Glen & I were escorted at 7:15 am through Kabul traffic to the Afghan Water Ministry’s Offices where we arrived a bit before 8 am. After introductions to the local staff, we met with a basin director and later the Deputy Minister of Water to discuss our planned trainings that will begin on Monday.
Between our meeting, Glen told the staff that everything was “clear.” I looked at him curiously, he reported “there was an incident near here at the Ministry of Defense about 9 am.” I learned later from our driver on the way home that a suicide bomber on a bike caused the death of about 30 people. Apparently, we were on “lock down,” at the Ministry, meaning no one was allowed to move until we received the “all clear” sign. Glen said that the lock down was about 4.5 hours. Interesting, the whole event happened without the least disturbance. I understand why Glen (the guy goofing around with the orange on his head) has a lot of trust in our security team. It is deserved.
Many, if not most of the ministries or sections have their own kitchens and cooks. The cooking staff for the water team made a fabulous lamb dish today with Persian rice along with a delicious soup and homemade Afghan bread. It’s about dinner time here at the compound–and even though our food is very good, I can’t imagine that it will top lunch!
I took pictures on the way home. As Glen pointed out, this is the only sight seeing we are allowed. This picture shows the vegetable carts in front of the small, stall style shops along the road. Gives “strip mall” a whole new meaning!
The most fascinating view on the way to and from work was the Kabul city ancient, historical wall to the south of Kabul at the tail end of the Kohi Sher Darwaza Mountain. This structure is believed to have been built in the 5th century. The wall of Kabul is made of mud, and is a staggering 20 feet high and 12 feet thick. It creates a natural fortress which follows the mountain ridge in a sweeping curve down to the river. 
Unis, the Deputy Chief, said that as a child he used to walk along the wall over the mountain. At lunch, he also shared his story of living and growing up in Afghanistan during his early years, and the suffering that his family endured. Out of the 11 brothers and sisters, only he and 5 others have survived. His mother is still living and in her late 70’s so I have to imagine that Unis isn’t much younger than me. His continued committment to Afghanistan’s development is amazing.
Another interesting site is the homes that are built into the mountains that we could view along the route. I imagine them as a desert version of the housing Scott and I saw in the Greek Islands. Imagine if they were painted?
We also drove through the old city along the Kabul River. In this stretch the water is channeled through beautiful stoneworked walls. The city was bustling as we returned home about 4 pm today.
