WHENEVER I’m about to travel abroad, be it on holiday or on an assignment, two questions enter my mind.
a). Why has that transporter thing from the 1960s series Star Trek still not been invented yet?
And b). Why aren’t there people who offer a professional packing service for people like me?
Don’t get me wrong, I love experiencing new places but the ‘getting there’ aspect just flips my noodle.
Even more so when you’re dealing with the ‘hurry up and wait’ attitude of the armed forces.
I remember on one particular trip home from some Middle Eastern country, I flew to Kuwait three times. And I’ve never really understood why.
I guess the military have a reason for the approach. ‘Get there just in case’ I guess.
Anyway, it’s not just the military. My issue is with flying in general really.
I just wish the whole ‘getting there process’ was as easy as stepping onto a 70s disco type dancefloor floor and beaming over.
I have wished for a Star Trek transporter on so many trips.
But of course before this stage I need to pack.
And this is a skill only my present wrapping skills rival.
I’m sure it’s an art form. And a skill I sadly don’t possess.
I know Afghanistan’s summers are hot – like 50 degrees hot – but I’m of the thinking that I still need to pack a few jumpers. Why? God knows.
Better to take it and not need it than to not have it at all right?
Hmmmm... but weight restrictions.
How do military personnel do it?
They seem to have so much, but so little at the same time.
Knowing that you are deploying to a war-zone, be it for a week or three months, does affect your thinking and your mood to a certain extent.
We’ve been talking about this particular trip since last August.
That’s a long time to consider things, and to have something playing on your mind.I think a part of you just shuts down. It just switches off.
I can’t put my finger on exactly what it is, but my girlfriend can sense it.
You focus on what’s ahead.
You don’t necessarily want to talk about it, you just want to go and do it.
There are also some things in life which are guaranteed.
And in this case, number one is that your mother will not agree with any part of what you’re proposing.
The experience, the fact it will look good on the CV, the money... nope.
Not one hint of empathy. Understandably I guess.
Mothers can’t comprehend anything which will put their sons or daughters in possible harm’s way.
Those born into military families are different I guess. It’s taken and understood.
Me, I think people think I’m mad.
But hey, haven’t we all got to be a bit mad to live in this crazy world?
Friday 25 March 2011
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5 comments:
I can relate to your mother. Just make sure people send you out some boxes. I sent 20 last year to my daughter. She went into shut down mode too.
And yes, I think you are mad!
Good luck!
Great photos from Afghanistan. I think a lot of the trips look like that. Sometime it would be good if someone just organised it all so you wouldn't have to worry about a single bit. Do you have another trip planned sometime soon?
Ania Wieczorek
P.S. do you have more pics on the facebook? oh and I hope the party in Yelverton last Sat was a good one :)
Ania Wieczorek
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