Luxuries of the Kandahar Airfield

Every day I take for granted the fact that I can get in my car, walk, or bike to my nearest Tim Horton's. Granted, it is no Starbucks or Second Cup, but it is still something that is comforting and is a synonymous Canadian symbol. Sometimes, without a Tim Horton's in my system, a crankiness awakens that fellow coffee addicts can feel sympathy towards. So what happens when you are a coffee addict, grouchy from no sleep and are living in the middle of a desert valley? Ask Tom this one, and he will answer: "I get myself a Tim Horton's!"

That's right. Our very own Timmies is ready for consumption in Afghanistan. Is there anything more Canadian than being in 40C heat (or more) and desiring the sweet nectar of an old hockey legend's coffee chain? This is the little bit of home that Tom and the rest of the soldiers in Afghanistan can look forward too.

What says home more than a double-double served with a doughnut!! Personally, I think it is great that they have this for the soldiers over there. It gives them a break, even if momentarily, from the air of hostility that seems to dwell around the Airfield. Another exciting addition to the normal military palette is the delicious looking trailer that contains Burger King!!!!

Nothing says "mmmmm-mmmm dead cow," like the Burger King trailer. No, actually, that is my own personal bias and vendetta against the Beef industry. I am sure that it must taste like heaven compared to some of the food that could potentially be served in the military mess.

Of course, Tom is an officer, but I am not sure if they are all eating together, or if the messes are separated. Sometimes they separate the "ranked" men from the officers, which results, in my opinion, better food for the officers. I think I will have to wait for an update form Tom on that one.

The good news is that Tom is ok. He is working hard, doing a great job, and is taking care of his troops and himself. The bad news is that the airborne E.coli has finally taken a toll on his system. Not only is the air filled with dust, but it is also contaminated with aerosol E.coli. As one could imagine, this can do a number on your body systems. However, he is overall healthy and is looking forward to coming back to Canada in October.

I am also looking forward to this "vacation" as well. It will be nice to make sure he is ok. For some reason, it seems that you can only really be sure that someone is ok when you see them in person and get to give them a huge hug.