First Snow!

Ye Gads! Where does the time go? I can't believe it's been almost a month since my last post!

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.

Some Early Morning Views in Kabul

Here are some pictures I took Thursday morning (28 August) around 6 AM. The city is coming to life as the sun rises. By 6:30 it is downright busy!

I done thought I woke up in the mountains of east Tennessee!
Look at all the tires on the rooftops!
This is a row of about ten different tire shops.

The waterboys.
I was once asked about how the water gets up to the cliff houses.
Well, it starts at the well where virtually anything that can carry water is filled.
Then the containers are slung on poles and carried up to the houses.

The sun hasn't quite touched the Kuchi camp yet, but the goatherd is already out.

A quiet residential neighborhood. A great shortcut since there is less traffic.
Note the open sewer on the right of the picture.

Kuchi Dog.
In general, Muslims don't keep dogs. They are considered "unclean."
However, given how healthy and well-fed many dogs in Kabul appear,
the dogs are not doing too poorly.
The Kuchi may not "keep" dogs, but they seem to appreciate their presence.
Dogs like this one move with the Kuchi, providing early warning from threats.

Old cemetary in "Old Town."
This is all that remains of the grave markers, however the locals know what lies beneath.
This is one of those empty parcels of land that squatters and vendors do not set up upon.

Just look at that produce!
Cauliflower, red cabbage, green cabbage, ginger, onions, potatoes, egg plant, zuchinni, cucumbers, roma tomatoes, okra, green beans, yellow beans, lemons, limes, turnips, plums, squash and a cucumber-like local vegetable.
I like the way the shadow landed on this stand.

Some Interesting Things in Kabul

The people are my favorite subjects, but here is a mix with some commentary.

Kuchi tents in Kabul. Kuchi means literally, "those who move." The Kuchi are primarily nomadic Pashtuns, but other ethinc groups like the Baloch are also included. Lately they've been in Kabul squating on any available parcel of land. First, there is lots of available grazing in Kabul right now. Second, they've been having a bit of a row with the Hazara to the west of Kabul and some issues with the Taliban in the south. For now, Kabul is safety, good grazing, and they can sell their flocks for a decent profit to the local butchers.

Kuchi girls and women tend to dress in colorful clothes, which does not endear them to the Taliban.
This girl's scarf is held in place by a pink NY Yankee visor.
Baseball caps and visors are a common accessory for younger women and girls in Kabul.

The two guys on the left leading this parade are the lucky ones.
They won't be eaten soon.

More of that damned American influence!
A little dated, one of the boys is wearing Daunte Culpepper's Viking jersey.

A couple of Kabul University girls and other people on the street.
Five of these people were watching me aim my camera at them.
Oh, and the two college girls were hotties!

No matter what the sign says, neither of these women are Jack!

One must exercise caution when turning a street corner in Kabul.
Otherwise one ends up in the open sewer. This cabbie got a little careless.

In the States we call these guys "gypsy cabs."
The red scarf on the back tells you that this vehicle is for hire.
How many Kabulis can you fit into one of these vans?
A whole bunch...plus two!
In a pinch you sometimes find them on the roof.