Chow/Ciao/Chop

Wednesday 9/12, Thurs 9/13 and Fri 9/14 were all off days/holidays for the hospital. The first 2 days were for the start of the month of fasting Ramadan, called Ramazan here. Fridays are the sabbath for mosque attendance and are always off. I worked out, did some online continuing medical education, read, watched movies, etc. I paid some locals to build closets in our hut space. We spent a short morning at the hospital on the 15th.

5 of our crew had stayed behind in Kabul for addtional training, and they arrived on Saturday the 15th. We spent most of that day getting them settled in and oriented. They appreciated the construction and other improvements we made.

Attached pictures: one is of a sign recommending hand washing in English, Dari and Italian. We have a large Italian contingent here at Camp Stone. They are in charge of the western region and provide mentoring to the Afghan army leaders. Most speak some English so I have had a chance to chat with them. They built a pizzeria nearby.

One shot shows surf 'n turf from Sunday dinner. Yes, all the steak and lobster tails you can eat. Not quite as good as homemade but good. For desert, do it yourself sundaes from 10 gallon tubs of Baskin Robbins and toppings.

Finally, I used the barber at the hospital and mostly communicated what I wanted. It's a bit shorter than I wanted, but the price was right; only 100 Afghanis. $2 US.