Arrived in Kuwait City. I’m not quite fresh or rested after the 13-hour flight. Sleep came in nods and winks. But at least I’m here. A Starbucks and Burger King in the airport lobby were a welcome sight. I’m amazed at how you can walk into a Starbucks anywhere in the world and they all have that same warm cozy feel.

We stepped out of the airport into the cool night air thick with dust. We were just in time to hear the sound of a muezzin from a nearby mosque calling for evening prayers. Our military escorts guided us quickly to their car. They seem anxious about getting us back to the airbase where we will eventually hop a military flight into Baghdad.

We headed north, I think. The lights of the city faded behind us as we drove into the dark.

At the base we handed over our passports and a copy of our orders – yes, real military orders. We were assigned a bunk and mercifully sent off to bed. I couldn’t tell much about the base in the dark. But I did manage to find the ladies’ latrine and shower trailer. Huzzah!