The Miami Herald January 1, 2003
Holidays at Kuwait army base: sand, rain and a little bingo
CAMP DOHA, KUWAIT - We have been here since the second week of November.
It's not too bad here at Camp Doha, but it does have its moments. Though I could think of better places to spend Christmas and New Year's. There is lot of tension and uncertainty about what's going to happen over the next month or so.
There is no party to be had here for the new year. We are having a BBQ.
Even if we had a party, it wouldn't be much fun due to the fact that alcohol is banned from consumption per General Order 1A. (Politically Correct Warning: ``I know you don't have to have alcohol to enjoy a party, but it sure helps.'')
They are having, for lack of a better term, a shindig at Uncle Frosty's, a morale welfare recreation facility here on Doha. I think the highlight of the night is going to be a bingo game.
The days here are pretty mild. It has rained five times since I've been here. There is no drainage, so when it rains large puddles form.
The rainy season runs through early March. I've been told they have gotten above-average rainfall this season. The days stay pretty mild, but it gets cold when the sun goes down.
The wind can be strong, but it is bearable here on Doha. It can be brutal on Udari Range, the home of the ''Valley of Death Boneyard,'' an area used to store many of the vehicles destroyed by depleted uranium munitions during the Gulf War.
It is very sandy here. There is little to no vegetation away from the city. Kuwait City is 10 to 15 kilometers (16 to 24 miles) from the base.
There are some trees and scrub brush as you get closer to the city. There is even some grass in areas due to the recent rains.
There are some areas of Kuwait City that are impeccably manicured. These are usually near the palaces and places like the American Embassy.
When you are away from the city you can see forever at night. Most nights are clear and the stars shine through quite vividly.
Last New Year's I was at Disney World in Orlando. What a difference a year makes.
-- Captain William Turner, commander, 766th Explosive Ordnance Company
For information about Camp Doha, Kuwait, visit www.globalsecurity.org.
Copyright © 2003 Agence France Presse
