Afghanistan People & Culture
Stick it to the man!
Last edited Jan 12, 09 7:03 AM. Contributors: Contributors: Joseph M.
Bagram, Kabul & Eastern Afghanistan, Afghanistan
There are no tips here because you will most likely go there ONLY for the government. If you're going to BAF, go get some food at the Korean place, yummmm!
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The country has a population of about 32 million people, divided into Pastun (about 40%), Tajik (about 25%), Haxara (about 10%), Uzbek (also about 10%), Aimak (5%), Tukmen (3%) and Baloch (2%) ethnic groups.
Last edited Nov 24, 08 5:25 PM. Contributors: Contributors: Andrew W.
Kabul, Kabul & Eastern Afghanistan, Afghanistan
Don't go without body armour and a rifle!
But seriously it isnt as bad as people make out, rush hour can be a bit hectic but if you have time there are plenty of street vendors and shops to visit.
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Kabul, Kabul & Eastern Afghanistan, Afghanistan
Fabulous Darling, like no place else I've ever been. Hustle and bustle on the dirty streets with open sewers and bullet ridden and dilapidated buildings gives way to peaceful green serenity once you step inside the gates of a walled-in compound. There you are met with green grass, blooming flowers, understated but warm smiles, a helping hand, warm tea, and a thick wall to block out noise from the street.
True, the occasional land mine detonation and heavily armed locals hired to be security guards add to the mystique but don't forget to look up in the trees and spot wayward kites left by kite runners or catch a glimpse of the stunning mountains surrounding the city. Note: best not to venture up INTO those mountains as they could have left-over mines in them, best just to imagine what that beautiful trek might be like...
There is so much more to Kabol that someone who lives there could tell you but these are my there-10-days impressions.
Favortie Things: Food. Food. Food. People.People. People.
Least Favorite Thing: Driving next to a military convoy - target!
The airport looks like chaos but make no mistake, everyone knows what they are doing there just follow the lines and smile. Act like you know what you are doing.
Check out the fortress/palace outside of town but as per the signs please refrain from taking pictures (unless you just can't help it).
No PDA with the opposite sex unless you want to look like a freak show. Same sex affection in public is common and you will see men holding hands as they go.
Where to stay? Guest Lodge, guest lodge, guest lodge - the fancy Western hotel while stunningly beautiful and modern is a terrorist target and was bombed this last year. Try Kabul Lodge: MOB 079423562 070271821
Street shopping is fine and novel but if you want some nice, expensive authentic threads with a western twist try Tarsian and Blinkley (on the web for more info).
If you start giving out money you will soon become very popular with the beautiful local children who will ALL break your heart if you don't unload your pockets - best to give to an organization or entity that provides releif.
ANY attempt at the language will be MUCH appreciated but hire a guide/driver to get you where you need to go and help you find your way around the city. Just try not to make 'em drive you into a part of town that has ethnic clashes with their own people group - it's not really fun to see your GUIDE anxious and sweaty.
It's COLD at night and everything is heated with propane gas space heaters so bring warm clothes/socks/hats to sleep in starting in early fall.
Pack a roll of TP just in case but be sure NOT TO PUT IT DOWN THE TOILET - trash can is best. There ARE western toilets but a little hand sanitizer might come in handy as soap is not really part of the deal.
Um, nightlife - suggestion: don't really try and go out too much at night unless you are being taken by a local or expat living there. Wandering foreigners are frowned upon and considered vulnerable. A local will take you to a nice restaurant or lounge and know when its time to go.
P.S. Women, cover your head for pete's sake! No need to don a burqua simply use a long scarf to cover hair and neck. You may pull it off when going into a Western Compund. Pants under skirts are the deal (long skirts if you are older, shorter if you are young), cover up but by all means, wear your makeup and don't look like a slouch. Eye contact with men is not really part of the culture so keep it to a minimum and keep it all business. Expect to be separated to women's quarters if socializing with locals, not such a big deal in western circles. No one expects you to know all the rules just give it your best shot!
Enjoy!
True, the occasional land mine detonation and heavily armed locals hired to be security guards add to the mystique but don't forget to look up in the trees and spot wayward kites left by kite runners or catch a glimpse of the stunning mountains surrounding the city. Note: best not to venture up INTO those mountains as they could have left-over mines in them, best just to imagine what that beautiful trek might be like...
