Battle of the Blacktop

A Djiboutian Team coached by a couple of U.S. Army personnel came onboard to play volunteers onboard Camp Lemonnier.  Heavily outsized by the Camp team, the Djiboutian players fought hard and won the hearts of the crowd that came to watch the game onboard Camp Lemonnier.  By the cheers of the largely U.S. military crowd, one would have thought that the Djiboutian team was the home team.  The blue Gulf team of Djibouti scored to standing ovations of Americans cheering them on.  The game was a fun event for all who attended.

Battle of the Black Top

Said stops by to visit

American military personnel quickly feel welcomed to Djibouti as the young people extend their hands to their American brothers and sisters. Said, a Somali youth, was one of the first young people that I met in Djibouti.  And while Said has many American brothers and sisters, we're developed a special relationship during my time here as he reached out to teach me about life and customs in Djibouti.   He's exceptionally smart, speaking several languages including Somali, Afar, French, Arab, English, and even a little Spanish.  He finishes up school this year and hopes to attend University next year.  His favorite class is biology but excels in all science classes.  He attends an Arab school as well as private classes at night.  When not in class, he attends the English Discussion Groups where he has made friends with thousands of American military personnel.  His dream is to attend an American University where I know he would be very successful.

Visit to Boys Orphanage

The Boys Orphanage is located a short distance from Camp Lemonnier. Twice a week, volunteers gather at the Chapel to play basketball and volleyball  with the kids.  I'm going to miss this young guy wearing the orange shirt when I leave. He's always one of the first to greet me at the airport, rushing over to help carry my bags to van, and I'm always asured the biggest smile and hug every time I visit the orphanage.

Comics on Tour

Comics on Tour stopped by to visit the Expeditionary Medical Facility (EMF) during their two day stay at Camp Lemonnier.  Comics on Tour are part of the entertainment arranged through Navy Entertainment to perform on Navy Installations.  It's a good opportunity for up and coming comic groups as they are paid a nice fee to entertain the troops and can add to their promotional literature that they perform world wide.  And yes, individuals and groups that come out to entertain the deployed troops are paid to perform.

Camel Meat at Melting Pot

I had my first dinner of camel meat here in Djibouti and it was very tender and delicious. We took out our nurse, Michelle, to celebrate her birthday and our German friend, Nicole,  a medical dive tech who is returning to Germany for a new assignment. The camel meat is served on large medal balls with spikes which I assume the meat is actually cooked on. The Melting Pot is one of the most popular restaurants in Djibouti City. We ate outside where we enjoyed a nice breeze with temperatures in the low 70s.

Community Assistance Volunteers Visit School