
The grounds were incredibly beautiful. The grass was amazing. I wanted to go over and just lay down and enjoy the smell. But…I’m a very distinguished and important Lieutenant Colonel and JAG officer to boot so couldn’t indulge my whims. Plus the grass was still wet with dew so I’d get my backside all wet. Now that wouldn’t be very distinguished, would it? Instead I went and sat on a bench in the shade and just took in the beauty.
Flowering trees, fruit trees, Evergreens, shade trees, date palms, shrubs, flowers, you name it, it was there. I haven’t seen beauty in such a long time that I just wandered around taking it all in.

(That's me on the far side of the pool.)
The palace itself was large and impressive. We met the governor in a large receiving room that was littered about with sofas, love seats, arm chairs and coffee tables everywhere. When he came in I was surprised at how young he was. This is terrible, but I was also surprised that he was missing his upper front teeth. I guess I figured the Governor would be older and would be able to afford good dental work.

While we were visiting with him one of his sons came into the room. He was quite the little gentlemen. He went to each soldier, held out his hand and gave us a firm handshake with his small hand. He went over and got a kiss from his Dad. He stayed for a few minutes then left the room. He returned a few minutes later with his younger brother. His brother wasn’t quite so brave and had to be coaxed to shake everyone’s hand. They were incredibly polite, handsome young men. You could tell their Dad was very proud of them.
We got a tour of the main floor of the palace. The receiving room was incredible. I don’t think the pictures will do it justice. The hand-painted mosaics on the wall were so intricate and


Through the door was the dining room. I’d have to count the number of place sittings in the picture again, but it was more than I can fit around my dinner table. That’s me at the end of the table. Can’t tell it’s me can you. “Pass the salt please” takes on new meaning. (Again, that's me on the far side. I think I counted 12 or 13 chairs down one side.)

Before we left we were presented with the material to make our man-jammies. You can read about that in the “Gifts” entry.
In the hallway was a portrait of one of the kings that had been assassinated by one of his sons.

We went into the cellar that I believe was once a coal cellar then used to store weapons but has been turned into a room with a small stage. Two throne-like chairs faced the stage. We were told that it was a room where small musical groups could perform for the Governor and his guests.
The bathroom, while being a typical Afghan bathroom – I’ll have to write about them sometime – actually had soap. That was something unexpected but welcome. No matter how many times you wash your hands here, there’s always that fine layer of dust and you can see the dirt being washed off your hands. It’s a pretty nasty sometimes.
Well I’ve about run out of things to tell you about the palace…oh, I almost forgot. Ken took a picture of my rear-end. And he says I’m obsessed with it. I think we all know who’s really obsessed with my rear-end, besides my wife…Ken!

6 comments:
I'm thinking that I'll make the "bum" picture my wallpaper for my computer. Either that yours or J-Lo's, I can't decide whose I like better.....
That hand in the picture looks like it is about ready to give you a spanking.
No DeAnna, the hand was not going to "spank" me. It is Wais' hand and he was trying to protect my dignity by trying to stop Ken from taking the picture.
Trooper has pointed out that the symbol for salt is actually NaCl not Na. As a result we have decided that "salt" stands for "Nice Ass, Cute Legs".
I'd have to agree with the nice ass and cute legs! That definetely fits Bob.
fighting terrorism one palace visit after another
Post a Comment