Mr Orange Toque has been in Afghanistan for a few weeks now and has been hard at work since he hit the ground.

His day typically starts long before the sun rises with an early morning trip to Timmies (4:30 am on this particular day).

Sentry duty is a shared responsibility.

After a hard days work, MOT finally manages to head to his rack and get some sleep.  After the long days (and nights) on sentry duty, he often passes out from sheer exhaustion.

Cp at Dust My Broom

DO NOT CALL ON CHRISTMAS.

It’s Christmas Eve in Kandahar and Drew called for a short period to let me know he’s calling Christmas morning. I have caller ID and fully intend to use it. If you’re not calling from a military switchboard I’m not picking up the phone until after I’ve spoken to Drew.

I feel as giddy as a school girl. We’ll get 40 minutes to catch up on all the news and I’m looking forward to every second.

It’s like my Christmas in Manila when my parents (and Drew) called the hotel to wish me Merry Christmas. Of course my parents got through the hotel switchboard on their first attempt while Drew was told to call back later since the hotel claimed I was sleeping and hadn’t even attempted to put his call through. I guess dad’s Scottish accent was unique or impressive enough to get his call put through immediately. It was neat getting calls from back home at Christmas since I did most of the calling home when I was traveling. It was a lot cheaper for me to call from my locally sourced cell phone than for anyone at home to call my hotel.

While you’re at it, don’t call Christmas Eve either. I won’t be home.

So how is Drew spending his Christmas Eve? Why he’s heading to Timmies for a coffee of course. I’m sure he’ll enjoy every sip.

For any Broomers visiting I shout have updates (and photos) relating to Mr. Orange Toque’s activities soon. Drew has access to the Internet (finally) and will be forwarding details soon. He’ll catch up on blog reading soon and will be able to read any messages passed on in the comments.

Having sipped wine and smoked cigarettes in Paris, watched the sun rise over the Taj Mahal, and shopped in Winnipeg, MOT decided something was missing. He’d lived a life of fun-filled abandon and it was time to take the next step. MOT found friends amongst the Canadian military and decided to go along on the latest tour to Afghanistan. Who could blame him – it was this or spend another cold winter chopping wood in the wilds of Alberta.

Granted, he certainly didn’t like how the trip started. Being forced out of bed and into the cold at 5am wasn’t his idea of a good time. Then, there was lots of “hurry up and wait” time before the bus left for the airport at 9am. Enough time to get his picture taken with some of his luggage. As you can see MOT does not travel light. Many of his bags were shipped overseas separately from his “hand” luggage.

MOT and some of his luggage

Like most members of the military, MOT doesn’t know exactly when he’ll be coming home (although, he sort of knows the month) or how often he’ll have access to a computer to post updates on his adventures. He’s certain many pictures will be taken and his stories posted as soon as he can find access to the interweeb.

While he’s away, his behaviour will be carefully monitored by the men and women of 408 TacHel Sqn from Edmonton, AB. We wish him and his associates a safe trip.

C/p Dust My Broom