Arrival

Greetings from Afghanistan!I'm here, finally. After thirty-six hours of travelling, I arrived with Mathias (the other guy I was travelling with for those who don't know him) at Kabul airport. I stayed for three days in Kabul, and then spent the better part of two days (!) driving about 300 km north through the Hindu Kush mountains to Taloqan, where I'll be spending about a month or so to help out with the work here before I go north-east to Faizabad. There are a few things I may be doing here, among them: teaching English to the national staff, attending co-ordination meetings between the UN and other relief organisations, doing payroll for the various project sites, and generally trying to figure out this whole racket, along with the language. I've learned a few words, enough to buy shampoo, and clothes, and get a beard trim. The barbers here are wizards! No electric razors, just scissors and comb and lightning speed, followed by a straight razor and more lightning speed. The staff here is very busy and very friendly and accommodating.

They are indulgent with a new guy. Think of me as I learn this language, and what my place is in this work. There is so much to do and everyone is so busy that it's hard for anyone to sit down and explain what I'm to do. It's a matter of watching and learning and then just jumping in as soon as possible. I'm encouraged knowing that you are all supporting me.

I will try to write more details and stories in the future, and as soon as I find my email addresses I will respond to some of you individually. I just wanted to send you all a quick note to say I'm here, I'm in, I'm ok. Tashakor, khoda hafez! (thank you, goodbye!)

Ryan