24 hours in Kabul

So within 24 hours, I woke up to my friend telling me there was an attack on a hotel that was on CNN and I should probably tell people that I was safe but since she woke me up at 3 in the morning, I didnt know what she was talking about and Im pretty sure I told her to shut up. And then within a few hours of helicopters flying overhead, which after living in Baltimore I find oddly reassuring, everything was back to normal. Went into work, just like nothing had ever happened. Went to lunch with a bunch of the doctors who were teaching me Dari, the official language, which involves a lot of throat clearing. And since I have had a lot of phlegm induced by the fact that Afghanistan is trying to strangle me with air pollution, I was pretty good at it. And then after work, we went rug shopping wherein the proprietor gave me a 600 dollar rug for free on the promise that I would come back and pay for it in a couple weeks. And then after rug shopping, I went to a meeting with the Minister of Health to update her on the progress we are making in our study. No big deal. Just a normal day in Kabul.

Updates

So many little weird things happen during the day that I want to tell people about but I never have the energy to write an email. And then I remember that oh yeah, I have a blog for the very purpose of writing about the weird wonderful things that happen. Like the restaurant that we went to yesterday that had a soundtrack of 90s hits played on pan flute. Titanic theme song, the Bodyguard theme song, Unbreak My Heart, Phil Collins? All available on pan flute. Thats the second time we have been to that restaurant and everytime I just sit and giggle to myself because Im so endlessly entertained. Or when we went shopping yesterday and went to a store that had a wide variety of metal helmets with horns and face masks? Are they from the barbarian hordes that conquered Rome? Not for me to say, but I sure hope so. Or the man at the next shop who asked if I was married and then when I said no, gave me a small traditional box as a gift and said that its for my wedding ring when I get married. So that when I get married, I will always think of him. Or the driver named Korban, but since he is older, people call him by the respectful name KakaKorban and he is the sweetest cutest littlest old man ever.

These are the things that I just find endlessly entertaining and endearing about this place. I dont forget where I am, obviously its not an ideal place to be or live, but there are so many sneak attack charming things that happen during the day, its hard to not find it pretty endearing in its own way.

Kabul

Almost done with day three in Kabul. Overall, its pretty boring really, which I am not complaining about. So far, its just been a lot of work at the office and then coming home and doing more work. Since we arent really allowed out to walk around, I havent had a chance to see much other than our office which is down the block one way and the grocery store which is down the block the other way. The mornings here are gorgeous but by 9, its already ridiculously hot. I wear a headscarf on the street but once I am in the office, I take it off. Its just too hot with that much clothing on. Tomorrow we are going to a meeting with USAID so hopefully we will have a chance to drive through the city and I can sneak some pictures. In the meantime, I have two from the roof of our office and another of a very informative sign in our bathroom. The roof shots just sort of show thats its dusty here but the one from the bathroom, well... Its the little things that keep me entertained...

Dubai

Just a quick update since I know people are a little more worried about this global adventure than the past ones. I will try to check in more often over the next couple weeks. So far, I have just made it to Dubai and I will be going on to Kabul tomorrow. I am staying at the airport in the hotel here (what will they think of next) so I wont actually get to go out in Dubai but the airport/mall here is giving me a taste. Its crazy. It is quite literally a duty-free mall. There are cars, Gucci stores, a Cold Stone Creamery. And thats just directly across from me. I havent gone out to explore because i know I will spend a million dollars. The flight was ok but it was exceptionally long, 12.5 hours, and bumpy and there were screaming babies. And I hate to say it, but I think Delta is better. I hate to give Delta credit for anything, but at least they have a decent movie selection and the staff isnt so grouchy. Anyhoo, not much else to update on right now, but I will fill everyone in when I get to Kabul tomorrow.