Today, Friday (weekend here is Fri and Sat), I spent the bulk of the day cleaning up my notes from Thursday's interview. I didn't have any plans to go anywhere, which is good because we were put on curfew from 12-4. I guess one of the religious leaders in Afghanistan declared a Day of Anger in response to the Pope's insensitive comment. There were several peaceful protests scheduled, and that means internationals stay home. During the riots here in May, I guess our staff house was targeted (we are close to the Parliament) and every window in the building was smashed. I guess one of the security guards shot his gun off in the air and the mob moved down the street. So, protests mean stay inside.
Thankfully, nothing happened.
Tonight Anika, Nathan and I went out for dinner at a Lebanese restaurant. The food was very good, and they even had alcohol. I guess it is now illegal to sell alcohol - restaurants are allowed to finish off their current supplies, and then the country will be dry. Sitting outdoors, eating mezza, with people smoking sheesha around me made me feel like I was back in Palestine. Funny how I can be homesick for a place I only lived in for a few months. . .
About Me
- Sahar
- I'm an international aid worker who has been based in Iraq since February 2009. Originally based in Sulimaniyah, I now work from Baghdad with frequent travel around the country.
2 comments:
Hey Sahar,
Wow! Didn't realize it was three months. Cool!
Inshallah you will be safe, and I'm sure you'll learn a lot.
Pictures please!
I am finally getting around to reading your blog and catching up with your experiences thus far, Sahar. It sounds amazing, but also funny how all of the Palestinian contexts for curfews, checkpoints, etc. get turned on their head in Afghanistan.
Ramadan Karim!
Post a Comment