Morale, Welfare, Readiness

War is hell. Not that I would know personally -- other than random rockets and stray celebratory fire, I haven't really been in harm's way (knock on wood) -- but I can certainly imagine. To maintain morale, the military (here in conjunction with the State Department) contracts for a variety of MWR (Morale, Welfare, Readiness) facilities an programming. On the embassy compound, that means everything from yoga and dominoes, a movie theater and 24-hour gym.

This morning I received in my email inbox -- yes, by the way, I'm now the proud owner of both DoD and State email accounts -- a schedule of MWR activities for the week. Activities are centered around three areas: the pool, the gym, and the 24-hour coffeeshop/lounge in the middle of the palace. Along with swim meets and regattas (with man-size boats made of empty water bottles) in the actual pool, the space around it hosts a variety of weekly theme nights, such as karaoke Wednesdays, country Thursdays, and salsa Fridays. The area by the gym features soccer, basketball, and street hockey. And the central lounge (named "Green Bean" after the coffee chain that I'm supposed to have heard of") plays host to domino tournaments, chess matches, jujitsu, and a bunch of other things.

Some of it is a bit cheesy -- especially the full-color photo-shopped ads they use to advertise everything -- but it does lighten the mood and provide necessary stress relief.

Come to think of it, it's all part of the great Club Med Baghdad.