walkaboutdave

Still alive and kicking...

2009-11-03T08:28:00.001-08:00

J'espère que ce message vous trouver dans la bonne humeur.

OK, so I absolutely SUCK at being a blogger. And don't suggest I start Twittering either...

Suffice it to say that since my last post, some goals were achieved, some goals failed, some goals modified, and some completely discovered to be...ah....impractical. But I have emerged from that a bit more confident on my abilities in certain realms, and will mostly certainly be challenging those skills in the near future. Most certainly, I am well in mind, spirit, and body. 3 years of this adventure has passed, and while there have been rough patches, I think I can confidently say that it has been an extremely positive experience thus far.

The biggest "news", if you will, is that I'm going on yet another mission in less than a month. And this time, "c'est la guerre". In mid-November, I will be deployed under NATO command in Afghanistan, as a combat engineer/combat medic (yes both, it just means I'll be packing a lot of kit on my back), until June 2010.

I've heard that internet access is available and possible at the FOB I'll be stationed at, but reality will be determined once I get boots on the ground. So I hope to be in touch in somewhat more of a regular basis, even if it is just short updates. Also, anybody that happens to be on Facebook and would like to be my friend (ha, that sounds funny), send me an invite if you'd like. I may not get back to you quickly, but I WILL get back to you. I do have an actual snail address available, but don't want to post it online, so if anyone is interested in mailing me an actual physical representation of their thoughts, please email me for the snail mail address (oh the irony).

Take care, be good, and eat your vegetables.

Cheers,

Dave

PS: Got a new photo album on Facebook here.

Retour au France...

2008-10-06T10:28:00.000-07:00

OK, ok, so I've been back from Kosovo for about two weeks, just been slacking a bit on the update. After getting back to France, and sort of getting back into the regular groove of base life, we were let out (more like let loose) for 3 weeks of vacation. After that, it's back to Castelnaurday, where I did my basic training. This time, it's for FSE12 AKA "stage santé", or for those not versed in the heathen language of the francaise, the medic course. Should be around 13 weeks long, and then rapidly after that, it'll be another 10 weeks based in Castelnaudary for CME1 aka "stage caporal", or the corporal course. So, I won't be back to St. Christol for about 5-6 months. Unfortunately, Castelnaudary is somehow wetter AND colder than St. Christol...and we all know how much I just adore cold weather.

As to what exactly I've been doing...well, it's kinda complicated. Basically, we got to do a little of everything. Nothing too exciting though. The reality is, Kosovo is somewhat quiet, and although violence can (and occasionally does) break out, it did not happen while we were there. Nevertheless, it was not a vacation, at least not for those of us at the bottom of the totem pole. After spending the first month up north by the Serbian border, beefing up a checkpoint, as well as a small base (well, not exactly beefing up the base defenses...there was NONE before we started), we spent some time looking for unexploded munitions in the hills. We demolished some guard bunkers at the main French base, and then spent weeks putting up new ones...I think at last count we used something like 4000 sandbags. After that, we were kept busy rebuilding a school in a Serbian enclave, just in time for the start of school...not sure the local kids were totally down with that though. And of course, they waited until we were 3 weeks out from coming back to give us our most dangerous mission, literally...we went poking around a minefield for, well...mines. Thankfully, we didn't find anything dangerous.

Best part...interacting with soldiers from other countries. Most were much better equipped than us, some were better trained, some were worse. Some seemed extremely un-professional, others just made us shake our heads. But in the end, we all had our jobs to do, and for the most part, got it done. Some of us just laughed more.

Worst part...French military in general, but especially the officers. I just cannot respect someone who does not lead by example or lead from the front. If you're incapable of leading combat soldiers, puffing your chest out and yelling and screaming just don't help you look more competent. You might be trying your hardest, but it just ain't good enough.

The Kosovar people in general are super friendly, but there seem to be an underlying sadness or resignation. There are very little infrastructure and unemployment is very high. The "country" has little to few natural resources, and although the countryside can be quite beautiful, there isn't much tourism. KFOR (the NATO task force) and UNIMIK (the UN task force) pumps a lot of money in the local economy by employing Kosovars and buying local products, but if that cashcow ever gets cut off, then the economic situation would be much worse. In addition, the market in Kosovo is quite dominated by blackmarket and/or pirated goods, and while that is ok for trying to catch the latest released movie on 3€ DVD's, I can't imagine the Kosovars making that much money off of us dudes in the camo duds.

And because pictures are worth more than some random sum of words...here's some photos from Kosovo. Some of y'all might not be able to access this link from a school or business network, as Facebook is frequently blocked...just FYI.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2005043&l=a6ef6&id=1036871611

Edit...2nd (not the same) album

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2007854&l=60e2a&id=1036871611

Cheers!

Photo album Kosovo 2008

2008-07-27T02:21:00.000-07:00

Public album on Facebook. Enjoy!

