When I first arrived, someone mentioned that I should get a burka. After almost a year, I finally got around to getting one. They have to be specially made, with specific fabric. The shop measures your head and your height. From what the shopkeeper said, I’m pretty tall. I guess I never noticed but I am taller then most of my female staff. Most of the burka's in Kabul are blue, occasionally I'll see a white one. I'm not sure if the color is significant.
I have only worn the burka around my flat, figured I needed to practice walking in case I ever have to wear it. There is a mesh square that you look out of and I find it difficult to see. I have no peripheral vision. I have to wear my ponytail at the nape of my neck so the burka fits properly on my head. In the warm evening air, it’s hot to wear. I can’t imagine what its like during the middle of the day. Nor can I imagine what it's like to have to wear one or you can't leave the house.
Even though it’s only around my flat, I feel uncomfortable wearing it. Maybe even a little invisible? Walking around the hospital I see many women wearing them. I can’t tell if they are looking at me but I always try to smile and say hello to them. I want them to know that I see them. I imagine that they are smiling back but I suspect maybe they are wondering who the crazy foreigner is saying hello to them.
Keep Smiling!