There is so much more to Kabol that someone who lives there could tell you but these are my there-10-days impressions.
Favortie Things: Food. Food. Food. People.People. People.
Least Favorite Thing: Driving next to a military convoy - target!
The airport looks like chaos but make no mistake, everyone knows what they are doing there just follow the lines and smile. Act like you know what you are doing.
Check out the fortress/palace outside of town but as per the signs please refrain from taking pictures (unless you just can't help it).
No PDA with the opposite sex unless you want to look like a freak show. Same sex affection in public is common and you will see men holding hands as they go.
Where to stay? Guest Lodge, guest lodge, guest lodge - the fancy Western hotel while stunningly beautiful and modern is a terrorist target and was bombed this last year. Try Kabul Lodge: MOB 079423562 070271821
Street shopping is fine and novel but if you want some nice, expensive authentic threads with a western twist try Tarsian and Blinkley (on the web for more info).
If you start giving out money you will soon become very popular with the beautiful local children who will ALL break your heart if you don't unload your pockets - best to give to an organization or entity that provides releif.
ANY attempt at the language will be MUCH appreciated but hire a guide/driver to get you where you need to go and help you find your way around the city. Just try not to make 'em drive you into a part of town that has ethnic clashes with their own people group - it's not really fun to see your GUIDE anxious and sweaty.
It's COLD at night and everything is heated with propane gas space heaters so bring warm clothes/socks/hats to sleep in starting in early fall.
Pack a roll of TP just in case but be sure NOT TO PUT IT DOWN THE TOILET - trash can is best. There ARE western toilets but a little hand sanitizer might come in handy as soap is not really part of the deal.
Um, nightlife - suggestion: don't really try and go out too much at night unless you are being taken by a local or expat living there. Wandering foreigners are frowned upon and considered vulnerable. A local will take you to a nice restaurant or lounge and know when its time to go.
P.S. Women, cover your head for pete's sake! No need to don a burqua simply use a long scarf to cover hair and neck. You may pull it off when going into a Western Compund. Pants under skirts are the deal (long skirts if you are older, shorter if you are young), cover up but by all means, wear your makeup and don't look like a slouch. Eye contact with men is not really part of the culture so keep it to a minimum and keep it all business. Expect to be separated to women's quarters if socializing with locals, not such a big deal in western circles. No one expects you to know all the rules just give it your best shot!
Enjoy!
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Kandahar, Kandahar & Southern Afghanistan, Afghanistan
People shoot at you here.....watch out!!!!
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Bagram, Kabul & Eastern Afghanistan, Afghanistan
I would hate to be stationed here since alot of the stateside military politics will carry over (dunno if it's the brass or the branches...). Otherwise, I great place to visit after being in some more hairy parts of Afghanistan. Get some burgerking, check out the BX/PX. The market is pretty slick. If you know the right people there, you can trade in the M-16 musket they gave you at your home station for an M-4. I, however, was not one of those lucky people, lol.... Also, if your just catching hops from one place to the other, you shouldn't have to spend more than 12 hours here. Ask about the mail flights and helo flights.
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Islam is the state religion. Suni accounts for 80% and most of the rest are Shias.
Last edited Nov 24, 08 5:28 PM. Contributors: Contributors: Andrew W.
you just got clowned punk
Last edited Jan 12, 09 7:00 AM. Contributors: Contributors: Joseph M.
As the major ethnic group in the country are the Pashtuns, Tajiks and Uzbeks, Afghan foods tend to blend the cooking methods of these three groups. Added to this is the use of spices such as saffron, cardamom and coriander, which the Afghans adopted from
Some popular dishes are Afghan Kofta (meatballs), Nan-i-Afghan (bread), Quroot (dried yogurt), Osh Pyozee (stuffed onions), Sher Berinj (rice pudding), Dampukht (steamed rice) and a native dish called Khameerbob usually prepared for special occasions at home.
Others are:
- Qabli Pulao, which is a traditional rice dish. It is steamed rice served with chopped raisins and carrot, with lamb or other meat.
- Lamb kabab usually served with naan. One can also find lamb chops, ribs, kofta (ground beef) and chicken kababs in some restaurants.