Off to another country

2008-05-23T09:38:00.000-07:00

Off on my first overseas deployment with the Legion. Don't know what exactly I'll be doing, except that I'll be kept busy.

Hope everyone has a great summer! I will update if and when I can.

(Almost) famous and that cordite smell

2008-03-15T11:41:00.000-07:00

December 2007 I spent almost 3 weeks in Paris conducting "vigipirate" patrols at the Eiffel Tower. Little did I know that I would end up in the March 2008 edition of "Kepi Blanc", the monthly magazine of the Legion. And apparently the same photo is in the March 2008 edition of the French Army monthly magazine as well. Cool experience though, no doubt about that. Now according to tradition I have to buy my section a case of beer...

Spent 2 weeks last month in the BFE of France, shooting and blowing stuff up. Managed to get some video's that y'all might enjoy...but no way as much as I did. I dialed down the quality so that it wouldn't take bloody forever to upload or download, but enjoy.

We went through (each) about 700 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition each.

Bangalore explosives, for breaching obstacles such as barbwire. BOOM!

Here's what home looked like while we were away...actually, it was just like where we were (but I forgot to take photos).

Happy Chinese New Year!

2008-02-06T13:02:00.001-08:00

Just wanted to wish everyone a great Chinese New Year! Gong shi fa tsai!
Those turning 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72 (?!?)...it's YOUR year! Just watch out for them cats.

Dave

I must have multiplied

2008-01-19T17:45:00.001-08:00

OK, there seems to be about a million Dave/David Chen's on facebook. But the link is up, and hopefully some content sooner rather than later.

Cheers.

Yup...still alive and kicking

2008-01-12T09:51:00.001-08:00

So it's been a little while since my last update. The last 5 months have passed in a blur. Sometimes the day passes like a leaf in the wind, other times it's weighed down like an anvil in a forge. So what exactly has been occupying my time during this time? Well...2 weeks in August climbing mountains, getting the brevet for basic mountain alpinism. 2 weeks in September back at Castelnaudary learning to drive a truck like this . 1 week at Valdahon doing combat training, then 2 weeks at CENTAC (Centre d'entraînement au combat) playing war in October. Followed by another 2 weeks at CENZUB playing war again, but this time in an urban setting in November. After that, cleaning all the gear we used the previous 2 months. Trust me, they got used. Spent 2.5 weeks in December guarding the Eiffel Tower, finally got back the 28^th of December, and then finally had a break from the 29^th to the 9^th of January. Somewhere in there we had a military parade for St. Barbe, the patron saint of combat engineers (I had NO idea), which meant having to practice marching, singing, and all that fun stuff. I would have thought the Legion embraced St. Jude more than anyone else.

Climbing mountains was fun. We don't remember how many we climbed, and how high...nothing too epic, probably about 3500m maximum (11,500ft or so), including one where one side was France and the other Italy. The course for driving trucks was tough...first I haven't driven in a while, two the roads here are much narrower, the signs are different...and the truck had EIGHT speeds! I thought I had failed the course, but somehow managed to pass. The combat training was also quite...entertaining, although that doesn't quite describe the visceral experience. The living in a VAB for 4 days straight at CENTAC and CENZUB was not. It's kinda cramped in there, and not exactly well ventilated. After 4 days it was a total mess in there, and me usually being the low man on the totem pole, guess who got the privilege of cleaning it? I did get the chance at CENZUB to cart around a AT4 anti-tank rocket launcher in addition to the assault rifle. I'm proud to say I took part in the ambush and destruction (simulated, of course) of 3 "enemy" tanks. It's always the little guy that gets the big guns for some reason...never figured why that is. Guarding the Eiffel Tower was fun, and honestly pretty relaxed. All we did was walk around the Eiffel Tower with our rifles, and every once in a while point out where the restroom was for the tourists (for future reference, it is behind the EAST leg, open from 1030-2030). More of a deterrence thing then anything else, and photo ops for the tourists. By sheer chance (or karma), my group ended up spending Christmas Eve and Christmas Day on patrol. Nope, Santa hats were not authorized attire for those days unfortunately. Something about it being "not reglementaire". Whatever. Spent New Year's Eve in Amsterdam with 2 fellow legionnaires. We were good (really mom!), didn't do anything too crazy or wild. Passed the night in an Aussie bar-turned-disco...definitely something to remember. Most assured, I will be returning there to explore Holland some more. Beautiful country, and extremely friendly people, and it seems like they all speak English (and very well, I might add). Spent the last week in Paris just louging around, finally did go to the Louvre and had a great time exploring Paris with 3 lovely ladies who are on vacation in France, and exploring parts of Paris as well. Can't complain about that.

Good times.

2008 promises to be just as busy as the latter months of 2007. I won't do anything silly like promising to update the blog or send out updates more often, but I will try. Don't know where I'll be going or what I'll be doing in any particular detail yet, and things usually change on the fly anyways. But rest assured I'll keep my head down and always checking my six, and hope that y'all do the same.

