"Living in a Hooch"

Here in the International Zone (IZ), we live in little metal "sheds" officially known as "containerized housing units" (CHU).  The slang form is "hooch".  Not sure exactly how that happened, but that's the truth.  The hooch is a metal building, much like one of those storage sheds that you might have in your backyard.  It's about 8' x 16' and maybe 7' high.  Generally, there are 2 hooches set about 8' apart.  Connecting the 2 hooches is a common entryway and bathroom.  The only water in the units are in the bathroom.  In a way, they're furnished much like dormitory rooms.  A twin bed, 1 or 2 metal clothes closets, a small refrigerator, TV, nightstand, small desk and chair.  Oh, and a combination heater/air conditioner in the wall.  

Iraq is very dusty, so that tends to be a problem.  If we have a computer in our hooch, we generally keep it covered with plastic to keep the dust at a minimum.  

The hooches are all arranged into "subdivisions" with tasteful names like, The Palms (they have some palm trees), Poolside (next to the pool), etc.  I wouldn't be surprised to hear that come spring, we'll have a "Spring Hooch Show" with prizes for the most tastefully (or tastelessly) decorated hooch!!  

Luckily, we have sidewalks made from pavers.  Sidewalks lead to some narrow streets and I can walk to the office without stepping in the dirt.

Rows of sandbags are placed strategically throughout, and around, each "subdivision" for protection from possible mortar attacks.  

All in all, it's not too bad.  I've visited some of my colleagues who are stationed at some of the more remote bases and they have it a lot tougher.