There is so much in here. Fantastic backdrop to an incredible place. When I went in 2002, security was pretty stable and we were able to move around reasonable freely. I got more of a sense of a country savaged by conflict. But the hope and curiosity in the lapis blue eyes of the village kids gave me some hope that military intervention might help. By 2009 we were locked into our main operating base and the country was febrile. The West poured more and more hardware and humans into the country to less and less effect.
What an interesting time to have been there, Clarice. Really enjoying your words.
Thank you for your kind words. Afghanistan was so different in the '70s from what it must be like now, after so many decades of war. And the hope I saw in the eyes of my students (I will write about this later)--and that you saw in 2002--has been dashed once again by the return of the Taliban. I agree it was time for the West to leave, but my heart aches for the people, especially the lives of the women and the culture that the fanatics are destroying.
Thank you, Brenna. I'm really glad you are enjoying the posts. LIfe in that part of the world was so different back then, and I just wanted to share a bit of it with others.
If you have any additions to make along the way, Alcy, let me know! Memory at this age is so selective... And I would LOVE to have you and your husband visit us in Ireland in 2024. It would be so wonderful to be able to catch up on our lives in person.
What a lovely, evocative piece of writing Clarice. Thanks very much. I look forward to reading more of your writing here. I hope you might enjoy reading some of my travel writing here: https://allansutherland.substack.com/
I intend to revisit very soon .. or in the sometimes odd way I ‘see things’ or shoot & may even organize stuff into words .. yours is a ‘portal.. for me .. a site leading elsewhere (& I may get lost or in the immortal words of Tom Thomson when asked ‘did you ever get lost in Algonquin Park ? The story goes that he thought on that before saying “No, but I got mighty confused a few times”.) So some relief just making it back here at 4 AM or so
I was struck by your urgency to get this experience done - written
& despite rough edges & clues from you - memory of certain names or details not popping up for you .. mission accomplished.. !
.. fyi - as I’ve learned to do - While subscribing - I deselected the 3 additional sites suggested, then visited ‘In Hand’ .. haha .. I decided to Subscribe there too ! Again deselecting additional sites.. but chose yet another ‘charm’ ! Aha ! I have now ‘backtrailed myself’ via my habit of screen capturing .. and intend to share my further travels here with my Love of course, my son & his family & others !
Canada is my home.. always super glad to share my adventures here, as well as places people sent me worldwide to explore with a documentary eye & camera.. primarily in context to Tourism, Hotel & Resorts. As well, after 9 trips to Provo - Turks & Caicos Island, (Anne & I are an unusual pair) .. I’m currently writing a Spec Feature Screenplay set there - Action/Drama.. but starring the astonishing Marine Environment. One can visit ‘the Turk’s’ via my site here.. as usual, my writing is meant to be highly ‘visual’ & I only try ‘to paint with words..’ since I ain’t got a lick of talent re sketch or drawing.. it just ain’t me !
It is fascinating, isn't it. First, I think it's amazing that Alexander was able to conquer so much of the world (before the age of 33)--and then leave behind as he did so people who started Greek cities and colonies. And then it's amazing to think how the Greek culture so easily mixed with and accepted Buddhist culture.
There is so much in here. Fantastic backdrop to an incredible place. When I went in 2002, security was pretty stable and we were able to move around reasonable freely. I got more of a sense of a country savaged by conflict. But the hope and curiosity in the lapis blue eyes of the village kids gave me some hope that military intervention might help. By 2009 we were locked into our main operating base and the country was febrile. The West poured more and more hardware and humans into the country to less and less effect.
What an interesting time to have been there, Clarice. Really enjoying your words.
Thank you for your kind words. Afghanistan was so different in the '70s from what it must be like now, after so many decades of war. And the hope I saw in the eyes of my students (I will write about this later)--and that you saw in 2002--has been dashed once again by the return of the Taliban. I agree it was time for the West to leave, but my heart aches for the people, especially the lives of the women and the culture that the fanatics are destroying.
I am starting from the beginning of this series now and reading through properly. This is so fascinating and thank you for sharing.
Thank you, Brenna. I'm really glad you are enjoying the posts. LIfe in that part of the world was so different back then, and I just wanted to share a bit of it with others.
Boy, it all rings true. Can't wait to read more. We really need to find a way to chat in person. Maybe a trip to Ireland in the new year????
If you have any additions to make along the way, Alcy, let me know! Memory at this age is so selective... And I would LOVE to have you and your husband visit us in Ireland in 2024. It would be so wonderful to be able to catch up on our lives in person.
What a lovely, evocative piece of writing Clarice. Thanks very much. I look forward to reading more of your writing here. I hope you might enjoy reading some of my travel writing here: https://allansutherland.substack.com/
I intend to revisit very soon .. or in the sometimes odd way I ‘see things’ or shoot & may even organize stuff into words .. yours is a ‘portal.. for me .. a site leading elsewhere (& I may get lost or in the immortal words of Tom Thomson when asked ‘did you ever get lost in Algonquin Park ? The story goes that he thought on that before saying “No, but I got mighty confused a few times”.) So some relief just making it back here at 4 AM or so
I was struck by your urgency to get this experience done - written
& despite rough edges & clues from you - memory of certain names or details not popping up for you .. mission accomplished.. !
.. fyi - as I’ve learned to do - While subscribing - I deselected the 3 additional sites suggested, then visited ‘In Hand’ .. haha .. I decided to Subscribe there too ! Again deselecting additional sites.. but chose yet another ‘charm’ ! Aha ! I have now ‘backtrailed myself’ via my habit of screen capturing .. and intend to share my further travels here with my Love of course, my son & his family & others !
Canada is my home.. always super glad to share my adventures here, as well as places people sent me worldwide to explore with a documentary eye & camera.. primarily in context to Tourism, Hotel & Resorts. As well, after 9 trips to Provo - Turks & Caicos Island, (Anne & I are an unusual pair) .. I’m currently writing a Spec Feature Screenplay set there - Action/Drama.. but starring the astonishing Marine Environment. One can visit ‘the Turk’s’ via my site here.. as usual, my writing is meant to be highly ‘visual’ & I only try ‘to paint with words..’ since I ain’t got a lick of talent re sketch or drawing.. it just ain’t me !
See you again real soon eh ! 🦎🏴☠️
Most excellent !
Ah this is beyond fascinating! Had no idea about the Hellenic-Buddhist intermixing - so so interesting!
It is fascinating, isn't it. First, I think it's amazing that Alexander was able to conquer so much of the world (before the age of 33)--and then leave behind as he did so people who started Greek cities and colonies. And then it's amazing to think how the Greek culture so easily mixed with and accepted Buddhist culture.