Oh yeah, before I forget...I'm trying to get on Facebook. Just encountering some difficulties on getting regular Internet access. Check for a link on my blog soon (within the next...2 months?)

All y'all take care now, ya hear?!?

These are probably NOT the only photos of me floating around on web with a gun at the Eiffel Tower. Plenty of Japanese tourists with cameras at the Eiffel Tower...can you imagine a camera the size of a credit card with 10x zoom and a super-bright flash?

Finally...another update!

2007-08-12T03:10:00.001-07:00

Hello, my name is Dave. And I'm a junkie. But in a good way.

Last month I took the TGV from Marseille to Paris, in order to watch the 2007 Tour de France finish on the Champ Elyéese. As I watched the péloton roar by, I was struck by fast they were moving. I mean, I had raced my bicycle on and off for over 10 years, but this was the first time I had ever really "been there" at the tip of the spear professional level, up close and personal. Let me tell you, I was getting goose bumps. Sure, I get goose bumps when I get cold...but not these full-body tingle, eye-twitching, dangerously viral, somebody gimme some Prozac, holy €3§* goose bumps like I was experiencing. If you have never had that type, I sincerely hope you're immune, because otherwise you're probably prone to doing silly things. Like riding a motorcycle on the street, riding a bicycle at faster than the posted speed limit, driving your car at more than double the posted speed limit, sea kayaking when boats stay in the harbor, joining the French Foreign Legion...the list goes on and on.

Ever since I've been here in France, I have been asked "why?" by other Legionnaires, as well as the odd civilian. And while there are a myriad of logical reasons...the bottom line, as I closely as I can figured out, is that "I don't know!". But I'm starting to realize that I seem to always be searching for the next "high"...and while experiencing it vicariously by watching others do wild and wacky stuff is a viable substitution in the short-term, there's nothing better than the real thing. Again, it makes no sense logically...it's not like I'm going to earn a living doing it (well, I guess I am right now, sort of), or even attract the opposite gender (unless chicks really dig scars...which in my experience is not true). But standing on top of the Eiffel Tower and wondering where I can get one of those cool flying suits as I'm looking down at the Seine, is from what I can gather, not a normal touristic response to the view. Maybe that's why I still haven't gone to the Louvre...I just don't think I'd enjoy it. Too static, not enough interaction.

I don't think I'm crazy. I know I'm not unique. Most of the English-speakers in the Legion are similar...for example, 100% of the ones I've met has ridden or owned at least one motorcycle. Any other correlations I leave for sociologists to figure out. Perhaps there really is no particular reason or conclusion to this post, just my one tiny little corner of the blogsphere. But maybe, just maybe one of y'all will read it, and try something that you've always wanted to.

There's a gentleman, and a great writer, who wrote this article "Vitamin X" which much more eloquently talks about this subject. Be aware though...once you try it, your life may never the same.

And that's a good thing.

Salut!

2007-05-28T09:28:00.000-07:00

Happy Memorial Day everyone. Thank a veteran today!

Congratulations to everyone who's graduated/graduating from their academic institutions. Especially those graduating from high school...I still can't believe some of y'all are actually going to be HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES! I'm proud of all y'all, and keep up the good work, wherever life takes you next. Send me an email (see the contact page) and let me know what your plans are or post a comment on the blog.

I know it's been a little while since I sent out an email and/or update the blog...been kinda busy with the CP04 combat engineering course (all that's left are the tests this week) as well as the MINEX1 mine/ordnance disposal course. It was almost exactly a year ago when I was up in Wyoming taking the Wilderness EMT course, and I would not have thought I'd have my brain so thoroughly challenged a year later in the Legion. The modern Legion is not just brawn, it's also quite a bit of brains too.

It seems that newspaper writers randomly write about the French Foreign Legion. Not quite sure what the impetus was for this article, but it's actually pretty accurate, unlike some other articles I'v had read.

Article at the Washington Post

It does have one small mistake though...it's 14 creases, either 3.5cm width or 5.3cm width, dependant on the location. And the first time took a lot longer than 3-4 hours, mainly because it was only the second time I had ever used an iron in my life (to iron a shirt, that is). Showing up with only 13 creases would be bad thing, trust me.

The Eagle Has Landed OR I've got a chicken on my shirt

2007-04-13T09:44:00.000-07:00

Day 1 – Tuesday, March 27^th, 2007

So here I am, in the ski town of Valloire for the BSM course. The 2REG runs a mountain outpost here, both for ski as well as for climbing. During the 7 hour bus ride, we stopped a couple times to stretch our legs and buy some snacks at roadside rest stations. The looks we got were rather entertaining, as we're in our tenue de combat, kepi's, and carrying our FAMAS assault rifle on our backs...probably not something most motorists or tourists expect to see, even in France. The town itself is near the Col du Galibier and Col Telegraphé, two mountain tops that I'm sure my cycling and triathlon friends recognize. Kinda cool to know I'm on some of the same roads that the Tour de France has and will pass on. No skiing today, just getting the ski boots and ski's adjusted, as well as settling into our rooms. Tomorrow I will be surrounded by white powder.

