Before I travel, I always try to find lists of things to take with me–and I forget hat works well. But, so far here are my top three gadgets for travel to Iraq.
1. iPod.
Ok, some would think that this is an incredibly obvious choice for any trip. It is huge for Iraq. First, you can bring your tunes with you and/or your movies. But, this little tool can fit in various cargo pockets and gear. It is usefull for bus trips and naps on the cot. By the way, it is a great way to block out the noise of the tent. Seocnd, it is personal. You build the database. You choose the music. It is yours. We share eveything out here–sonmetimes we don’t even know it. But, entertainment is shared more times than not. If you are in a room and someone is playing there music–you hear it whether you like it or not. An ipod provided your music–personalized.
2. Portable DVD player.Â
What else are you going to do for 15 months? I saw these on my first trip–I wanted one, but didn’t want to commit. A week before I left Baumholder, Monica encouraged me to go ahead and get it–and I have loved it. It is personal. It is small enough to be stored and retrieved with ease. The battery power is strong enough to last for a while. It is just great for entertainment. I’ve actually used this more than anything–just because I can sit on my cot and watch a movie everynight and during my down time. Good buy.
3. Sony eBook Reader.
This has been great. When I’m not watching movies, or talking to people, I am reading. This is a great tool to take an entire library of material with me, wherever I go. I can carry a variety of books and genres, as well as research resources–all in the size of a very thin paperback. The battery power is good–a little issue wih the lighting, it has none so you have to use a lamp if you are going to read in lower light areas. So deal with it and get a lamp. But it has been very usefull.Â
So, if you are preparing for a vacation to the Iraqi Desert, or know somebody that it–these are good products to help you along the way.Â