The World According To Chris Brewer

This place is nuts. I have arrived safely at my final destination and am typing to you all after having 0 hours of sleep in the past 30 hours.

I am in Saddam’s main palace right now in the International Zone. I am in the computer lab, which is basically a ballroom that has been converted to be used by the U.S. Embassy. I can’t help but laugh at painted murals on the walls which falsely depict Iraqi airpower victories in the Gulf War.

I am now forced to carry my weapon on me at all times as part of my daily life for the next six months. I live in a trailer with a cool guy from the Army…think of a motorhome’s living room and you have the size of the trailer. I work in a ghetto dodgy parking garage with little trailers designed to house radio and television equipment, and offices. Actually on second thought, I think they were designed for Oompa Loompas.

There are people from many different countries here. Colombian guards make sure the IZ’s checkpoints — oh, there are many of them — are secure. German troops go out on convoy patrols. I have seen troops from other countries as well and they are all very friendly. I have met many Iraqis and they are very good people as well. Very friendly and very appreciative of the coalition support. The news never reports that.

This place also has many amenities. We will be getting wireless internet in our trailers soon, so expect me back on Instant Messenger and email regularly, starting November 15 or so. There is a PX (the place is predominantly U.S. Army), Subway, Burger King, pool (it’s lavish), free laundry facilities, a superb dining hall, and much much more. I am blessed to be here.

I should also be getting a cell phone with a stateside number. More on that soon.

It’s amazing how I have watched so much news footage of Iraq and the ongoing war, and now I am actually experiencing it firsthand. It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Continue to pray for me and the troops here who are doing their best to make sure the Iraqi people are free from terrorism.

God bless!