Day 4 – Friday, March 30^th, 2007

The last three days have been a blur of activity. The result:...OK, I can ski...barely. I definitely do not have "mad skillz". And while I did make it all the down the mountain today without crashing too many times, there were definitely some "oh §"!*" moments. And ascending the mountain with climbing skins...definitely another skill I will need to develope some more. I believe the term in English is telemark skiing...and it's hard work with a 25lb backpack (they're taking it easy on us, seeing how it's the first week and all). And while I have no doubt that I will improve, it's always a bit tough starting out; especially when there's a language barrier of sorts. I'm quite sure I'm missing some of the technical . And it's not just skiing we're doing. We also went over transport of material and/or wounded in a sleigh, as well as searching for avalanche victims with a transmitter/receiver. Oh yeah, it's snowing right now...and the rumor is tomorrow we sleep outdoors, something about an igloo?!? Good times.

Day 5 – Saturday, March 31^st, 2007

After ascending with the climbing skins about 600 meters vertical, we took the ski lift to almost the top of one of the nearby peaks for our "cours neige" (course snow). Today's topic is construction of an igloo. As you can see in the pictures, it turned out pretty well. Amazingly, it was also quite warm inside, especially with 12 people crammed into a sleeping area for 3-4 people. Highly recommended for your next foray into the high country...just be warned, it is a lot of work. And yes, the Eskimo igloo is different...they use ice/snow blocks and therefore their structure is a lot firmer. And this being the Foreign Legion, where we're never do things the easy way, we took the closed ski trail down the mountain. At least when I fell, the often knee-deep or hip-deep snow is quite soft. All in all; it's been quite a week. I'm exhausted, but we get to sleep in until 0715 tomorrow, and have permission to go into town in the afternoon for a bit. Always good to have a little break.

Day 6 – Sunday, April 1^st, 2007

So I go into a bar here in town this afternoon, go up to the bar and order a beer (in French) for my friend, and the girl behind the bar replies (in English), "Anything else?" Huh? Turns out it wasn't just because my French is laced with a heavy English-speaker accent (which it is), but because the girl doesn't really speak much French either. The bar and the adjoining hotel is owned by Englishmen, and most if not all the employees are English, and as we observed and listened to the guests going in and out...pretty much all the guests are English speakers as well. Well, at least they're English...there was a group from Newcastle, whose spoken English even my English friend couldn't quite figure out all the time. And then there were the Scottish and Irish guests...I think they were speaking English, but I have NO idea. I keep running into English people here in France, which on the surface isn't that surprising; but the look on their face when they hear me speak English still amuses me every time. And I find myself starting to pick up slightly the English "accent" and phrases due to my English friend...so I just might end up speaking English with a mix of British and American/Texan accent, French with an American accent, Chinese also with a slight American accent, plus probably Russian or Polish or something with a French accent.

Day 8 – Tuesday, April 3^rd, 2007

Monday was a big challenge. After spending all day on the slopes (including level "red" slopes, which is just one level below the "black" slopes, which is highest here...I'm assuming it's like the "black diamond" slopes I heard before...can someone clarify?) working on skiing skills, at the end of the day the whole BSM crew climbed up to the top of one of the peaks at 2543m, of course with our backpacks (still at 25lbs or so!). After consuming our cold (ha!) rations, we waited around for the sun to go down. Yup...we skied down the mountain at night. It was quite exhilarating, not to mention at times quite disorienting, as the moon wasn't exactly bright. Not knowing where the sides of the trail is was also quite disconcerting, especially beyond was often a vertical drop. I managed to make it down without any incidents, which I attribute to both luck as well as my improving skills. Today we climbed 450 vertical meters to about 2500m, after hitching a ride/getting towed up some of the slope behind a Legion support tracked vehicle..like water skiing, but on snow. Worked on our shooting today on skies, standing, on one and two knees, as well as prone. At 2500m the air is a bit thinner compared to sea-level, so the ballistic qualities of the bullets are different. Being mountain troops, we have to learn and practice how to compensate for that, in addition to having to adjust to the frequently faster winds, the fact we frequently have to shoot up or down a slope, and the visually-disorienting all-white background. Never mind that the regiment is deployed to Africa on more missions than anywhere else. But it's always fun to shoot. And of course we skied down after shooting, being especially carefully not crash; not because the FAMAS assault rifle is fragile, but because landing on a hard metal and plastic object with some sharp edges isn't exactly fun.

Day 9 – Wednesday, April 4^th, 2007

A pretty relaxed day...if you can count skiing in loose powder and 15-20m visibility as relaxing. At least we only skied until 1330, after which it was back to the chalet for a hot lunch and to prepare our backpacks for spending all of Thursday and Friday outdoors. Ah yes...living out of a backpack in the snow. More good times.

