Taliban Tourists


‘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.

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The Next Wave


            It rained all day which was a welcome reprieve from the unrelenting dry weather here on the Pacific North West. It actually felt good and everything perked up: The plants, the trees and even the people. That was about the only good news last week. We’re back to mask mandates, and the icu’s are filling up with the unvaccinated.

            ‘I don’t have any compassion for these idiots but my heart goes out to the health care workers who have to deal with them,’ I said to Camp, who held up both his hands and asked me to sit down and take a sip of this fine beer.

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