37 TFW (p) EXPLOSIVE ORDNANCE DISPOSAL (EOD) REPORT WITH

File: 970729_aadeo_10.txt
Page: 10
Total Pages: 14


    9 Sep 91: We departed the hotel to return to Camp Babylon. All materials had
    been destroyed as directed. We then departed for the ancient city of Babylon
    for a tour as guests of the Iraqis. A complete tour of the city which was in
    various states of its original condition and rebuilt to original form. The
    tour included site of the Tower of Babylon, Hanging Gardens and throne room
    and parade area of King Nebuchadnezzar. All very fascinating but as our RAF
    counterpart put it, you can only look at so many ancient bricks. It was well
    worth the trip. We returned to the hotel and managed to tear the right front
    fender off one slow moving Toyota pick up truck traveling in the median. He
    caught up to us down the road and cut in front of our bus. The driver of the
    bus and truck were ready to have at it when our chase vehicle with Iraqi
    security agents pinned him to his truck and politely told him to be on his
    way. While they held him down, our driver managed to get in a few shots, so
    all in all the truck driver had a bad day and I'm sure doesn't think too much
    of the omnipotence of the United Nations inspection teams. We decided then to
    do something about improving relations between the team and our host country.
    
    	In an effort to further relations between our multi-national team and
    the people of Iraq, we decided to venture forth into the cities night life for
    cultural enhancement, and as recommended by our favorite taxi driver, the ten
    person multi-national cultural exchange team proceeded to the "Embassy Club".
    Upon entering we paid our cover charge, proved we had no cameras and were very
    politely escorted to a large table on the second platform overlooking the
    stage. "Refreshments" were served at 15 Iraqi Dinars each, about $50. US at
    the official exchange rate. Assorted snacks were also served at no charge.
    Various forms of entertainment took the stage throughout the night including
    rock and roll band, a female Iraqi singing traditional songs with all the
    appropriate gyrations. A male singing traditional songs with no gyrations.
    "Employees" of the club were ever present to explain the finer points of Iraq
    music and culture in general. We departed about 0230 having pumped about 1200
    Dinars into the local economy, but having made our best effort to improve
    relations with our national hosts. 
    
    10 Sep 91:The next morning, very early, we were called to be in the lobby for
    a logo tour of Baghdad. We would conduct no further inspections. After the
    tour, the remaining time was ours to enjoy as we chose until transportation
    arrived. The remainder of the trip was spent by the pool, at the duty free
    store, in the market place (called Suk). Transportation time and date was
    uncertain.
    
    13 Sep 91: An aircraft arrived to return the team to Bahrain. The fact that
    were UNSCOM 13, had a relatively unsuccessful inspection so far as our chart
    as a ballistic missile team was concerned, and it was now Friday the 13th, and
    we had a 1300 departure time, we were no the least bit concerned. We got the
    crew to delay till 1315 to take off and then remembered the time change would
    have us landing back in Kuwait about 1300 again. However, the remainder of the
    trip was uneventful. The remainder of the trip in Bahrain was devoted to
    report writing, shopping and more cultural research by all members of the
    team.
    
    16 Sep 91: The team departed for Dharan, Saudi Arabia for fuel and food and
    promptly departed on the four hour drive to Riyadh. RON Riyadh and out brief
    ENTAF/DOSE.
    
    17 Sep 91: Return to Al Kharj. Mission complete.
    
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