Airport

I rode out to the airport today to pick up some things, and I was struck by how different it looks from the first time I walked through the doors into Afghanistan. I guess I'm just used to being here now. We put up a big front at the airport; jump out of the car with guns ready and try to look tough while we do our business. I guess it makes sense, since there is a lot of traffic there and its a good place to spot us internationals as we come in. The real trick here seems to be letting everyone know that there are easier people to mess with than us. I have quickly become accustomed to looking over my shoulder, scanning people for threats, taking my anti-malarial dailies and always drinking bottled water. I think the differences only become apparent when, months from now, I pack up and leave this place and go back to the states. Then I'll have to learn to once again obey traffic signals and not reach for my gun all the time.