I've never been so hot!

Qatar. R&R spot for deployed soldiers from Iraq and Afghanistan. Hotter than the sun! Maybe not for those coming from Iraq, but pretty stinkin' hot for those of us from Western Afghanistan. I've never actually experienced 120+ degree heat until I arrived here yesterday. Apparently it's always hazy here because of the wind and the sand. They have a really nice setup here for R&R. There is a huge MWR (Morale, Welfare, & Recreation) warehouse where they have internet, movies, libraries, and video games. There are three bars here, yes bars!

They serve BEER! I'm not talking crappy piss-water beer like Budweiser, Miller, or Coors. There's Guiness, Corona, Fosters, etc. Happy, happy, joy, joy! Unfortunately, we can only have three beers per night, and fortunately we can only have three beers a night. Last night I had three Guiness'. I was feeling loopy after just two since I haven't had alcohol in eight months. It would be too easy to go overboard. There's also a swimming pool, a Chili's, and several other American style restaurants.

My first Beer in 8 months!

After my 3rd beer in 8 months!

There are trips scheduled every day, and if I schedule it right, I could go on at least four while I'm here. I'm going shopping at the Doha markets tonight, and I'm going to the ocean tomorrow to swim. I'm looking forward to it. It's gonna be hot, and hopefully I won't get sunburned.