Day 12 – Saturday, April 7^th, 2007

It's a good thing I'm not claustrophobic, as the construction and sleeping in an igloo involves being in very small, tight spaces. With four people inside, and the temperature outside at -10°C, it was downright cozy, and even a bit too warm for me in my sleeping bag. When I woke up on Friday morning, my only complaint was that I had toToday we scouted the course for the BSM test on Monday. Together we ascended about 1200 vertical meters on snow, ice, and even rocks with ski's, and then a short and fast descent of about 20 minutes, it was back to the chalet. Very satisfying to and confidence-building, although it will still be a bit difficult on Monday for the actual test.

Day 14 – Monday, April 9^th, 2007

An early wakeup at 0430, getting all the gear ready and eating a hearty breakfast, and started the BSM test at about 0710. A litttle under3 hours later, it was finished. And despite the quivering quadriceps and blood (I face-planted on the descent), I was well under the time-limit of 3 hours and 45 minutes. A quick weigh-in at the finish made sure our backpacks were definitely over the minimum weight (I was at only about 35lbs, including water and a FAMAS assault rifle...not too heavy really). The scouting we did on Saturday was definitely well worth it, as I was able to pace my efforts. Sometime later today we're supposed to have a ceremony where the captain of the compagnie will pin our BSM badge on our uniforms. I also realized also that besides the parachutists in the 2REP, no other brand-spankin' new legionnaires in ANY of the other mainland France combat regiments (2REI, 1REG, 1REC) undergo any specialists training like we just did. Definitely something I will wear with pride.

Day 15 – Tuesday, April 10^th, 2007

We got to sleep in until 0445 today, and then climbed another 1200-1300m today...but the fat lady has sung, and the BSM course is definitely over. We went up to the Pont des Ratissieres, which at 2865m is about 200m higher than the Col du Galibiér. It was definitely hard work today, but a good ending for the course. It was definitely a side of the French Alps that most people don't get to see.

Day 16 – Wednesday, April 11^th; 2007

A simple (and thankfully very fast) ceremony today for the officers to pin the brévet ski militairé onto our uniforms, after which we celebrated with a nice lunch. We were also informed that after our CP04 combat engineering course (which starts on April 23^rd and finishes 4 weeks later) and MINEX course, we will be returning to Vallorie for the BAM (brévet alpinism militairé) course. After which we would be fully-certified (hah! Certifiable is more like it) as mountain-qualified combat engineers. It's a lot of training packed into a relatively short amount of time, but at least the excitement will never stop.

Photos below:

Do I look like I gained weight? Must be all the clothing I'm wearing!

Where are we going?

We're going THAT way?

Contact a gauche! (Contact left!)

http://video.tinypic.com/player.php?v=44g2c0w

Yup, I'm freezing. The smile is faked for you viewers. Trust me.

Before and after the BSM test.

There be some tired legionnaires there.

Me with my good Brazilian friend Socrates...yes, as in the Greek philosopher. How I got stuck with "Chin" I'll never know.

My eyes are normally not that slanty...it was BRIGHT that day!

I've ALWAYS wanted to wear a ski-mask in a menacing manner. This was the most menacing I could pull-off without laughing.

Brevet ski militaire...Brrrr!!!

2007-03-26T10:24:00.000-07:00

Happy early April Fool's Day!

Hard to believe it's almost been exactly a year since I left my cushy (hah!) job at Desert Thunder and started on a path that's led me to where I am right now. I start my BSM (Brévet Ski Militaire) qualification soon, and right after that I start my CP04 (Combat Engineering) qualifications, and right after that I undergo another week of MINEX (things that go BOOM!) certification. In all, about 2 months of probably pretty intensive training both physically and mentally. I don't know how often or how much I'll be able to get online, or even have QL (Quartiér Libére – permission to leave the base), so I apologize in advance if you email and I don't answer right away.

The last couple of weeks have been really good for the morale. I have improved my fitness quite a bit here, as we run quite a bit, along with plenty of other physical exercises. I'm not the fastest, fittest, or strongest, but I am pretty well balanced. I am aiming to finish in the top 10 in my training section, maybe even the top 5 depending on the skiing goes, and thus enhancing my chances later on being selected for "stagés", or specialist courses. There are some pretty amazing athletes here; we have a sargent who can climb the 6 meter rope upside down, in addition to descending upside down. There's a caporal-chef with 16 years of service...I always listen carefully and try to remember everything he says; as they say, he's been "around the block" quite a few times.

I will definitely have pictures after. In the mean time, I hope everyone back in Arizona and Texas is enjoying the great spring (read: WARM) weather.

