THE AFGHAN SERIES REFLECTION POST10 min read

UAE, AFGHANISTAN

The Afghan Series reflection post. As I sit on the flight heading back to Ireland, I can seriously say Afghanistan took every ounce of energy out of me.

I UNDERSTAND WHY AFGHANS GET THE REPUTATION AS SOME OF THE FRIENDLIEST PEOPLE ON THE PLANET

If it wasn’t the many miles and hours on the road, it was that plate of fish I had enroute to Jalalabad.

WHERE IS AFGHANISTAN?

Afghanistan

IS IT SAFE?

The question everyone wants to ask is: Is Afghanistan actually safe? From my own experience, yes, I had very few issues in a country with a reputation as one of the most dangerous. I don’t recommend everyone go; no doubt it is an acquired taste, but considering it has just come out of a 20 (or 40) year war, it’s as safe as it ever could be. The only issue you will get is how to accommodate all the requests for Chai and lunch!

Government Travel Advice

In all seriousness, there is still an element or risk here, ISIS is still the main threat to the Taliban as is breaking some of the rules that might otherwise be accepted in the west.

THE TALIBAN

I was never worried about potential experiences with the Taliban, but I do remember the first time I saw one, in the arrivals at Kabul, which instantly gave me the feeling of “welcome to Afghanistan.”

But we all have an idea of the Taliban, and I was the same. However, my experience couldn’t have been anymore different. Although the checkpoints do little to improve the experience, they’re a necessary evil if you want to visit here.

Beyond the standard questions, I had only one bad experience with the Taliban when I was ever so slightly fondled, and who knows, maybe on another day I would have enjoyed it! But the rest of the experiences were good, especially from those in higher positions.

THE AFGHANS

Where do I start with the people of Afghanistan? There were countless experiences and interactions that I will remember, most of which were happy to chat, even considering the camera I was casually sticking into their faces. I lost count of of many times I was asked for Chai and back to their home for dinner, and each time I felt guilty for having to say no. If I were to return, I would give myself an extra few days to spend with the locals.

It’s not the fact that the locals were so friendly that surprised me, it’s what they have all gone through over the past 40 years and still remain so open and generous. There isn’t a soul in Afghanistan who hasn’t lived through a war, as Afghanistan has not experienced peace for over 200 years. Add that to the brutal working conditions and long hours many of these people have to endure, and rightly so, they should really be a pack of miserable sods. But I find this a lot: the fewer people there are, the more content and generous they seem. Here, they have time for you, and although they might not have much, they are willing to give it all.

WOMEN OF AFGHANISTAN

One of the most documented aspects of the new Taliban rule was the rights and freedoms of women. After turning a corner during the U.S. invasion, it seems things have gone back to the way they were. Although it’s worth noting that a few restrictions have been somewhat relaxed, many remain, especially the ban on girls older than 12 attending school.

There is no official rule of law in Afghanistan; things are very inconsistent, and it also depends on which region you are in. Although it is suggested that women cannot work, I did walk through a bazaar in Bamiyan owned solely by women. Bamiyan doesn’t seem to be that bit more Liberal.

Veils also seem to be back in use, covering anything from the head to the entire face. I have visited many Islamic countries before, but had never seen the entire face of a woman covered, including the eyes.

They are also required to sit in private areas of the restaurants or mosques, although no better or worse than the male areas. Female tourists do have all the same restrictions, however, and can enjoy much more freedom.

However, I only ever seen women treated with great respect and often priority. Never did I see a woman stand without a man insisting she take the seat or pushed (for want of a better word) to the front of the queue. Although I suppose some will find that as a sign of systemic benevolent sexism.

BATTLE SCARS

The history of Afghanistan is well known, and although it can proudly define its borders, it has had to work for them; hence the nickname, the graveyard of empires. While driving around, you don’t need to go far to see proof of the many wars. From Soviet tanks and Kalashnikovs to Hummers and Hesco bastions, there is something on every corner.

I took a huge interest in the US invasion, but the sheer number of abandoned military outposts shocked me, a sign of how dangerous things were.

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

That’s it for another series, and good to really delve deep into a new country that didn’t disappoint. If only every trip was a good as this one, I’d consider doing this full-time!

SAFE TRAVELS, DS x
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NEXT UP

After Afghanistan there can only be one place…Iraq! Click to read blog one.

This was the reflection post for The Afghan Series, for the entire series click here or for episode 1, click here.
To see a different side of my trip head to my social channels; YouTube, Instagram & TikTok. Links at top of the page.