flooding since it's a man made lake. When the water was cleaner, I bet it would have been great to walk out back and dive in!
6 comments:
It's Linda, I enjoy the photos and the video it is great to listen of your voice, and hearing your friend feeding a fish. Oh, I seeing something under your nose, I love the mustache and you wearing your Stetson very, very handsome. The buildings are beautiful, different, and colors. You are showing all of us a new world from Kuwait of the cities this a history class. Mike is there going to be a test of all the photos you send us here at home. Thank you all at the Camp Buerhing to keep all the American safe from the front lines to Medical folks. I love you all and big hugs too. Take care. Love, Linda.
Wow,great pictures honey! Pretty amazing buildings in the middle of a war zone. Thanks for sharing your bike ride with us! All our love and kisses to you, CC&L
p.s. The fish video is really cool. We can't believe the size of that thing. I wonder how old it is. How did those fish get into the man made lakes? Did Sadam stock the lakes for fishing??
Now that's a big fish!! Don't lose any fingers! I so love all the photos; 2 men in a boat left me chuckling. :o) Thanks for sharing your travels with us. What a nice surprise to see you and your beautiful family in the paper this week-end as well. As difficult as it must be for all of you, how cool that you can Skype and see each other. My thoughts and prayers are with each of you. Take Care, Julie
Hello Mike, (It's Linda) I am exploring on Google Earth to see where Camp Buerhing in Kuwait. This Google Earth wild to see and cool alright fun to places like Camp Buerhing. Question have you every been on Google Earth? Oh, it's 2:01am here at the farmhouse in Madras and watching Disney show named Lilo & Stitch animation. I a sure your children know Lilo & Stitch. Well, I have to say good night my friend. Love ya and miss all of 82nd Cav. as well. Take care and to duck. Love, Linda.
Lots of prayers Mike. Its been great seeing all your pics! Miss ya!
Kelly
Hey Little Bro!
Great pics! Love all the buildings. You are a good photographer, you always have been. I'm sending a couple of family pics to you just so you can see people you haven't seen for awhile.
Love you and miss you!
Glenda
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