Hello everyone,

Well, I am in Kuwait and have just finished the final training we had to have before entering Iraq.  My group leaves Camp Buehring (where we have been for the last week) today and heads back to Camp Doha (still in Kuwait) to wait for space available on the next flight to Tallil airbase in Iraq, where I will be for the next four/five months.

We had a high here yesterday of about 125 degrees.  Even the wind was hot.  Just standing out in the open drains you.  I have never drank so much water in my life.  I think I probably am drinking about 6 to 8 liters of water a day, and I still feel dehydrated.

I haven't seen any camel spiders (thank goodness) yet, but I have seen camels.  There are Bedouin herders that live all over here.  Yesterday, when we were doing some convoy training, our convoy had to stop for camels crossing the road.  If we accidentally kill one, it costs the US government about $10,000.  Yes, that's right.  We not only have to pay for the camel, we have to pay for all the income the herder would have made from that camel.

Other than the heat, it's not too bad here.  They actually have air conditioned tents (when the AC works of course, ours has been out for three days now), a Burger King, Subway, Pizza Inn and a coffee/espresso shop.

I forgot my camera (sorry folks) or I would have attached a few photos with this email.  I'll try to get better at this!  Amanda, I'm going to put you on the spot here.  Amanda has some photos already so maybe she can attach one or two to this for you guys.

Well, have to go for now.  It is 10:20 am here, and we have to be packed and ready to move out at 12:30 pm.  I'll email again after I'm settled in Iraq.

My best wishes to everyone,

Lotta