One of the better days

Today was really a fun day.  Tovar finally conceded into going to the bazaar with me.  First, we went to TeamSTEPPS and then to breakfast.  We then went back to the rooms and just relaxed a bit.  As I was waiting for him to go to lunch, our replacements showed up!!  This is a very exciting moment because now you know you're going home soon.

After we met them and got them a little settled, we went to lunch at the Aviation DFAC.  Aviation is run by the Americans and the food is generally better tasting.  We don't go there often because it's so far to walk after shift.  Then we went to the bazaar.  Nothing really exciting happened there, we shopped a bit and looked at all the shops (I hadn't done that the times that I went).  We bought a few things and then ran into our command folks.  The Chief had bought a large stick and Col Hughes was bargaining for jewelry for Col Agee.  Tovar decided he wanted in on her bargaining skills and bought his mom a yellow stone.  Chief asked if we wanted a ride back to the hospital and I eagerly said "Yes!".  Tovar looks at me and said "No.  We need the exercise and the sun."  I just looked down and went "awww".  As we were walking back to the hospital, the crew passed by us and honked.  I pointed and said "Look Tovar, they have a car and AIR CONDITIONING!!"  Later, Chief told us that they were laughing because they saw me bitching at him.  It was all good.

We then went to the newly opened Pizza Hut on base and had some garlic bread and iced tea.  While we were there, we had another IDF attack.  No one moved, everyone went about their business like nothing happened.  It was very odd.  Afterward, we went back the hospital and again, everyone was milling about like nothing happened.

I think today was one of the best days I've had lately.  It felt almost like being at home, except the IDFs of course.  I had a good laugh and felt up.  Now that my time is getting short, I feel a little sad about leaving.  The people here are so kind and wonderful.  They have such beautiful hearts.  I have fallen in love with this culture and although I've had some bad days, I wouldn't trade this experience.  I feel so lucky to be a part of something so spectacular.