A glimmer of hope

I have now been here in FOB Fenty, for just over 24 hours. I could not think of a better place to be "stuck" awaiting my next flight. It looks like it is going to be a few days. I just discovered that this place is not as far behind the times as it was when I last left here in 2006. They have the technology for Wireless Internet. I do not mean WiFi, I mean cellular CDMA technology. I can, for a mere $220.00 plus $60 a month for the service, get a USB device that will let me get on the Internet with my laptop.

I was very tempted to purchase that gizmo. However, I was talked out of it by a fellow soldier when he explained that since I am not going to be staying in this area, I should not buy it here. The area I am going to be in may not have the same service and even if it does, there is not going to be any customer service down there if I buy it up here. The local vendor is my customer service and he will not be obliged to help if the commission from the monthly fees is going to someone else. There is now, however, a glimmer of hope.

Also today, there is a Bazaar here at FOB Fenty. That is when the local vendors get to rent a booth at the "parade grounds," loosely stated since there are no parades here. And they set up shop and let us peruse through them and buy things. I know, I know, I can just hear you guys out there. At least the ones that know me. I am not going to take more than $120 with me. I made my self a promise this time. I will not be spending $33,000 here in Afghanistan on Persian rugs or custom silk suits or anything else for that matter. I plan on getting rid of things like the car payments, at least one of my houses will be paid off and all my credit cards will get paid. I want to be debt free this time. Minus one house payment. So, just relax and do not worry. LOL

The locals here are pretty much the same as the ones in Bagram and Mehtar Lam. They love us here and are very friendly towards us. I just hope that we do not take advantage of it and of them. I have seen it in the past, where soldiers begin to treat the locals like crap, thinking that "they need us and will put up with it." Well, I know that they will "deal" with it for a little while, but after that it becomes too much to bear and the tide starts to turn. I hope that does not happen here. I will, however, say this as well. You have to be on your toes. They will take advantage of your kindness in a heart beat if they are permitted. That is part of the reason that some soldiers get the way they are.

The culture here is a little different from what most people are used to back home. For example: If one goes to the shop and is looking to buy something. The vendor wants, lets say $30 for said item. He is going to start off with around $50 and if you pay it with out bartering, you might be insulting him. Not to mention the fact that you are a sucker. The proper response is, "I will give you $20" or maybe even $25. You have just established a relationship with the vendor and he will take you more seriously. When you come in next time. He will remember you and you will be shown the higher quality goods, as a "valued" customer. I know it sounds strange, but, that is how it is here. It is not so much about the money as it is about the "dance."

Well I have to go for now. It is time for me to take a walk to the Bazaar. I will let you know how it went. How well I was able to resist the temptation of buy things. LOL