Welcome to Iraq

Well after a very, very, very long departure process, we finally arrived to TQ, Iraq. The entire ordeal took a week and the timeframe from Kuwait was over 24 hours. Needless to say we were all very exhausted and after eating some breakfast at the chow hall (excellent food), the majority of us went into hibernation. I hibernated for about 7 hours. Angela Early, our trama surgeon scrubbed in on a case immediately. Fortunately, they haven't been too busy here since we arrived.

The base here is huge and many nice amenities for a forward operating Marine base (PX, Internet cafe's, Coffee house, Gym/Aerobics, etc.) They also have other shops run by local nationals. The terrain is baron desert. So far the weather has been bearable with highs in the upper 70s and lows in the 50s. We are learning as much information from our outgoing counterparts as we can before they go. So far, we seen some tough cases. Over 70% of the casualties are orthopedic, so I'll be very busy. Most of the patients are Iraqi's and their disposition after treatment is one of the biggest problems the medical community has to face.

I getting use to life on base and having to walk nearly a half block to go to the bathroom (especially bad in the middle of the night). I'm also beginning to learn the nuances of Arabic culture. I'm still thought in a little shock (and some jet lag) that I'm here. I posted some pictures and will keep them coming when I can.

We'll talk more later.