I made it. And now I'm exhausted, or maybe just drowsy with the sudafed I've been popping for the last few days (still feeling sick). There's so much new stuff to take in at once. It's overwhelming, in a sense. The people. The culture. The food. The living situation. The tight security. The news environment. The stories. I consider myself someone who adapts relatively easily to new environments, but this is crazy. I would feel much better if I had a week to sort of get a feel for what is going on. But no such luxury.
The people here are very nice, though, and the hotel room is small, but not too bad. I'll write more soon.
Chris before/after Iraq
this is the "before" photo
About Me
- Chris Collins
- Graduated Whitworth College in 2005 with B.A. in journalism and political studies. I worked at the Merced (Calif.) Sun-Star from Oct. 2005 to Oct. 2006 and now cover local government for the Fresno Bee.
9 comments:
Glad you arrived, Chris, but sorry you're still feeling sick. That's hard... overseas, one's GI tract can take a beating even if you only consume foods that are in your usual diet, but at different times (e.g. we felt awful when we only had lunch-type items offered for breakfast daily). I've been praying that you have running water in Baghdad, and it sounds like you do; I'm glad you're not in the area that's been without water for days now. Praying for all the overwhelming things.
Love, Aunt Diane
Hey Chris, sorry you're sick.
Glad to know you made it there safely.
Remember...you can blind someone w/the booklight if you need to. I should've gotten you real darts, shouldn't I?
Anyway- get better!
-Sharyn
i have to tell u about bighorn but yea i dont have time to read all ur blog cause of the work i prbbly work more hours than u how hott is it there cause its 104 here so anyway could u sumarize it in like 5 sentences amybe especiaslly the shooting
Kid Collins,
Glad to hear you’ve safely arrived. Sorry you’re feeling sick. Camilla says she wishes she could send some chicken soup through the computer. It was great to see you at the wedding before you shipped out. Thanks for the “awesome” towels! Looking forward to reading your stories and talking with you when you return to Seattle. Take care of yourself and watch out for giant badgers.
-David
Chris,
Just wanted to let you know that Heidi and I are keeping up with your blog. I don't know if you have spare moments or not dodging bullets, but if so, check out our blog. Our adoption is going through. www.greenupfamily.blogspot.com
I'm commenting from an iPhone! Totally awesome. Glad you are in B-Town safely. Watch out for camel spiders! I hear they eat journalists.
Chris,
It's hard to believe that you're immersed in this very different, interesting and intense world. I pray for your safety and health each day. Take care. Thank you for spending time recording so many details of your journey; it's possible to picture you, and the challenge and uncertainty of your surroundings.
Blessings to you--Kathy
Hey Chris,
Glad you are getting over the flu. I can't believe you are really in Baghdad! Egypt must be so cool!
Mark
Just to clear up the record...I actually know that Baghdad is in Iraq, not Egypt, but thought you could use a little humor.
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