I visited Afghanistan in 1975, just before the Russian invasion. I can truly say that at that time it was the most magical, exotic, exciting, exhilarating, frightening and frustrating, unique country I had, or have since, visited. I don’t think, after everything that has gone on in between, that I could face going back to see what is left of it.
over 7 years ago
Harijan
Quartz Hill
have you ever read the kiterunner?
it’s an amazing book about the russian invasion and the taliban but it brings you into the life of a boy as you watch him grow in his country. afghanistan did sound like a wonderful place before all that mess happened. if you went, i would love to hear your take on it now in comparison to what you saw back in the 70’s.
geoveo
Rugby
I had heard of this book but never got around to reading it until a few months back whilst I was in holiday. Thanks for reminding me of it. A very good read and such a breathtaking story. Thank you.
HelenAlice
Swansea
I was there in 1978, travelling on local transport throughout, from Kandahar to Bandi-a-mir. We often rode on the roofs of buses, lorries etc, and though we had almost no common language to share, we muddled through happily and safely. I was lucky to have sat on the top of the Bamiyan Buddas before the Taliban destroyed them. What I remember most vividly is the thousands and thousands of stars in the cold clear night air.
geoveo
Rugby
Hi HelenAlice.
I also remember those ink-black nights with thousands of glittering stars.
You were fortunate to have gone to Bamiyan. We had intended to but never got around to it. Just shows that you should take every opportunity when you get it, as the chance may never come round again.
Were you working in Afghanistan then or travelling through?
HelenAlice
Swansea
Hi Geoveo.
Yes, taking every opportunity that arises usually seems like a good idea at the time! The memories of the good times and close shaves I had on that trip still give me a glow of satisfied wonderment. My trip lasted about a year and a half. Didn’t actually work till on the way home, when I landed a job in a casino in Esfahan,Iran that ended abruptly when the Ayatollah returned.
I’ve got hundreds of Kodachrome slides from that trip. Someday soon (!) i’ll get around to scanning them onto the computer, if thats poss.
