Soldiers work long hours. Ofter 12 or 14 hours a day, 6.5 days per week (they get Sunday mornings off).
So it’s not surprising that they occasionally want to relax a bit.
Unfortunately, there aren’t a whole lot of leisure activities on the base. Of course there’s Echo’s, the Dutch “bar” where you can get something to eat, watch tv, or play games - there are video games, board games, and even a pool table. But other than than, you’re pretty stuck.
Except for Friday night… salsa night.
Yup, you heard me, salsa night. And yes, you’re picturing it correctly - a big hanger with a bunch of soldiers, mostly in their uniforms, doing the salsa.
Of course I was curious… and when a soldier asked me if I’d join him, I eagerly agreed.
Unfortunately for him, I was more interested in watching the couples who could actually dance than listen to the instructor count one-two-three (pause) five-six-seven while my feet did all the wrong things and my hips refused to feel the beat.
I finally gave up… and got out my mic and recorder (those who can, do… those who can’t, interview those who can). I spoke to Captain Carla and Lieutenant Camille, two regulars at the salsa class. You can hear their entire interview here.
Lieutenent Camille and Captain Carla
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on May 7th, 2009 at 9:30 am
[...] For more on the Afghan bakery, watch the video on this earlier post. You can also hear more from the salsa-dancing soldiers and see pictures of them in action here. [...]