Here is a picture of an aerial shot of the base. As you can see it's very much like a small town. Things are laid for the basic life support such as water, power the DFAC and the local store (PX.) The 'lake' is a water resevoir where raw water is stored before it is processed.

Another basic commodity is ice. Ice is very important to all aspects of life here. Medical needs ice just as much as the dining facility (DFAC) needs it.





I've been here now for 12 months. In a few days will be my 1 year mark. For my 'going away' party (last year) I was given a cake by my friends. Having no idea what I was getting into, the cake was a little disturbing while of course being just plain funny (albeit dark humor.)
Everyone in his life comes to a fork where one path leads to the uncertain but potentially great adventure while the other path is generally safer and much more certain. Neither is right or wrong but simply a choice. There are many times when I wish I were back in the states in a comfortable bed or eating food that was more agreeable or not having to worry about what alarms I might hear tonight. But the life of an EXPAT is different and drawing in itself.