Merry Christmas! At our Christmas Party, we had the option to wear civilian clothes for the first time. I opted to wear my new native man-dress. I worked with a local tailor to pick the fabrics and select all of the embroidery. The guy next to me is one of our interpreters, Bill. We hire Dari and Pashtu speaking interpreters for our security forces, civil affairs team, and engineering. I'm fortunate to have the most senior interpreters due to all of the technical engineering jargon.
I bet you had to do a double take to pick me out. If not, once we get our relaxed grooming standards approved, I'm going to grow a beard and grow my hair a bit longer. As long as I don't try to talk or bathe there'll be virtually no way to tell me apart from locals. Our interpreters told me the formal man-dress I'm wearing is worthy of being worn for a marriage. Audrey, any desire to reenact an Afghan wedding? I'll even let you wear a burka.
10 comments:
Merry Christmas, Drew. We're part way through opening presents. Jake stops for about 20 minutes to play with every car, Hess truck, or bulldozer he opens, so it's taking awhile, which is fine by me. He tripped on the sidewalk 2 days ago and scraped up half of his face. Just in time for Christmas pictures!
Nice duds by the way. Very formal looking. I noticed there was a PA state flag in the background - way to represent! Somehow I doubt your interpreter's real name is "Bill", but I guess it's easier to pronounce.
Merry Christmas
Very cool outfit! You look quite handsome in it, but we could still pick you out pretty easily.
Steve's comment made me remember the Christmas you were three and got that red kiddie van. You pedalled it all around the family room and kept your favorite holiday loot in the glove box for weeks! Do you remember that? Also, it seems like your nephew takes after you, with facial injuries right before holiday pictures. Remember the stitches before breakfast with the Easter bunny? Well you be careful out there!
Love, Mom
Wow, you'll "let" me wear a birka! Sweet. You do look pretty hot- I like the colors.
Merry Christmas! We miss you. Love, Aud
Hi Drew Bear,
I wondered what you would be doing on X-mas. I guess I shouldn't be surprised. After all, you came to your rehearsal dinner in the full kilt attire! I remembered how proud I was of you- or at least I remember being at the rehearsal dinner with you. I might have said to the pastor, " he usually doesn't dress this way". Here you are again Drew. Your taste in fabric and color is almost scary- it's so good. Keep us entertained Drew B. while staying safe please. Are you sure you know what the interpreter is saying about you?
Love,
Mamma Bear
Hi Drew,
I think Anya has been on my computer!
Beth (Mamma Bear)
Hi Drew,
I think Anya has stolen my identity. It's a good thing she's related to me
This is really from Mamma Bear.
Have a safe, healthy and happy new year. Very impressed with your new outfit. You do it justice. Of course, we prefer the kilt you wore at your rehersal. A true Scot!We are very proud of you and enjoy your interesting blog. Love,
Papa Dave and Nana.
Do your friends think you're weird? I mean we're used to it, but I often wonder what they think....
Glad to see you had a Christmas party and even a tree!! We missed you. It was nice to see Audrey on Christmas day.
Happy New Year too!! Love you a lot. The girls like your silly pictures. K
Have you learned how to say "How do I look?" in Dari yet? We miss you around here!
Hi Drew! Your mom just sent me the link to this blog after I inquired as to how you were doing. I must say you are doing a fine job of getting us educated on what the culture is like and a little history of Afghanistan. AND your sense of humor is a real plus! The Man Dress is quite fetching! Keep up the good work! Stay safe and healthy!
Blessings!
Patti (D'Amico)
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