Panjshir Valley or Bust!!

So after weeks of begging, pleading and in general just looking pitiful, I got to get back out into the Afghan countryside. There are PRT's (provincial reconstruction teams) spread throughout the country and the Ambassador feels it is important for folks from the Embassy to get out to see them. A couple of weeks ago I got to Mazar...where we are standing up a Consulate, but more on that later. Anyway...today I got to go to the Panjshir Valley. We got to the "airport" at 6:45, weighed in (yes, really.....I will never, ever, ever complain about flying in the States after having to weigh in to be able to fly.....I told the "ticket agent" that my backpack weighed 75 lbs. I think he believed me). We filed out to our "ride" it turned out that our helicopter (helo to the cool kids) had formally been President Karzai's helicopter. It was very fancy and came furnished with four strong, fierce gun toting security guards (I wonder how much they weigh???)...The flight was about 30 choppy minutes. I will post some pictures I tried to take out of the windows. I bet they kept the windows cleaner for Karzai. The landscape in Afghanistan is fascinating, very brown I was glad when we started to head into the Valley and I finally saw some green. When we landed the first thing I saw were the nomads, their camels and goats. The landing zone was a field next to a stream and the front yard of the nomads. Once we arrived we convoyed to the PRT-known as forward operating base Lion. After a tour of the base (and of course breakfast) we convoyed through the valley and up to see Massoud's tomb. Massoud was known as the "Lion of Panjshir" a true Afghan hero. He stood up to the Russians and the Taliban and was assassinated in September of 2001. We were able to tour the tomb. I didn't realize that being a conservatively dressed western woman wearing a scarf rather than a burqua would make me quite the attraction. I think I had my picture taken (with camera phones no less) no less than 10 times. It was a fascinating afternoon, and amazing to see how beloved Massoud still is. As we drove back to the base we passed lots of small boys who loved to run next to the cars and give us a "thumbs up" I did ask if thumbs up meant the same in Afghanistan as it does in the States and was relieved to find out it does!!

We are on lock down for the next couple of days as the elections near. In the midst of all the election craziness I decided to throw a dinner party (I am apartment sitting). Of course I realized a little too late that means that no one will be delivering, which in turn means I have to cook!!! Between now and Friday evening I have to find pots, pans and ingredients! When you throw a dinner party (14 people-eek) in Kabul it is usually a BYOBSPG and Friday BYOBSGT (which means bring your own booze, sliverware, plate and glass! I have added tums for Friday). I may just serve everyone Lucky Charms stolen from the DFAC. Wish me luck!