- Qormas, which is a dish consisting of fried onion, meat, fruits, spices or vegetables. Often this is eaten with chalow (white rice with each grain separated).
- Mantu are steamed dumplings stuffed with minced onion beef. This dish originated from Uzbeks.
There are several kinds of bread. Naan, quite similar to Indian naan, is made of wheat. Obi Naan is thicker than naan and is shaped like a disk. Lavash is thin bread used as plating for meats and stews.
Apart from the above, meals are usually accompanied by fresh or dried fruits such as oranges, grapes, apricots, pomegrenates, melons, plums and berries. Nuts commonly served are walnuts, almonds, pistachios and pine seeds.
Last edited Jan 20, 09 11:07 AM. Contributors: Contributors: Andrew W.
Kabul, Kabul & Eastern Afghanistan, Afghanistan
Kabul is capital of Afghanistan and located in center and South Asia. When you want to came to kabul please keep these issue in your mind:
Kabul is very cold during Autnm and winter. If you plan to came in. please take your winter cloths
Security still not good in Kabul, so need to be very clearful. and don't go alone without any afghan or the place which still you're not sure about.
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Kabul, Kabul & Eastern Afghanistan, Afghanistan
Keep yer head down! Failing that, buy a coffin.
Good restaurants. If yer peckish during Rammadam, buy The Outlook, the local daily, to get a range of magical eateries...
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Kandahar, Kandahar & Southern Afghanistan, Afghanistan
Visit the kandahar Hard Luck cafe. It might still be under construction but it is ok. For good deals go to the U.S.PX shop on KAF
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Lashkar Gah, Kandahar & Southern Afghanistan, Afghanistan
Lashkar Gah is the capital of Helmand province and is actually a fairly nice city considering the area of the world it is in. During the 1950s American engineers used it to develope canals in the area. There are some old castle ruins along the Helmand River in this city.
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Kabul, Kabul & Eastern Afghanistan, Afghanistan
Bring your Fabreeze... the smell of burning garbage and feces doesn't come out easy...
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The population speaks over 30 languages. Dari (or Afghan Persian) is spoken by half of the population. It is one of the official languages; Pashto is another official language spoken by about 35%; the other languages spoken are Uzbek and Tukmen, and about 30 other minor languages.
Last edited Nov 24, 08 5:27 PM. Contributors: Contributors: Andrew W.
Kabul, Kabul & Eastern Afghanistan, Afghanistan
Old Soviet Cultural Center on Darulaman Road. 80's era Communist building replete with Lenin murals. Sadly now used as a public toilet but I really think it should be renovated as a museum!
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Kabul, Kabul & Eastern Afghanistan, Afghanistan
Fabulous Darling, like no place else I've ever been. Hustle and bustle on the dirty streets with open sewers and bullet ridden and dilapidated buildings gives way to peaceful green serenity once you step inside the gates of a walled-in compound. There you are met with green grass, blooming flowers, understated but warm smiles, a helping hand, warm tea, and a thick wall to block out noise from the street.
True, the occasional land mine detonation and heavily armed locals hired to be security guards add to the mystique but don't forget to look up in the trees and spot wayward kites left by kite runners or catch a glimpse of the stunning mountains surrounding the city. Note: best not to venture up INTO those mountains as they could have left-over mines in them, best just to imagine what that beautiful trek might be like...
There is so much more to Kabol that someone who lives there could tell you but these are my there-10-days impressions.
Favortie Things: Food. Food. Food. People.People. People.
Least Favorite Thing: Driving next to a military convoy - target!
The airport looks like chaos but make no mistake, everyone knows what they are doing there just follow the lines and smile. Act like you know what you are doing.
Check out the fortress/palace outside of town but as per the signs please refrain from taking pictures (unless you just can't help it).
No PDA with the opposite sex unless you want to look like a freak show. Same sex affection in public is common and you will see men holding hands as they go.
Where to stay? Guest Lodge, guest lodge, guest lodge - the fancy Western hotel while stunningly beautiful and modern is a terrorist target and was bombed this last year. Try Kabul Lodge: MOB 079423562 070271821
Street shopping is fine and novel but if you want some nice, expensive authentic threads with a western twist try Tarsian and Blinkley (on the web for more info).
