Back to School!

I looked at my watch and said to a buddy who has kids back at home: 'Dude - it's 9:00 back at home... Kids are lining up to get into school!'.  I can almost feel the excitement of a whole new year!  I asked when school starts here - I was told that it won't kick up for another couple of weeks.

 

You know that dish that looks like ground beef, covered with mashed potatoes?  Well - I've had it often enough here, but I just discovered something: there are 3 names... THREE for what seemed like the same thing.  1. Cumberland Pie - some sort of ground meat with mashed potatoes, 2. Shepherd's Pie - Mashed potatoes with minced lamb meat, and 3. Cottage Pie - mashed potatoes... and a minced cottage, I suppose.  ;)

 

What news of this place is making it home?  I hope something good.  There is alot of positive happening.  I just hope people remember that.  This ain't no disco... this ain't no country club either!

 

I wish I could tell you in better detail some news here.  When interesting things happen, I am bound by Operational Security which prevents me from giving dates and events and occurrences.  I have to think of the people around me - because there may be danger to them.  Like for example, I met with some Afghans to get opinions from them, etc., but - they fear for their lives and won't allow themselves to be identified.  Hence - I have to be careful.  I have met other Afghans who were really open and gave a big smile to the camera.  When I came back with pictures to give to them - they were SO happy saying: 'Tashay Kor!'  (Dari for 'Thank you') or 'Manana' (Pashtu for 'Thank you').  Some women I have met are so afraid, they wear a Burqua - just to  avoid harassment, but then take it off when in closed doors and around people they trust.

 

One Afghan engaged me in a conversation about how everyone in his country was a Muslim.  He - like many - have the impresion that everyone from the West is Christian.  I think it's cause he must have noted some inconsistencies with the way people act.  He was surprised when I told him not everybody in the West is.  He said: 'But how come?  If you are Afghan - you are Muslim.  It's not the same where you are from?'

 

I was thinking of piking up a 'Dishdashsa'... the clothes that Afghan men wear.  It's not that expensive, and they do look quite comfortable to wear in the heat.  Many people here buy them to take home with the intention of using them as house clothes or pyjamas.  It makes sense to me!  I wouldn't wear it downtown T.O., but maybe for reading or studying.  Hmmm.  I have to think about that.  When it's boiling hot here and I see them wearing the loose clothing while we are in our uniforms - their clothing looks really comfortable!