Topic: The Places
Every Thursday night, a bunch of Personal Security Detachment (PSD) mercenaries hang up their guns and slide behind the bar in one of the few places to buy drinks inside the International Zone, the Bunker Bar.

Getting to the bar is a little tougher than getting to a bar in the States. I had to "armor up" and call a driver to take me over to the compound where the bar was located. After the driver dropped me off, I quickly zipped by the compound security guard and made a b-line for the front door. There was a quasi-bouncer at the door. To help keep the number of people in the bar manageable, you need to be a "member" or a friend of a member. Thankfully two of my buddies were members, and one of them "sponsored" me so I could get in that night.

Inside, everything was a little dirty. It was like a large garage that had been converted into a bar by two "bubba's." The tables were simple and the folding chairs were uncomfortable. The music was loud and bounced around off the concrete walls. It may be the only bar that I will ever visit that has tons of weapons, grenades, and mortar rounds plastered to the wall for decorations. Plus, there were about 40 guys to every one woman in the place. Brings a whole new meaning to the words "sausage fest" doesn't it?

Don't get me wrong. Even though it wasn't as lovely as the Penn Ave Pour House or Local 16, I loved it. The drinks were cheep, and everyone seemed to be having a good time. What more can you ask for while serving in Iraq?