Hokistan Photos 1
Experience history in the making, as if your part of it
(Although, we all know that you weren't part of it, and will receive no monetary compensation)
First view of Kosovo after stepping off of the C130.
These soldiers arrived at the airstrip prior to our group. I am told they are French Foreign Legion.
French Foreign Legion again (I don't know if they allowed me to take any of their pics - I politely asked in perfect English, and they never said "no")
BlackHawk. Oh yeah, it's cool. Kelly, can I get one and keep it in the back yard??? Maybe I'll just get one and hide it from her. Hmmmmmm........
Not a fan of flying. Smiling on the outside, but now need a change of underwear. This was quite a day for a guy who doesn't like to leave the ground.
This is a road at KFOR Main, the main international base I was told. Like any good international base, immediately to my left is a barber shop, and on the second floor is a Thai masseuse who is popular per report for "happy endings."
Aerial view as we leave KFOR Main. The city surrounding the base is called Film City. It was named this because of the porno film industry that was prevalent there. There was a higher incidence then of human trafficking, where girls were kidnapped or sold by their family and put into porn/prostitution.
This is my room. Apparently, my reservations at the Hilton were lost...
Yes, I was bored
Countryside surrounding my base, Camp Bondsteel, located in the southern region of Kosovo
Me on my way to the Italian camp for dinner in northwestern Kosovo. No fear of flying in these. I was given a headset to listen in on the conversation, but they wouldn't allow me to fly. Maybe next time. As far as listening in, it was pretty cool until the engine made a funny noise and I heard "What the h$&^ll was that," "I don't know. Did something hit the propeller?" I figured, if they're not screaming, I'll just continue to enjoy my flight.
Aerial shots on my way to the Italian base. Notice the BlackHawk in the upper right. We travelled in a group. The rest of the pictures on this page are aerial shots on my way to the Italian base.
I think the name of this town is Prizmin, and is one of the larger cities in Kosovo.
Nice view of the mountains in the Italian camp.
Another nice view from inside the Italian camp. The wood building on the left is a small PX. The restaurant was like a cabin as well and very nice. I highly recommend the Calzone - cost about 3,20 Euros (about $5) and was larger than the plate.
Night Vision Goggles had to be used on the flight home. I was able to take some pics through them.