10. New Year's Eve in Kabul

Well, the day started off with me receiving a warning from both the UN and the US Embassy about a bomb threat for Wazir Akbar Khan which is where I live and work. I won't lie, it was a bit unnerving at first, considering the fact that I had no where else to go. So I spent the day, coming to terms with the fact that something big might go down. All the helicopters patroling the skies over my office weren't really helping to ease my tensions. I had almost forgotten it was New Year's Eve until my co-workers asked me if I had plans for the evening. I asked them if they felt safe enough to go out considering the warning we were sent and they said, "no, but hey you gotta live." So it was decided, I was going out for New Year's Eve. I had no idea where or what to expect but after untying all the knots in my stomach, I fixed my hair, but on some make up, and went out for my first real night on the town. 

We walked to a place called "The Lounge" which is located around the corner from my guesthouse. It was the first time, I had ventured out on foot and I was struggling with conflicted feelings of exhilaration and fear. I kept thinking some guy is gonna run us over with a car full of explosives, but much to my relief, we reached our destination in tact. Once we were inside, I was surprised by the decor and ambience of the place. I forgot for a second I was in Kabul. The place was packed with expats from all over the world, eating, drinking, and having a great time. I think I was the only Afghan in the place besides the wait staff. It also looked like I was the youngest guest there as well so I was getting a lot of attention and flattering comments. This did wonders to my ego and really helped me relax. We lounged around for a couple of hours and decided to bring in the new year at another place that was known to be a bit livelier. Although I was having a good time at the Lounge, I was starting to crave the company of those more around my age. I was reassured that the place we were going to would be a lot more fun. 

On the way there, I remembered again, that we really should not be out cruising around when there is a bomb threat out but at that point, I was so glad I hadn't stayed home. I would have been so depressed. The place we ended up at was called Martini and the crowd was in full force by the time we got there at 11 PM. As we counted down to 2010 at midnight, the place went crazy. The DJ was off the hook, the crowd was in great spirits and everyone was crying and hugging. There is something about the way strangers immediately bond in Kabul. As we drove back home, I thought about my family and friends back home. I missed them so much. I wish I could've shared this night with them. But I was grateful for the new friends I've made here so far and as I got ready to go to bed, I felt grateful that I survived my first bomb threat and look forward to a wonderful year of hard work, great times with new friends and settling down in my new life. Happy New Year!