Training has begun...plus some photos

2007-03-10T10:16:00.000-08:00

The training has started...this week we were introduced to some of the other "tools" we will be utilizing. The ANF1 7.62mm machine gun, the M2 12.7mm machine gun, PA MAC 50 9mm pistol, and the LRAC 89mm anti-tank rocket launcher. Plus, since we're in the business of blowing things up, an introductory course on explosives; plastique (it's like Play-Doh!), TNT, detonators, detonation cord, etc.. AND also an introductory course on vehicles that the regiment uses, from the VAB (4-wheeled lightly armored transport) to P4 (French Jeep...pronounced Pee-Kart. It took a little while for the internal laughter to die down). Plenty more to follow, PLUS the CCL company song "Contre Les Viets" AND the 2eme REG song "Rien N'Empeche". Rien = nothing, empeche = impedes; I'll le y'all figure out the meaning. I do have to admit that marching while singing is pretty cool, when done well. The Legion marches and sings at a very slow cadence compared with other armies (88 steps/min vs. 120 or more) traditionally, to show respect and solemnity for our departed comrades. Not quite like the singing you see in "Full Metal Jacket".

Update on the address, apparently this is the correct FRENCH way of writing it:

Legionnaire Chin Yi
CCL, Section Instruction
2eme Regiment Etranger de Genie
Quartier Marechal Koenig
84390 Saint-Christol
France

Never mind the silly accents on some of the letters. Since I'm on a French keyboard, it's actually pretty easy. But I still don't bother. Legion Française...it's definitely NOT normal Française. A lot of people have replied expressing their surprise that I've picked up French so quickly. Let me explain a bit better...I can communicate well enough in the Foreign Legion. The French spoken here is an evolution (or de-evolution) of civilian French, and spoken by foreigners, therefore when I go outside (like last weekend in Marseille), I frequently could not understand as much as I do with legionnaires. Plus there's a specific accent and speech pattern unique to Marseille. The additional motivation of doing less push-up's or squats or marché canard is quite strong; call it a survival instinct if you will.

I forgot to mention last time...I got my military driving permit, along with a civilian endorsement; which means I can drive in all of France! I took a driving test in Castelnaudary my 2^nd to last week there, and although I had some problem with roundabouts/traffic circles the 1^st time on the test circuit, I passed. Not quite sure on why exactly I have a licence, since I'm not allowed to own a car until after 5 years of service, and I don't want to be the chauffeur for an officer. Now if only the Legion lets me take the motorcycle test or course...

Some pictures for your viewing pleasure.

My kepi blanc, with my epaulettes de tradition, ceinturon bleu, cravate vert, and the 2 good luck charms my cousin Elaine sent me. Legion colors are green and red...the colors of Christmas. The epaulettes de tradition and ceinturon bleu are used on our guard dress uniforms. The kepi blanc is sacred to the legionnaire...NEVER touch the white part, and NEVER touch a legionnaire's kepi without asking for permission first.

Me in front of my home for the next 3 months. Yup, the words are in French. This partly explains why I picked up French quickly.

Some photos of photos from my kepi blanc "ceremony", when I officially became a legionnaire.

Finally an update!

2007-03-06T10:10:00.000-08:00

Finally got the time to update the blog a bit. Here's the email I sent out recently to friends and family, will try to add pics soon.
***

Bonjour from 925m above sea-level, at the base for the 2e Regiment Etranger de Genie (the 2nd Foreign Engineering Regiment). Slight change in my snail mail address from my previous email, it's actually:

Legionnaire Chin Yi

2e REG - CCL, Section D'Instruction

Caserne Marechal Koenig

St. Christol, France

84390

Some info on what's happening in my life...I'm scheduled to be in the instruction section until early/mid June, a bit longer than normal because some of the training staff and legionnaires will be doing vigipirate/anti-terrorism patrols at a major city in France for 3 weeks, and also because the combat company I will be assigned to is currently overseas on a mission, and won't be back until then. I'm scheduled for military skiing and alpinism qualifications and CP04 (combat engineering) qualification. It's going to be a full schedule of classes, in addition to all the physical activity the 2REG likes to do. I have been told because of my swimming ability, I may have the chance to be trained additionally as a combat swimmer/diver, although that probably won't happen for at least 1-2 years, after I get some operational experience. Don't know about that in any certainty, as the specialty path I've asked for from the beginning is training as a medic. Medics trained for combat are always needed, and as Legion engineers are practically always on a mission somewhere, it may give me more opportunity for missions overseas.

I'm doing well...and my French has improved quite a bit. I'm currently at French level 3, where level 5 is the max (native French speaker). I think I started at level -1. At least I haven't gotten in too much trouble in the last month due to my misunderstanding my orders in French...which is always good. I'm hoping to be at level 4 by the end of my first year in October. Punishment in the Legion ranges from physical activity (push-up's, pull-up's, etc.), extra corvée (chores), to jail for serious offences. And while technically getting punched/kicked is no longer allowed, let's just say that when someone shows up with a black eye or bruises, the reason is usually that they fell down the stairs or ran into the door.

