‘Did you know Camp that Afghanistan has hosted close to 15’000 tourists in the past couple of years. Apparently, it’s a choice destination for some adventure travellers.’

‘Nothing surprises me anymore. But Afghanistan for a holiday?’

‘This photographer Khyber Khan runs an outfit ‘Uncharted Afghanistan’ that offers tours called ‘Salam Afghanistan’ or ‘Adventure Afghanistan’ that last 9 to 14 days. They lead through cities such as Kabul and Herat or into remote valleys. Turquoise blue lakes, crystal-clear rivers, green fir forests. Passes that wind around snow-capped mountains over 6000 meters high. Untouched landscapes with mystical names such as Nuristan, Shahr-i Gholghola or Dragon Valley. All for under $ 3000, without flights. Emirates flies regularly to Kabul via Dubai.’

‘Don’t tell me you’re planning a trip to Afghanistan?’ Camp said, alarmed.

‘Not me. I’m never going to any country again where I’m not an equal and where I have to wear special clothing or cultural costumes to move about. And it’s worse for women. In other words, we’re not going to the land of the Taliban or to Myanmar or the Sudan and also not to Saudi Arabia or any other country where basic human rights are not respected and people and their freedoms are supressed.’

‘That might include the US these days,’ Camp said, ‘but you’re telling me that women travel to Kabul for a holiday? How is that ethnically and morally possible?’

‘There are people who go to any length for attention or adventure, Camp. They post on social media and on chatgroups. They don’t talk about the repression of women or the prohibition of any fun or games, sports or entertainment but enthuse about sharing tea or pomegranates with the Taliban.’

‘Crazy stuff but you obviously looked into this.’

‘The Taliban promote tourism for political reasons since they benefit financially from visa and travel fees. They also instrumentalize the tourists to embellish the image of the country. They brutally oppress women and any dissident but are friendly to tourists. Afghanistan, despite is despotic, terrorist regime, is still supported by the World Bank, China, the Red Cross, numerous NGO’s and just lately by Russia.’

‘You know I’m glad I don’t have the travel-bug but like you do,’ Camp said. ‘I’m quite happy to stay here at home where life is relatively uncomplicated and safe. People respect each other and share jokes and stories freely and nobody has to be afraid of repercussions for different views and opinions.’

‘It’s the weather that I’m running away from in the winter Camp but you’re right, there is no place like home and there are fewer places that feel safe and welcoming and Afghanistan is not on that list. Also, popular travel destination like Venice and Barcelona or even beach towns in Mexico are overrun with mass tourism which we try to avoid.’

‘If I want adventure I go for a hike or a sail with my friend or a bike trip. Let’s face it we are living on the edge of civilisation and just a few steps away from thousands of hectares of wilderness. Sometimes it’s hard to see the forest for the trees.’

‘You’re right Camp. Just looking out the window at the harbour and the islands is as great a vista as anywhere. No need to go anywhere.’

When Vicky brough around a refill I wanted to know if she had any travel destination that was on her bucket list. 

‘I don’t have a bucket or a list. You have to be over 60 for that but I’d love to go to Paris or London someday. I’m off to Victoria for a weekend with my mom and my son in June. She wants to go to the Butchard Gardens and I’m looking forward to it.’

‘See, local is best,’ Camp said and we drank to that.