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| LTC C at lunch with our host |
Afghanistan remains a hostile, inhospitable place. However, within it does exist a culture of hospitality.
Pashtunwali is an unwritten code of ethics that dates back centuries within the Pashtun people of Afghanistan. Albeit that I have limited and biased experiences with the local population, I hold witness to their generous hospitality.
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| Our mean of long rice with raisins, meat and traditional Afghan bread. |
Each time we visit with the vendors, they all offer to cook for us, or at least offer tea (Chai). Certainly, its just good business. But over time it also simply feels friendly. Personally, I'm more of a window shopper, so it's pretty well apparent to them that I'm not a great customer. No matter, each time I visit, I am still invited to return for food or drinks.
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| CPT L enjoying lunch with our Afghan rug vendor |
We feasted on a well prepared meal with our host constantly attentive to anything that we needed. The people with whom I meet are humble, polite and generous. The meal was excellent and plentiful. It's amazing to me that our host would pile on so much food for us. Honestly, it was so filling, I just wanted to go back to my hooch and nap.
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| Our host preparing fresh melons |
I apologize for blurring out the face of our host. But these days, you can't be too careful. Frankly, all these folks that either work for us, or with us, or around us, are all potential targets of Taliban retribution. This fact remains, and it is unclear what the future holds. For now, I can only remain thankful for the hospitality that we currently enjoy.
