Contrasts

September 20, Ramadan ended with Eid or Eid ul-Fitr a 3-day Muslim holiday that marks the end of the Islamic holy month of fasting. Eid is an Arabic word meaning "festivity", while Fitr means "to break fast"; and so the holiday symbolizes the breaking of the fasting period. It is celebrated after the end of the Islamic month of fasting on the first day of Shawwal. (tip of the nib to Wikipedia)

Because of my teaching schedule I was able to slip away for 10 days which actually turned into 14 thanks to the Afghanistan Consulate in DC which failed to return my passport and visa in time for my scheduled flight. For my break, I chose to return to Vermont where I relished all opportunities to walk freely, drive my car and keep my own schedule. Not to mention brushing my teeth with tap water!

Last night I landed back in Kabul and its hot streets swirling with dust and debris. Today I taught my management and business principles class. We discussed the steps in making a business, or really any decision. Determining the problem, establishing and weighting criteria, and finally developing and analyzing alternatives and making a final selection. The alternatives for solving problems in Afghanistan are decidedly more complex than in my Vermont world. Poverty, violence and concerns about security all limit options. Not to mention the challenge of travel and access to places abroad.

I share with you some photos of contrast. Brown dry Kabul overflowing with life and street commerce and more sedate Burlington with its beaches and autumn foliage. Both capture me in many ways but my heart is home in Vermont.