Mosul is a large city with a population of over 3 million people. ... The Tigris River passes through its center, creating a natural separation for the diverse ethnic groups. ... The climate is surprisingly mild considering all the horror stories we heard about the heat. During the summer the temperature does get into the hundreds. ... Another surprise has been the amount of vegetation. Pine groves, fruit trees and other deciduous foliage provide some much needed shade from time to time. As you move away from the river the plant life diminishes into desert sand and rocks. ...
For the American soldier it really isn't that terrible, but at the same time it sucks. ... If you understand the last statement you have probably been deployed or sent somewhere away from your family and home to do a very challenging and stressful job.
