Entry #12: October 15, 2005

Wackernheim, Rhineland-Pfalz, Germany (just west of Mainz and the Rhine River)

McCully Barracks

Ah, relief. The majority of equipment has been packed. All that remains is personal gear. Now I can relax a bit. I feel like grilling out, opening up some Côte du Rhone vin rouge, and immerse myself in the goodness of life. One month to go. One single month. Guess the only thing to do is to soak it all in and enjoy life to its fullest. Savor the cool air a bit more, note the sweetness of that last grape, feel my taste buds explode with that first bite of a well seasoned and perfectly cooked steak, and relish the comforts and company of friends and family.

Speaking of relaxing, I’m trying to learn to do that when I drive. Germans think they are all in an F1 race. There is no such thing as “coasting” to them. It’s either accelerating rapidly or slamming on the brakes. Whenever I drive, I always feel like I’m the last driver out of the pit at a NASCAR race. It’s not that my car won’t go fast (it can really go when I want it to), it’s the fact that Deutschers are extremely aggressive drivers. They all need defensive driving courses and rarely will they let you over. All I do to get even is crank up a country CD, put on a cowboy hat and boots, and revel in the music. Plus, it’s a subtle reminder to them, “hey, I’m not from here, I’m only here cause you fellas lost.” Sometimes history is the best insult. Ah, ok. Back to relaxing. So the Soldier’s life continues…