If you start giving out money you will soon become very popular with the beautiful local children who will ALL break your heart if you don't unload your pockets - best to give to an organization or entity that provides releif.
ANY attempt at the language will be MUCH appreciated but hire a guide/driver to get you where you need to go and help you find your way around the city. Just try not to make 'em drive you into a part of town that has ethnic clashes with their own people group - it's not really fun to see your GUIDE anxious and sweaty.
It's COLD at night and everything is heated with propane gas space heaters so bring warm clothes/socks/hats to sleep in starting in early fall.
Pack a roll of TP just in case but be sure NOT TO PUT IT DOWN THE TOILET - trash can is best. There ARE western toilets but a little hand sanitizer might come in handy as soap is not really part of the deal.
Um, nightlife - suggestion: don't really try and go out too much at night unless you are being taken by a local or expat living there. Wandering foreigners are frowned upon and considered vulnerable. A local will take you to a nice restaurant or lounge and know when its time to go.
P.S. Women, cover your head for pete's sake! No need to don a burqua simply use a long scarf to cover hair and neck. You may pull it off when going into a Western Compund. Pants under skirts are the deal (long skirts if you are older, shorter if you are young), cover up but by all means, wear your makeup and don't look like a slouch. Eye contact with men is not really part of the culture so keep it to a minimum and keep it all business. Expect to be separated to women's quarters if socializing with locals, not such a big deal in western circles. No one expects you to know all the rules just give it your best shot!
Enjoy!
True, the occasional land mine detonation and heavily armed locals hired to be security guards add to the mystique but don't forget to look up in the trees and spot wayward kites left by kite runners or catch a glimpse of the stunning mountains surrounding the city. Note: best not to venture up INTO those mountains as they could have left-over mines in them, best just to imagine what that beautiful trek might be like...
There is so much more to Kabol that someone who lives there could tell you but these are my there-10-days impressions.
Favortie Things: Food. Food. Food. People.People. People.
Least Favorite Thing: Driving next to a military convoy - target!
The airport looks like chaos but make no mistake, everyone knows what they are doing there just follow the lines and smile. Act like you know what you are doing.
Check out the fortress/palace outside of town but as per the signs please refrain from taking pictures (unless you just can't help it).
No PDA with the opposite sex unless you want to look like a freak show. Same sex affection in public is common and you will see men holding hands as they go.
Where to stay? Guest Lodge, guest lodge, guest lodge - the fancy Western hotel while stunningly beautiful and modern is a terrorist target and was bombed this last year. Try Kabul Lodge: MOB 079423562 070271821
Street shopping is fine and novel but if you want some nice, expensive authentic threads with a western twist try Tarsian and Blinkley (on the web for more info).
If you start giving out money you will soon become very popular with the beautiful local children who will ALL break your heart if you don't unload your pockets - best to give to an organization or entity that provides releif.
ANY attempt at the language will be MUCH appreciated but hire a guide/driver to get you where you need to go and help you find your way around the city. Just try not to make 'em drive you into a part of town that has ethnic clashes with their own people group - it's not really fun to see your GUIDE anxious and sweaty.
It's COLD at night and everything is heated with propane gas space heaters so bring warm clothes/socks/hats to sleep in starting in early fall.
Pack a roll of TP just in case but be sure NOT TO PUT IT DOWN THE TOILET - trash can is best. There ARE western toilets but a little hand sanitizer might come in handy as soap is not really part of the deal.
Um, nightlife - suggestion: don't really try and go out too much at night unless you are being taken by a local or expat living there. Wandering foreigners are frowned upon and considered vulnerable. A local will take you to a nice restaurant or lounge and know when its time to go.
P.S. Women, cover your head for pete's sake! No need to don a burqua simply use a long scarf to cover hair and neck. You may pull it off when going into a Western Compund. Pants under skirts are the deal (long skirts if you are older, shorter if you are young), cover up but by all means, wear your makeup and don't look like a slouch. Eye contact with men is not really part of the culture so keep it to a minimum and keep it all business. Expect to be separated to women's quarters if socializing with locals, not such a big deal in western circles. No one expects you to know all the rules just give it your best shot!
Enjoy!
Good tip?
(0)
