86. Spring 2012 and some random thoughts....

As I am entering my last month in Kabul, I am noticing a lot of really random things. So my next few posts will probably sound strange but I  promised I would write about daily life in Kabul.  I apologize in advance if I offend anyone.

Spring has arrived in Kabul.  We had our April showers and now trees are covered with blossoms, multi-color roses are in full bloom, and I can now give away all my big winter coats (since I won't be needing them in sunny California). After a very long time, I can venture out onto the balcony in my office and bask in the warmth of the sun for about 2 minutes before all the men below start gathering in groups to stare at me.  I can't wait to just blend in when I get back home.

With the new warm weather, more and more people are out.  Kabul has come back to life after the April attacks that paralyzed the city for over 18 hours.  Although its nice to see people (and when I say people, I mean MEN) out and about, here are some random things I have observed.

• There are more beards, turbans and man jammies (paran tumban) now since before the Taliban were ruling Kabul.

• The few women that I do see out, most of them are wearing Chadari's (burqas) again.

• Since the announcement by the new French President that the French troops will be leaving by the end of 2012, the french bistro near my house is packed every weekend - I guess people think the french bistro will leave with the troops so they are stocking up on their buttery croissants.

• After Wednesday, I will be the only "Kharejee" (foreigner) left at my company.

• I have had 7 proposals rejected for lack of funding in the last month. Sign of the times....

• I have gotten 3 job offers from all over the world. -- But I really want to go to California -- so if anyone is hiring there, please pass my name on to them.

• So many little men wearing neon orange trousers digging out the ditches to install new sewer sysems.  I do have to hold back the urge sometimes to just roll down the window and say to them, "why bother?"

•  I met an old "holy" beggar lady.  She looks  like she's 100 years old and just roams the streets near my apartment like a ghost.  I gave her some money and dinner and now we're friends.  But I told her she will have to bless me before I leave this country.

• There is a huge media frenzy because all of a sudden everyone (and by everyone I mean PARLIAMENT) has remembered again all the money that the shareholders of Kabul Bank need to pay back. But I am sure in about 6 days, they will forget again.

•  Flights out of Kabul are almost always sold out but on my way back, I get a whole row to myself...sometimes even a whole section to myself.  I guess Kabul is no longer the exciting tourist destination it was a year ago.

•  There are police standing around town with bullet proof shields -- never seen that before.

• The ANP are still mostly disrespectful and the ANA are still in training.

•  The trash still hasn't been picked up.

• There is no where to go and nothing to do besides work and watch TV -- oh wait, that's not new.

•  "Obama visited Afghanistan on the anniversary of killing Bin Laden.  He made a big speech about how we are winning the war and about how our troops are coming home. Of course, we're not winning the war and our troops are not coming home -- other than that, a great speech." -- Bill Maher (He just said it so much better than I could)

• The sound of gun shots are a daily occurrence.  I am told, the Police are mostly just firing in the air or firing after cars that don't stop at checkpoints. -- Really??? Even the ANP are bored and have nothing to do and no where to go.

•  Kabul needs more public bathrooms - a few days ago, I was standing by the window looking out over the street and trying to enjoy the beautiful spring air, when I look over and see a young man relieving himself right on the main road that leads in and out of Chicken Street.  I don't need to tell you that its a much used road, where old men, school children, mothers, and tourists walk through.  I knew there really isn't anything I could do about it except pray that he tips over and falls into his puddle, and pray I did.

• Everyone I know is sick or not feeling well. -- I think I have managed to get me a kidney stone.

After pointing out that there was a toilet on the street while driving to Qhargha Lake, a friend of mine once asked me, "why do you always notice the most random things?" -- ANSWER:  Because there is nothing to do and no where to go, so I have to busy myself with something.

Randomness in Kabul