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From: Iain Clark
Sent: 22 October 2003 02:54
To: David Clark; Jen Clark
Subject: HELLO
Sorry that I haven't been sending e-mails very frequently.
The PM's visit was well received in my view. I read some newspaper editorials before
the visit that stated that he wouldn't be welcome here. I get a little angry when
journalists presume to talk for me. The PM is our boss, and I'm glad that he came to
visit. The troops that met with him spoke well of the experience.
Things have settled into a kind of routine here. Our facilities are now mostly complete.
The gym has been finished, and that is good news. Having showers and an excellent
laundry system make all the difference. I could live on IMPs (without a kitchen), but
having showers and laundry means that we can work out. The TV selection is still
pretty weak, but I can live with it!
I am curious if the biggest rise in book publishing can be linked to the introduction of
the lightbulb and electricity in houses. I am quite comfortable in my tent, and it is nice
to have light. My prized possession is a folding camp chair (like the ones from the
summer) that I got from an American PX. I read quite a bit now, and it make the time
pass quickly.
The locals still seem to like us. Most of our smiles and waves get returned, although
some view us warily. I was visiting the Kabul Military Training Centre were the
Afghan National Army is being trained. A Company marched past us coming back
from the range. They were well equipped and seemed happy. They all looked at us
and smiled. I hope that the ANA initiative works out well.
It is interesting to seen the contrast in the local populace, and it is most evident in the
market area. Every now and then I see a group of people who are obviously a little
better off than the rest. The women in these groups do not wear burquas, and the men
dress somewhat Western. There is one neighbourhood where I saw a teenage girl and
boy walking together. That is pretty extraordinary here. We passed a wedding party
consisting of several cars. I was in the back hatch of the Coyote so I had a good
view. They all looked happy to see us and waved. They seemed to be having a good
time. They had nice cars, so I figure that it was a couple of wealthy families.
I would have to say that the market is my favourite place in town. While it was a bit
intimidating at first due to the crush of people, I feel quite safe there. There are many
restaurants that have interesting smelling cooking. I guess that I'll never try it, and that's
probably a good thing!
It is now less than two months till I come home on leave. I look forward to it, but I
resist counting the days.
Love
Iain
Kabul, Afghanistan
Prime Minister Jean Chretien at
Camp Julien in Kabul, Afghanistan.
Photos: MCpl. Brian Walsh 3 RCR
Battalion Group Photographer
young Afghan boy, in Kabul
Afghanistan earlier this year.
(CP /Tom Hanson)
but sometimes the news isn't good
From: David Clark
Sent: 02 October 2003 14:51
To: Jennifer Clark
Cc: Kelly Clark Tranquilli; Fred Tranquilli
Subject: RE: I've heard from Iain
No!! I had not heard. Thanks very much.
-----Original Message-----
From: Jennifer Clark
Sent: 02 October 2003 14:46
To: David Clark; David Clark (work)
Subject: I've heard from Iain
I'm not sure if you heard yet that two RCR soldiers died today in Afghanistan
and three were injured. There was a communication blackout and quite a bit of
grapevine activity here in Petawawa. Iain called at about 2:30.
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