In Search of Food Diversity

Just another day in paradise. Ironically, the marshland intersection of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers here in Iraq is supposed to be the site of paradise: specifically, the Garden of Eden. Apparently, Saddam directed many water redirection projects from that area after the indigenous people tried to rise up against him after the first Gulf war, and he essentially ruined the area. The UN called it "one of the world's greatest environmental disasters." Recently, a U.S. State Department project called Eden Again has made great gains in restoring the area. I'm still not sure I'd want to live there, but it's home for someone, and I'm glad we were able to undo some of the damage done by the former regime. In the much dryer areas north of Baghdad, it's not quite as lovely. After deciding that the repetitive food was not appetizing for dinner, a friend and I set out to visit one of the other DFACs today. There are actually four on base, but one of them is on the other side and takes a while to get to, leaving us three real choices. Each is unique. DFAC-1 is the biggest and seems to have the most choices. DFAC-2 is closest to where I work and live, but it is also the most repetitive and bland. DFAC-3 was where we walked for dinner, and I scored with some unique offerings, specifically lasagna and a strawberry smoothie. Definitely a good change of pace. On the way back we stopped at the PX to purchase steaks. All us Navy guys and the civilian contractors who work with the equipment we're trained on are going to have a barbecue. The PX sells frozen meat, so it takes a bit of planning to make sure you're ready. We got a nice deal on a pair of ribeye steaks, so tomorrow the DFAC will just be our source for condiments. I think they'll still charge us (or the taxpayers) the alleged $30 per plate charge for stepping in the door. Off to call home and get permission for other shopping splurges I identified. Wish me luck...