Day 27: Sacrifices made

For the last three years I sat in my apartment watching coalition efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan unfold. What struck me the most was the age of those making sacrifices --- they were youngsters separated from loved ones, walking into harms way daily.

At 44, I couldn't help but think I was somehow cheating. That I was circumventing the rules so to speak; shouldn't I take on the hardship so the younger generation could enjoy their lives for a while longer? The reality is, at 44 I've lived a pretty good life ... I've seen a lot of the world, enjoyed happy times on several continents. I'm single with no immediate family to worry about me. To watch the youngest members of the U.S. effort in the Middle East step up to the plate ate at me enough that finally, well, here I am.

And I continue to be impressed with their strength of will and character. For those of you who look on at the evening news with indifference, take the time to study the faces, forget the politics. Then ask yourself, "How would I stand up to a similar challenge. Could I show the fortitude to step up like these young soldiers do daily? Could I handle the pressure?"

New topic: There's an old saying that goes something along the lines of, "Stick six economists in a room and an hour later they'll emerge with seven different theories as to where the economy is headed."

And we've all heard the saying, "It's the economy stupid." Especially during campaign time. Here in Afghanistan it takes on a whole new level of importance. The economy is, in my mind, the key to success here, but to ensure a viable infrastructure is in place for such progress to take root takes a reasonable amount of national security. Hence the coalition's challenge, to provide enough training and support to the Afghan government so that they can make it happen. Security will be the beginning of a domino effect.

National security equals economic growth; economic growth equals individual prosperity; individual prosperity equals regional stability; and regional stability leads to global security. It's a small world people.

Day 21: Road rage

Well, it took a few weeks to finally see one, but today was the day. An SUV collided with another vehicle and pedestrians were caught in the way.

On my way back from a local "staging area," we came upon a group of people (including Afghan National Police) who had gathered following an automobile accident. It was bad, but not the worse that I've seen. And the police were doing their part in keeping things from getting out of hand.

With one side of the road essentially blocked, traffic started coming straight at us instead. Odd I thought, but it is Afghanistan ... where anything can happen on the road.

In all honesty, I was more than a little surprised it took this long to come up on a collision. There are no rules of the road here and people, cars, troops, trucks, heavy equipment and everything else just mixes in the streets. It's chaotic at best, and a death trap at worst. On several occasions my driver had to slam on the breaks -- the tires letting loose with a squeal each time.

They drive extremely, EXTREMELY offensively. I'd like to say I'm used to hit, having lived in some similar places before, but it still takes time.

It was 110 in the shade today; so if you want to drop a few pounds, you may want to schedule a trip when things are safe enough. Though I hear Dubai, Qatar and Kuwait reach the 140s.

Wild Art: Photography

Mud walls are the norm, with internal structures dividing up living space. (Photo by G. A. Volb)

Rocks outline territory, whether family or village owned. Select this photo and you'll see an Afghan National Army troop standing guard on the small hill to the left. (Photo by G. A. Volb)

The mule came first, then a motorcycle and then a U.S. armored vehicle. Select this photo and you'll notice the up-armored HMMWV to the right and Afghan National Army light vehicle on the hill for security. (Photo by G. A. Volb)

Wooden doorways and window frames fill out the typical mud and brick home. (Photo by G. A. Volb)

Day 20: Laundry day

Like I said before, it's the simple things that will get you through living and working in Afghanistan. Fridays are for laundry, which takes up a good portion of the afternoon. And as long as time is slipping by smoothly, life isn't bad here.

I also took the time to help three others build bunk beds for their small piece of paradise. Anything to create the appearance of more room in their -- room.

It's twisted, but I kind of like being able to stand in the center of my "estate" and turn on the lights, computer, poor green tea or shave without ever moving. If I could high jump five feet, I'd also be able to launch myself into bed without moving.

It's another hot one, I'm thinking three digit range again. Nearly bought a watch that provides the temperature too, but after misreading the price tag (I thought it said $275), I decided against the purchase. The 275 I saw was actually in Euros, so the price was closer to $400.

We're not allowed to drink here (among other things), which doesn't bother me even a little. But watching our French counterparts partake in an adult beverage or two kind of had me wondering what a nice cold Corona would taste like in 110 degree heat.