Maybe I can change your image of Afghanistan slightly. At least mine has.
For one, it is not always hot, winters are freezing.
Not every man has a beard and wears a dress. In fact not really more than in any other land.
Also not all the ladies wear a full veil and black dress. Most wear a normal scarf around their head.
Not everyone is a bomber or extremist. Like anywhere 99,9% of the people are normal, even friendly people.
Working here for me is not much different than in any other office. It's just weird not being able to leave. In saying that, sometimes a chance comes by. Last Friday (which is weekend here) I visited NATO HQ. This is almost a small village, a tiny shop, a small coffee place, and on Fridays a small souvenirs market. There are a reasonable amount of stall, but they mostly sell the same things: old stuff, precious stones, carpets and leather. Going back there tomorrow.
Today I was given the opportunity to go to a concert. Normally I would run away if anyone mentions the word classical, but as it was mixed with local and it was outside the compound, why not?
To my surprise it was at the institut francais, considering the fact the average Afghan speaks two words English I guess the number that speak French is 'not so great'
Anyway, it was a nice reasonably big theatre. It started with a small speech (of course) and a recital from the koran. The first performance was just local music. Not bad, but I guess you have to grow up with it to really enjoy it. After that there where several pieces with an interesting mix of classical and local instrument, with different levels of success. One piece was rather quick with an interval of a man playing some sort of citar very slow, ruined the idea. But other pieces where rather good, my knowledge of classical music is as big as my knowledge of the local language. According to the paper we were handed they played 'the four seasons of Afghanistan' after Vivaldi.
In short, even though it was not Metallica or Golden Earring, I enjoyed it.
Afterwards we heard that the day before they played for VIPs and it was worse. They must have been more nervous.
A mix of suits and traditional wear to go with the instruments. The ages also varied a lot.
For one, it is not always hot, winters are freezing.
Not every man has a beard and wears a dress. In fact not really more than in any other land.
Also not all the ladies wear a full veil and black dress. Most wear a normal scarf around their head.
Not everyone is a bomber or extremist. Like anywhere 99,9% of the people are normal, even friendly people.
Working here for me is not much different than in any other office. It's just weird not being able to leave. In saying that, sometimes a chance comes by. Last Friday (which is weekend here) I visited NATO HQ. This is almost a small village, a tiny shop, a small coffee place, and on Fridays a small souvenirs market. There are a reasonable amount of stall, but they mostly sell the same things: old stuff, precious stones, carpets and leather. Going back there tomorrow.
Today I was given the opportunity to go to a concert. Normally I would run away if anyone mentions the word classical, but as it was mixed with local and it was outside the compound, why not?
To my surprise it was at the institut francais, considering the fact the average Afghan speaks two words English I guess the number that speak French is 'not so great'
Anyway, it was a nice reasonably big theatre. It started with a small speech (of course) and a recital from the koran. The first performance was just local music. Not bad, but I guess you have to grow up with it to really enjoy it. After that there where several pieces with an interesting mix of classical and local instrument, with different levels of success. One piece was rather quick with an interval of a man playing some sort of citar very slow, ruined the idea. But other pieces where rather good, my knowledge of classical music is as big as my knowledge of the local language. According to the paper we were handed they played 'the four seasons of Afghanistan' after Vivaldi.
In short, even though it was not Metallica or Golden Earring, I enjoyed it.
Afterwards we heard that the day before they played for VIPs and it was worse. They must have been more nervous.
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