2009.03.12
12MAR09--Virginia Peanuts
On my first day back with the team, we went on a combat patrol to visit our Iraqi Army counterparts. En route, I was quickly reminded where I was, as a herd of sheep traveled down the road toward us, parting closely to our stopped vehicles. Not a common sight in Virginia.
While on leave, I thought long and hard about what to bring back my Iraqi counterpart from the States. What is a signature gift from Virginia and travel well? Liquids and perishables would not travel well at all. I visited a Virginia shop in downtown Charlottesville to make up my mind.
I did not want to bring him something that was too much like a soveigner, and quickly settled on a bag of salted peanuts in the shell and some chocolate-covered peanut brittle.
My counterpart had had peanuts from a can before and understood the concept of in the shell. He was not familiar with peanut brittle at all. He is going to take them back to his family to try when he goes on leave in a week and tell me how everyone liked it.
Honestly, his interest in seeing pictures of my family from when I was on leave was quite humbling. And I felt quite complimented when he made the picture of me presenting the peanuts to him his desktop picture. Of course, he does change it almost daily.
Presenting Virginia peanuts to my Iraqi counterpart, with whom it is quite a pleasure to work.
A sea of sheep traveling the road as if our MRAPs are not even there.
My perspective of sheet and two camels overtaking my vehicle, notice the young shepherds.
Great gift idea!
Comment by Ed S. — March 12, 2009 @ 6:39 pm
It's good to have you back and updating us all again. The blogs have been quiet lately. =P But I am sure you'd much rather be back in Virginia with your wife and kids. On the bright side, only ~4 months to go! By the way, I am lovin' the pink desk lamp of your Iraqi counterpart.
Comment by Eva — March 12, 2009 @ 7:03 pm
It's the simplest things though that mean the most.Glad to see you in good health.Do they like us being there to help?You can't tell from the media.Are most of your encounters friendly?Virginia peanuts are the best anyway.Be safe.
Comment by melissa bryant — March 12, 2009 @ 10:05 pm
Your blog is very interesting and great pictures. I'm glad you got to go home to see your wife and children. I'm sure your break meant a lot to you and your family. Glad you're safely back. You'll be sooooo glad when July comes and you can go home again. It's not as long as it has been. Keep up the good work.
Comment by J. Collins — March 13, 2009 @ 2:41 pm
Speaking of nuts...they grow pistachios in Iraq? I hear the Iranian ones are supposed to be good, and I know the climate there is good for pistachios. Curious how the flavor of them compares to the ones we regularly see in the States. Not sure if you've had any there.
Comment by Ed S. — March 15, 2009 @ 12:55 pm
Sorry, Ed. I have not had Iraqi pistachios.
J. Collins, Thanks.
Melissa, nearly all of our encounters with Iraqi civilians or the Iraqi Army are friendly. But, to answer your question, the Iraqi Army seem to be looking ahead to operating without us.
Eva, HA! Good eye on the pink lamp. And I am happy for you to be seeing Jay soon!
Comment by Rich Connaroe — March 28, 2009 @ 11:58 am