Commuting to work Kabul-style

 

Yesterday en route to my office I attempted to travel along a street that I go down every morning. Security is always tight because there are a number of ministry buildings and embassies along each side of the road. However, I am a "kharogie" or foreigner, so they usually let me through - but not yesterday!


I explained that I was an aid worker on my way to work in the local hospital but the man with the gun was having none of it. I decided not to argue, discretion being the better part of valour. He waved me along my way with the business end of his Kalashnikov.


A supposed shortcut
This morning I braved the checkpoint again. The road saves a back breaking journey though the city centre - not worth getting shot for, but worth taking a small risk for.


It was a different guy this morning. "Ah a foreigner", he says, as I stopped for another 'chat'. He had a dog and obviously wanted to practice his English so he asked me in his best newly acquired tongue if he could put his dog in my ear! How could I refuse? In jumped the animal whose name I learned was "Rex", he sniffed a few pieces of litter that have accumulated on the floor of the car, and leapt out disappointed not to have a found an arms or drugs cache.


"Where are you going?" asked the soldier. I told him and he then said he had very bad eyesight. I advised him to come along for a check-up at the eye care organisation where I work and gave him my card. He said he would and waved me on my way, through the "shortcut"!