August 29, 2009
Kabul
From the roof of Peach House (right)I have 360 degree views of Kabul. The building with the blue trim is an orphanage across the dirt road from the house. The boys in the orphanage and the boys who live on my side of the street are warring kites. The victor slices his opponent's kite. Then when the adults in the orphanage are otherwise occupied the losers scale the wall either into or out of the orphanage to retrieve their grounded kite! If you look carefully you can see three kites in one of these photos. My little camera can't pick them up very well. Also notice how high the orphanage walls are. Kite flying is not for the faint of heart!
It continues to be dry and hot with dust everywhere, coating every surface. The roads are dirt with the exception being the major routes through the city. The dust coupled with car exhaust obscures the mountains in a haze. The traffic is unbelievable - today was as congested as I have ever seen it. Like bumper cars at the fair going every which way and no lanes. Roundabouts can't even keep the drivers moving in the same direction. Yet, it seems to work in its own fashion - accidents don't seem to be a huge problem, and people get to where they need to go!
Thank you for sharing this amazing experience with us. So would we call this the Afghanistan Zone?
ReplyDeletesomehow it sounds more appealing when it's the deck zone.......
ReplyDeleteOK...how about the "kite zone"?
ReplyDeletethanks jane! this is wonderful to see and "hear' about you and your life there. hope the classes go well tomorrow. you are a wonderful teacher so i know they are lucky to have you! i look forward to connecting on skype when we are able. love you very much! ~ Marti
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