Anyway, to catch up on things...it's been Ramazan (Ramadan) since my last post. During Ramazan Muslims fast, pray, and abstain from tobacco and...well, "bedroom activities" from sunrise to sunset. In a couple days it will be Eid el Fitr, the breaking of the fast, so the town has been busy in the markets as people prepare for feasting and gift-giving.
On a weather note, we had our first snow last night (16 September). I do believe it is still "officially" summer. The mountains west of town saw the last of the snow melt on 27 August. So that means we went a mere 20 days without snow. It's shaping up to be one hell of a winter here.
Peaks to the west of town.
From 31 October 2008 until 27 August 2009,
there was snow on them hills.
After a 20-day break, it's back!
Kuchis on the move.
Kuchi means literally, "those who travel".
They are nomadic herders, primarily Pashtun, who are
regarded in some quarters with the same disdain as gypsies.
Note the dog in the lower left of the picture.
Kuchis rely on dogs for both herding and security.
You rarely see Kuchis without dogs.
This sets them apart from most Afghans.
This group of Kuchis started moving south two days before the snow.
Perhaps they were more attuned to the pending weather change than "city folk."
Lending a hand crossing the street.
Cliff house sidewalk.
I'm often asked how people get around in the cliff house neighborhoods.
This is how.
Wee one pooped out from pre Eid shopping.
Note the reddish hair.
Beggar trying a mark.
Since their vehicle looked more important than ours,
we got by without a second look.
5 comments:
Interesting stuff as always. Thanks for taking the time to show us another part of the world.
I like the pix! It's been a long time! Seems like you've nearly been there a year now. I should check archives...
The photos about the nomads was interesting.
I heard Canada was in for a cold winter this year, as the geese left early this summer in late August. It could be very cold everywhere in the northern hemisphere.
Nice to see you back!
Very neat Pics. I love the question, how do you get around to the cliff houses? Seems like it would be pretty obvious eh?
Travis,
I think there's a need for some of the "brighter" aspects of Afghanistan rather than the MSM doom and gloom.
Sex!
I've actually been here for 15 months now. The time really does fly!
Barbara,
According to the Farmer's Almanac, it looks like most of the Northern Hemisphere is going to be very cold. With a quiet sun, maybe.
Charles,
I think some people simply cannot comprehend life in other parts of the world. We get sort of spoiled back in the good ole USA.
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