Going outside the Wire

Ok, rule number one of leaving the security of your little encampment....don't tell your parents about it until after you return safely!!!!! Yes, folks, my little ol blog here will be the trigger that ignites a nuclear warhead over Cincinnati when my folks explode into a tizzy of worry. But now that I am back ok.....
Last week we had some testing data to collect, and the confines of our camp didn't yield the right conditions, so we decided to try the International Zone, or IZ. you may remember this scene of the "Crossed Swords". It was Saddam's parade deck, symbolizing their "victory" over the Iranians in the late Eighties.
You may have heard about "Route Irish". Last year, it was the most dangerous road in the world. Because of it's importance and the focus on it, it is now pretty safe. It was a real gut check however to be hunkered down in the uparmored Hummer with my Kevlar and Body Armor, but still passing that sign....
Anyway, we ran up there, and out the little .... I can't call it a window... they call it transparent armor, because it is a couple inches thick of bulletproof glass....I got to see "real" Iraqis out there. It makes me wonder about the hearts and minds battle though. Here we are in our armored tanks, passing little kids playing soccer and waving....
Anyway, once into the IZ, we swooped into the parade deck, took control of one Hummer, and let the other trucks go relax for a while. The area is fascinating - Saddam had questionable tastes in decor and style, but you never could say he didn't think big. You have probably seen this area in the older footage of military parades and the like, with Saddam giving his best beauty queen wave.
So we got done with our testing, got back alive with plenty of time for me to change my underwear before dinner! Afterward, we had a meeting at the palace, and I couldn't resist this shot - Now you can say that you have officially seen one of Saddam's guest bathrooms! Once again the ego of this idiot was incredible. Look at all the marble and gold filagree while his people starved! It is almost embarrasing to walk into one of these rooms and close the oak door.... Even rich people have to poop though....
So to calm the nerves, I went out on a valid mission, I came back safely, and all those young professional kids I spoke of last time are locked on and ready for anything. And yes, their professionalism and courage made me feel like a little girl for feeling scared. I thank God that they deal with what we put them through so coolly and bravely. I don't see many trips in the near future, and compared to most, I will be relatively stable and safe. I can't tell you that I will never roam outside the wire, but when I do, it will be done with the utmost care and concern....and an extra pair of underwear!