As the 2REG trains pretty hard during the week, at 6pm the workday ends, and even a lower-level legionnaire such as myself can usually do whatever we want, even go to bed early. The work week ends at 3pm on Friday, and as long as we're back on base for roll-call at 5:50am on Monday, we have the weekend free. I spent most of this weekend in Marseille, in a part next to the Mediterranean Sea called Malmosque just 2-3km from Vieux Port, in a hotel operated by the Foreign Legion for legionnaires, with a comrade from basic training. The crazy thing is that when we got up on Saturday, there was an additionally legionnaire in the room (there are 3 beds) who came in the middle of the night, and his French had an American accent. And sure enough, he's American, been in the Legion for about 2.5 years...and he graduated from Arizona State University! It's truly a small world. Currently I'm sitting at a net cafe in Avignon, killing time until the regiment bus comes here to take us back to St. Christol. It's been a good weekend, I had to opportunity to buy a laptop computer, digital camera, cell phone (although international phone calls are quite expensive, so I will continue to call using public phones and phone cards), and some necessities. But the main thing was the semblance of normality...interacting with civilians, eating at restaurants, etc..Don't know where I'll go next weekend yet, maybe Lyon or Paris...really no idea right now. Pictures and more stories coming soon I hope...the next 3 months promises to be quite busy, but I'll try to get online as much as I can.

Hope everyone had as good of a weekend as I did.

Take care,

Dave

Je sui une legionnaire

2006-12-17T10:15:00.000-08:00

OK, my French still sucks. But I just wanted to quickly update my blog. I am in my 2nd month of basic training in the French Foreign Legion, and all is well. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all, and please leave some comments or email me so I know there's another world outside of here.

Beaucoup love from Castelnaudary, France.

Path of most resistance

2006-10-12T00:00:00.000-07:00

(Actually currently Dimanche 15 Octobre 2006, 1230)

As a child, I read these books called "Choose Your Own Adventure". While it was obvious most of the time as to which action to choose, sometimes it was not.

And even though my personal journey is far from complete, I am choosing an action that may seem illogical, and ill-advised. It may also seem impulsive, but it is not.

I am not running from anyone or anything. I am choosing to try something that people only daydream about. There are absolutely no guarantees I will succeed, and there will definitely be good times and bad times even if I do. But at the end, I can look at myself in the mirror and know that I didn't do the easy way.

Choose your own adventure, indeed.

Legio Patria Nostra.

Exquisitely sublime...

2006-10-11T01:04:00.000-07:00

There were times at Kaewsamrit Muay Thai when I asked myself why I was placing myself in such pain and discomfort. Why as a "tourist" and not a professional fighter, hell...not even a gifted amateur, I was training like I was getting ready for a fight.

Because it was worth every stinking, sweating, aching moment. There's something that just transcends physical discomfort, and makes the whole experience sublime. I have experienced it in swimming and cycling, but never as a boxer. To try to put it into words seems to cheapen the experience...so I'll leave it at that.

My friends and family...do try to challenge yourself, and not just physically, in every way and at every opportunity.

Arete.

I am off to France on Emirates Airline this Friday at 0230. Next update will be whenever I can figure out the French keyboard.

Muay Thai "mini-camp" in Bangkok

2006-10-04T05:25:00.000-07:00

So I decided to check myself into a Muay Thai camp. It's like a mental asylum, except with more sweat. 0600-0900 training in the morning, followed by breakfast/lunch, then another session in the afternoon from 1500-1800. I don't even know about this point if I'll be able to last the 6 days of training that I've committed to.

IF I can handle the stress load, I think I'll get myself to a pretty good fitness level. Not to mention just have the opportunity to just train and not worry about anything else, which I've always enjoyed. Probably have some new bruises. Definitely some new friends. And most definitely an appreciation for a new and higher level of PAIN.

Peace!

2006-09-24T20:49:00.000-07:00

So this coup d'etat turned out to be rather boring. Not a whole lot of excitement. For the sake of the Thai people and country, I'm glad it was accomplished without bloodshed. But as an adventure-craving goofball, I do feel somewhat (albeit conflicted) disappointed.

Congrats to BC and JC on the new addition to their family.

Word.

COUP D'ETAT

2006-09-19T20:19:00.000-07:00

Surreal. Even though I know that 5-6km away armored vehicles and troops festooned with weaponery surround government buildings, it doesn't seem any different where I am in Bangkok. Another new experience for me. Not quite what I

Seems to be an unofficial holiday today. Very few people on the road, whether on wheels or on foot, much less than usual. In general, the Thai's I've encountered seemed to be subdued.

It's very quiet.

Too quiet.

1 Month

2006-09-16T01:23:00.000-07:00

Hard to believe it's already been a month, but also hard to believe it's only been a month.

Waiting on some paperwork to clear up so I can venture forth. In the mean time, I'm trying to keep myself entertained with a bout of tummy trouble. While it sucks, there's no way I'm going to let a bit of intestinal discomfort get in the way of tasting culinary treats and delights.

Currently awaiting developments for the next part(s) of my journey.

Waiting sucks, but what can you do?

Read this.

Then read this.

