On Friday (after the earthquake) we went to Istalif for a hike and spent the day at the Lodge. It was beautiful, the air was clean and it is so rural. After spending two months in the city it's hard to believe that there are such green and quiet parts to this country. I think our lungs appreciated the clean air as well. As we headed back into the city the “Kabul cough” returned.
The Lodge is a small camp in the mountains that is a perfect place to hike, rest and enjoy the beauty that this country has to offer. They advertise “mine free trails.” We hiked in, had lunch and spent the day exploring the mountains and the wild life around us. Some of our group saw a rattlesnake. Thankfully I was not part of that group!
The road in takes you through town and some parts of the road are very narrow. At one point we had to back up and squeeze the van next to the stonewall so another car could pass. As you get closer to the Lodge the road becomes more of a dried up river bed and it brings you about a mile away from the lodge. You have to hike the rest of the way in. By far, this was my favorite day here.
The weather is officially cold and I am still waiting for them to install my heaters. Every day I ask what's the status and I'm told "tomorrow." This morning it was 60 degrees in my apartment, not terrible but not great. I have been told that in the winter, showering is over rated but central heat is not. I am starting to understand the full meaning of that statement.
Yesterday was an interesting day here as I’m sure you saw in the news. I live far enough away from the events that I did not hear anything. But it is very strange to watch the news footage and know you've been there. I do have friends that live nearby to that and they heard every thing. Thankfully they are all safe. In pre-field training they encouraged us to find 5 joys in each day and after yesterday it's good to remember that there are at least 5 in each day. These are mine from yesterday:
1. Me and my team are safe
2. We had city power
3. I had a good Skype connection with my Mom
4. We were on the late shuttle so I was able to sleep in until 6:30a
5. Ended the day with dinner and a game of "Settlers" with friends
Keep Smiling!!
