THE AFGHAN SERIES, DAY 4
KABUL
Reprimanded by the Taliban. As is the way with Afghanistan you must do your bit in getting your paperwork in order. This involves visiting both the ministry of tourist and finance department along with the approval from each of the regions you plan to visit.
YOU COME WITH US
It’s a complete time waster but necessary if you want to see as much of the country as possible. However today it seems we just didn’t have enough.
WHERE IS KABUL?
Kabul
KARTHI SAKHI SHRINE
Today was a long day in Kabul, visiting many of the sites around the city. Firstly we headed just outside the city, over the ridge and to one of the nicest buildings I have visited, Karthi Sakhi. It was stunning, the design, the colours and the setting made it all very very unique.
Reprimanded by the Taliban
DAILY INFO….
- HOTEL – Serena Hotel Kabul ($180/ night 8.5/10)
- RESTOS –
Bukhara
Jumeirah - ATTRACTIONS –
Sakhi Shrine
Bush Bazaar
Bird market
Ice cream
Booksellers of Kabul
Chicken street – rug
MILITARY COMPOUNDS
One of the first things I noticed in Kabul was the huge number of watch towers and concrete walls that line the perimeter of government buildings and military compounds. You don’t need to go far to get an idea of how things have been here. I had mentioned this to my guide who told me there were so much more but the Taliban removed a number of the security walls once they got to power. I can’t imagine to think how it would have been.
One of the most interesting examples is the old American embassy which is now controlled by the Talib who parade it as a victory point. There is a huge Taliban flag painted onto the entrance along with various murals depicting the failure of the U.S.A. We also had a quick drive past the home where Ayman Al-Zawahiri (ex Al Qaeda leader) was killed.
BUSH BAZAAR
It was still pretty early when things got interesting. I had wanted to visit the famous Bush Bazaar, named after the popular American imperialist, George W Bush but now renamed by the Taliban to Mujahideen Bazaar. It sells general goods but now has tons of old Russian, American and local military equipment. It’s interesting to see how accessible some of these items are.
During my time here I spoke to a local who seen me filming and suggested I get a permit, he mentioned he vlogs quite a bit and offered to call the commander to arrange.
Reprimanded by the Taliban
RELATED READ: ACCUSED OF BEING PART OF THE IRA IN MEXICO
QUESTIONING
After sorting our permits (we hoped) I began filming and found the best part of the bazaar, the weapon maintenance shops where guns were being pulled apart and serviced and fitted with new.
It wasn’t until we reached the far end of the bazaar that we had a few Talibs approach us and question what we were doing, apparently our Kabul permits do not cover the bazaar.
After sitting in what can only be described as the bedroom of the commander we allowed to move on but not before having some chai together. Which other police station in the world could you have a cup of tea with the police while the commander sits in bed?
Reprimanded by the Taliban
FACTS ABOUT KABUL:
- Kabul has a rich history that dates back over 3,500 years. It has been an important cultural, trade, and strategic center throughout its existence.
- Kabul is a melting pot of different ethnicities and cultures. Pashtuns, Tajiks, Hazaras, Uzbeks, and other ethnic groups coexist in the city, contributing to its vibrant and diverse cultural scene.
- Kabul’s bustling bazaars and markets offer a unique shopping experience. The city is known for its traditional handicrafts, carpets, spices, and jewelry.
MARKETS
After a quick cup of the finest Afghan ice cream (Sherr Yakh) we headed through the maze of markets in Kabul. The markets here are some of the most incredible and unique. From the bird market which has been going for more than 200 years to the booksellers and chicken street, home to the many shops selling anything from jewellery to carpets with the twin towers on them.
Reprimanded by the Taliban
TODAY’S YOUTUBE VIDEOS
If you want to see today from a different perspective, and catch a few different stories from the front row, then check out today’s YouTube videos below.
FINAL THOUGHTS
It’s an incredible feeling walking about Kabul knowing what this country has gone through over the past 20 plus years.
NEXT UP
A day in Bamiyan!! Click to read.
SAFE TRAVELS, DS x
159/229
This post was part of The Afghan Series, for the entire series click here or for episode 1, click here.
To watch the video of my trip, head to my highlights on my Instagram.
