The postive of this event is that since the kids were taking term-end exams and school had let out three hours earlier, the sidewalk which normally would have been packed with kids leaving school at the time the bomb went off was largely empty. The bomber was a Pakistani...again. Any wonder as to why Afghans are not very fond of Pakistan right now?
If not for foreigners, there probably would not be many suicide bombers in Afghanistan because:
a. Afghans consider it cowardly (they are more prone to give you a good old-fashioned stand-up gunfight).
b. Afghans consider it a violation of God's law as laid down in the Holy Quran.
On the day of this bombing it took almost two hours to get across town due to all the diverted traffic, but that made for some better photo opportunities.
On the brighter side, my new Tajik
The bomb went off right about from where this picture was taken.
Timewarp.
The scene would likely have been the same one hundred years ago.
Big sister mans girls the pump. Meanwhile...
Little brother is lost in the clouds.
While big brother hauls the first load up the hill.
Pomegranate Vendor.
The Kabul International Pomegranate Fair was 20 November.
With the current demand for pomegranates in the West,
there is potential here.
Apple Vendor.
He was pushing his cart to a new location.
Old Hazara Woman
Women at the cloth merchant.
I bet that if we transported ourselves back in time 2,000 years,
the picture would be the same.
Conspiracy in progress.
Blind man having dinner on the street.
This is near a mosque called the Shrine of the Two Swords.
Many invalids get their food here.
Dad/Grandad and wee one.
Can't assume anything in these parts.
It is not uncommon for an old guy like this to have a very young wife.
A couple of cuties!
An ever-present beggar.
9 comments:
That was an incredible post. I love those shots, and am glad that you are still okay.
Be safe..........
You're right, the pictures would have been the same three thousand years ago, if there had been photocameras.
Apart of the explosion, the images create an illusion of a peaceful town.
I'm glad more people weren't injured. I'm with the Afghans. I'd rather see a stand up fight.
Great shots yet no pictures of the easy on the eyes Tajik.
Vodka Mom,
Yep, still bouncing around.
Sunny,
It's more peaceful than portrayed in the media, but there is a higher than average crime rate.
Charles,
As one who travels that particular road frequently and knowing how bad it could have been, all I could think about was the kids.
Travis,
Nor will you ever see a picture of anyone I mention as specifically working for us. On the outside chance that the "bad guys" make connections, (and they have on occasion with others less careful) for the safety of the individuals and their families, I don't identify them.
As always informative posts about where you are. The photos are each worth a thousand words.
Hey my comment got eaten! And I was like one of the first ones! Grrrr.
Ok I think I said first off that I do get nervous when you start off your post like that. Stay safe. I'm thinking of you and wishing you the best.
Also - these photos are as always amazing. Such a difference to see life carry on amidst the violence.
Take care!
E
Barbara,
The people are Afghanistan's greatest asset. They are tough, resourceful, and hard-working.
Ello!
Gee sorry the cyber monster ate your comment. Glad to see you had the energy to drop by. I hope your dental woes are subsiding.
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