My name is Francisco Aviles, I'm twenty years old, born and raised in Puerto Rico and part of the best Navy in the world, which brought me the opportunity to go to Iraq for 10 months on a Individual Augmentee (IA) tour. An antagonizing experience filled with some of most exotics food and best friendships I've been able to lived in my short existence in this planet.

Ive been in the military for four years and on my trip to Iraq we encountered a couple of fascinating stops on our way there, first Ireland.

July 28, 2008 Dublin, Ireland's capital, population roughly 2,295,123 our encounter 200 people on a remote airport that had barely nothing in it. One hundred and fifty hungry sailors without alcohol, thriving on the nicotine indulgence that has been pass down from sailor to sailor for generations. I wondered of the group for about 15 minutes walked away admiring the beauty of the remote place we were in, i watch how some locals inside a hangar prepared a traditional Irish stew. At this point I'm feeling like Anthony Bourdain or Andrew Zimmern due to my weight problem (no offense). I watch how they put the potatoes, onions, lamb, salt and pepper, water and fresh parsley to simmer for 2 hours. The locals feed me gave me to drink and shred life experiences like no others. I felt complete, felt that my trip to Iraq was on its way on a really good start. After four hours of drinking, eating and sharing with Ryan, Doyle and Lynch my three new Irish friends I went back inside the airport to my unit like nothing happened, like time stopped for the last four hours and I was one with time and space.

We boarded the plane and started our traveling experience again to a new destination. If u wanna hear more about my Iraqi experience and my next destination email me to (frankieaviles@hotmail.com) or just simply reply to my post with your comments.

Have a good one and thanks for reading.

Remember that if is not fun or interesting, make it fun and interesting.