Springtime at Christmas

Each of us have something that marks the passing of one season to another. Living and traveling in other countries often flips things on their heads in terms of what should be expected at various times of year. For instance I recall wishing that Santa would deliver a nice cold pool to enjoy for Christmas…

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Terrorism in Afghanistan

Today I was reminded of the reality of terrorism in Afghanistan from our driver, BBC Farid – known for telling stories. His story was about a conversation he had with his four-year-old son when he got home from work last week. His son asked him why he did not bring banana for him. Farid replied…

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Haven’t Fallen off the Edge of the Earth…

No, I haven’t fallen off the edge of the Earth or been captured by the Taliban. No good excuses for having not kept up with folks. I know folks won’t believe that my free time is oh so packed these days with a full social calendar. More like bonding with spy girl on Alias. Yes,…

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Top 10 Reasons to Hate Miel

If you think there would be limited reasons to envy my life here in Afghanistan, think again. This list came about from a dear friend as she IMed me all the reason why to hate/envy my life here. For context, this came just after she mentioned a great new recipe from Whole Foods and I…

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Scorpion Alert!

Scorpions are one of those critters that are said to be able to survive even a nuclear holocaust. That might be so, but they aren’t any competition for me. I just walked out into the hall and found my first one inside the guesthouse. Another colleague found one in her room a few weeks ago.…

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American Map

I couldn’t help share this with others. I think I clearly fall in the Oil & War category. Cheers, Miel

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Food for Thought

This picture was taken in the cafeteria of Kabul Education University. A colleague passed it on with a note that said, “Food for Thought.” It brings me back to a conversation I had with my guard and driver yesterday about demonstrations that have taken place at KEU over the past couple of days. From the…

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Small Spaces

Sometimes it helps to keep things in perspective. My previous 600 sq ft has been reduced to about 250. When it comes down to it, I’ve got it made. Keep this in mind the next time you clean your house. Food for thought, Miel

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Picnic at the Lake

Yesterday we enjoyed an incredibly beautiful day at a nearby reservoir at the edge of Kabul. The weather was simply phenomenal. We couldn’t believe that it already early November and the weather was in the seventies. Nothing but gorgeous blue skies and sun. A couple of colleagues and I patched together a hodge podge of…

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Bush Market

I thought today I’d share a tidbit to know that American tax dollars are hard at work. More commonly known as the black market, here in Afghanistan it is called the Bush Market, yes, named after our beloved George W Bush. At the Bush Market you can find an odd, yet plentiful, supply of American…

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