20100115-2040
Just got settled in the room with Shane and Greg. After we left the border (finally), it wasn’t too long before we got to Rutba. The local police force came out in force to greet us at the entrance to the city. They all seemed real excited, exuberant, and not at all worried about security. It was much like the excitement I remember when training the [Iraqi National Guard] outside Tuz [Kharmatu] and Kirkuk.
We got to the hospital and had a long chat with local leaders and the mayor. I was pretty proud of myself for using Arabic to introduce myself.
Remember Pedro (I & II)
Iraqi SWAT dude, clean-shaven, American swagger.
I simply said “ismee Logan, ana talib waa ana tadrs a’salaam.” Sammy had a huge grin on his face for that one. He was a bit nervous, I think, about what I said, but pleasantly surprised by my choice of words. :-)
Still a little weird having to hide my true identity, but still waiting for Sami’s OK. Hopefully soon, but we will see. Insha’allah.
I suggested we go to the military base on Sunday
Dinner in the dark with my headlamp
Sweet Iraqi tea
dust -> began almost right at the border (and no-man’s-land)