Now THIS is a wheelie.
Big weekend for MotoGP in Australia. American Nicky Hayden, currently the World Championship points leader, wins pole today. Watching all these Thai's ride around on their 125cc motor-scooters in Bangkok...they've gotta watch MotoGP. Rossi 3rd...it's going to be a good race tomorrow.

Pondering the rain in Bangkok

2006-09-11T23:50:00.000-07:00

A big congratulations (and about freakin' time!) to my friends "ES" and "AS" on their engagement. They are very good friends, and great people...I wish them the best in their future together.

It's raining in Bangkok. Feels good, and doesn't make the city feel dreary at all. In fact, the rain seems to shine everything up a bit. Not a bad thing in my estimation.

I went to the Bangkok Fight Club last night. First rule is...I'm not allowed to talk about it. Second rule is...just follow the link already.

I thoroughly enjoyed my experiences at The Inn Crowd hostel in Singapore. Clean, good location (meaning easy access to mass transit and food), and a great staff. One of the best parts about traveling is meeting people from other places, and talking with them about their lives and experiences. Singaporeans (duh), Japanese, Chinese, Brits, Yanks, Aussies, Irish, Germans, Austrians, Australians, Norweigians, and other assorted fellow travelers sharing their tales, ice cream, snacks, and drinks. If any of y'all ever plan on traveling to Singapore, I'd suggest staying there. Much easier to meet people than the sterile environments you tend to find at hotels and other more, um..."upper-end" establishments.

Go #46 Il dottore! Go! ! ! ! ! ! !

Need to go find some books to read. Anybody have any recommendations?

Back from Singapore

2006-09-06T01:31:00.000-07:00

My mistaken impression of Singapore was that of a modern and vibrant city, but perhaps a bit sterile...oh how wrong I was.

Singapore is indeed modern and vibrant, but it is such a melting pot of cultures and people, it's far from sterile. Highly recommended...for such a small place, it has a vast array of options in dining, cultural experiences, accomodations, and entertainment. And shoppping, it was astonishing how many malls and markets they managed to fit onto the island. But before I sound like a marketing brochure...

The "English" most Singaporeans' speak is horrendous. Total inconsistent pronunciations and annunciations. I simply could not understand it most of the time, especially when there were no context clues. Baffling...and I had thought due to its English-influenced (as in the UK) history, the Singaporeans' "Singlish" (as they call it) would be more inline with the "Queen's English." Oh how wrong I was...again. You'd think I'd know better by now.

For pure entertainment value...here's a conversation I had while dining at a hawker food court:

man: "You wanta finished not eating." (note the absence of a question mark)
me: "Huh?" (as I was standing up to get more chili sauce from a stall 10ft away)
me: "I'm not done eating yet. Please do not clear my dishes away." (walking away)
man: "You donna." (starting clearing away my not even 25% completed dinner)
me: "Whoa partner! I'm just getting some chili sauce" (my Texan friends would be proud)
man: (continues loading my plates onto his tray without pause)

Thankfully at this point someone nearby translated for the gentleman what I said (I think), and he left my food alone. So despite English being the lingua franca of Singapore, I was usually better off pointing and grunting, or speaking Chinese. Good times.

Tropical jungle in the middle of Singapore - MacRitchie Reservoir. You can see skyscrapers in the background. Pretty dense foliage...you can almost imagine not being in the middle of 4 millions people in 270 square miles. Almost...

Pulau (or Pilau) Ubin, a small (3.9 sq mi) island on the NE end of Singapore. Just across the narrow straits is Malaysia. This pic was taken from a tiny, deserted beach on the north end of the island.

And 2 action pics from fights at the Lumpini Muay Thai Stadium in Bangkok, prior to going to Singapore. I miss training Muay Thai.

I had these two seafood "items" in Pattaya, also prior to going to Singapore...can someone identify them? I think the top one is called "slipper lobster", but I have no idea on the second one. Whatever they were...they were delicious.

Dave in Singapore

2006-08-30T06:05:00.000-07:00

Currently in Singapore, scheduled to be here until next Monday. And of course my Finn Air flight was still in Helsinki when I arrived at the airport, as a matter of fact...that plane may not have even arrived in Bangkok yet due to some "technical difficulties". Thought that only happens with television programming. Thankfully I was rebooked on a Swiss Air flight right away. And to add to that...the day I get to Singapore it's raining.

Could be worse I guess...at least I found my hostel pretty easily. Off to do some exploring of Singapore tomorrow.

Dave in Bangkok

2006-08-22T20:27:00.000-07:00

I find that I'm really not a good tourist.

I don't especially like taking pictures, and I really don't like sight-seeing. Go figure. I just like being there and chilling.

Walking around Bangkok has been fun though. Confusing traffic patterns, unfamiliar streets = LOST. I think I've walked more in the past 5 days than I have in the past year.

Did get to have some fruit I've never had before (see pic above)...dragon fruit. It's kinda like a kiwi in texture, but with bright red or white flesh. Or maybe I like it just because I was born in the year of the Dragon. But it is really good...ok, I'm drooling now.