Big Brother: This eerie white blimp is above Kabul 24/7 with cameras looking down in search of "trouble-makers". I can't see how this is very effective, or why the Taliban have't fired on it, but it certainly is eerie.
There is, I kid you not, a mall in Kabul. We foolishly went on a Friday, when just about everything was closed. I bought some cheap brown shoes, proving everyone wrong- they do have (some) size 13 shoes in Kabul.
Massoud Circle, named after Ahmad Shah Massoud, the rasta-haired leader of the Northern Alliance. His assassination by suicide camera-men on September 9th, 2001 was the first step in al Qaeda's plan to attack the US. By killing the Northern Alliance's charismatic leader, AQ and the Taliban hoped to prevent the US from using the (now divided) Northern Alliance against the Taliban in retaliation for the 9/11 attacks. Reminds you that bin Laden and his sinister allies were thinking several moves down the chessboard when they planned their campaign. I pass by this circle every day, but traffic is often stalled by long US, Turkish, or other NATO convoys because this is right next to ISAF headquarters. When the convoys go by, everyone pulls off to the side of road and looks as non-threatening as possible. Cars trying to pass the convoy have been known to be mis-identified as suicide car bombers - which never ends well. Also, your cell phone loses its signal as they pass by because of the IED jammers (to prevent would-be bombers from detonating the deadly devices via cell phone- you may have seen this if you watched The Hurt Locker).
I may live in what seems like a prison block- but it's a prison block with roses!
The rugged (and unconquerable?) mountains of southern Afghanistan.
Yes mother and Caro, you CAN get Splenda in Kabul.
A helpful sign at Afghan Fried Chicken.More soon!
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