32. Good friends

Life in Kabul can be quite challenging and chaotic. Working with the most basic resources, not having consistent electricity, dodging suicide bombers and random explosions, taking cold showers, being stared at everywhere you go, breathing in fumes and dust all day can all take a toll on you. But one thing that keeps me going is the wonderful friends I have here. 

Friendships in Afghanistan are based on the need for companionship rather than what you can manipulate out of the other person. I often find myself developing friendships with some very fascinating people. Take this evening for example....I was invited to dinner to my friend Katrin's house. Katrin and I have had a very close friendship for almost 12 years now. During these 12 years, we have shared some amazing experiences together all over the world. At times, we have lived on two opposite sides of the planet but our bond has never seemed stronger. Our lives have taken us to very different places but yet we come together as if we've never been apart. As it happens, our two friends, Aziza and Najib who we met over 6 years ago in Kabul, are visiting from Cambodia. We used to all live together at one point in the same house in Shahre Now. But from the comfort, warmth and laughter tonight, no one would believe that 6 years have passed since we first met. A few extra gray hairs, some "wisdom lines" on our faces and life experiences that have given us a bit more maturity are the only new things to have entered the mix. 

At the end of the day, when we all come together after dealing with the trials of living and working in a country like Afghanistan, its these friendships that give me strength, grounding, balance, and a sense of belonging that keeps me going. The gossip, the laughter, the tarrot card readings, the brunches, the shopping sprees, the venting sessions, the phone calls after an attack, the late night chats, the hugs when I am homesick, the jokes-a-thons and thursday night parties -- seem to make living in Kabul easier. To all my old friends and the amazing new people that have entered my life in the last 3 months, I love you all!