Dec 23 2007
Project Visit at Al Shura
I went on a site visit back to Al Shura to inspect the water compact unit. The contractor reported that he was finished with construction at the site, so I wanted to verify the status. We rolled out from FOB Marez at daybreak and were treated to a beautiful sunrise.
We’ve been having some cold nights lately. This week, the lows have been right around freezing. I guess last night must have been below freezing. On the project site, I noticed ice in the puddles. Unfortunately, the puddles are a result of leaks in the water line not rain.
When we were driving up to the site, a local villager came over to unlock the gate to the facility for us. The Project Engineer, Mike, had some questions about the site. He wasn’t able to get the answers he needed from the villager, so Smudge from the security team asked for the local sheik. When the interpreter asked the villager about the sheik, I picked up one specific word in the villager’s reply, “ibn”, which means “son of”. So I was able to pick up that he is the son of the sheik. Pretty soon I’ll be fluent. In the picture, the villager is talking to the interpreter, Robert. Smudge has the Union Jack on his uniform, and Mike is on the right.
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