Real Deal

Going to Afghanistan tomorrow! No more European vacation. Won't be any fluffy bathrobes and slippers. I'm really excited, though. I fly to Dubai Saturday evening, just for an overnight stay. Then fly on a UN flight into Kabul. I arrive in Kabul on Sunday afternoon.

I wish I had more time in Dubai, just to see all the sights (that famous hotel with sails, and the indoor ski hill, and the beaches, of course.) And I know a few people who live there--the Lebanese guys who built us (the IMC women in Baghdad) a pool in their front yard in Baghdad. They made so much money in Baghdad doing pre-fab housing and toilet/sanitation units for the army, they are multi-millionaires now. Not bad people to know in Dubai..... I guess another time.
So, tonight is my last night in Baku. Going to a traditional Azeri restaurant for a big meal with all the staff and consultants. There are a bunch of consultants here working on IMC projects-from Hopkins, CDC, Abt Associates, etc. They're working on injury surveillance systems, public health reform, communication on bird flu, and emergency medicine training. All things I'm interested in, so its been fun to talk shop a bit with the experts. Should be a fun night. Hopefully will end at our pub for beers and late night futbol. The owner has promised to give me one of the cool World Cup t-shirts that the waitstaff wear since I've spent so much time there. He's a doll.

Gotta run. Have quick Fridays and great weekends!