A Canadian Tourist went missing in the sandbox in late Feb, and the Taliban are assumed to have him.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/story/2011/02/28/canada-afghanistan-traveller.html
This has generated some fascinating conversations on the home front. Starting with:
Me: Really? Tourist Destination? What was he thinking?
and
So now I assume some folks are going to have to risk their personal safety to retrieve him
and leading fairly quickly to
Sebastian : Ya, Darwin in action. ... But I was thinking I'd like to take you there sometime, and show you around
Me: Um .... are you pulling my leg?
S: No, I would actually like to go there with you. Of course we are going to have to teach you some new skills first, but I am serious
(As an aside, I am already decent with an automatic weapon, edged weapons, and hand-to-hand, and I can act suitably meek and obedient if the situation requires it)
The conversation went on for about an hour, and in truth, I am kinda into the idea. S has spent almost 2 full years of his life in that country, and it has had a profound impact on him. He has a deep connection to the land and its people. From photos and videos he has shown me, there are some absolutely stunningly beautiful parts.
Now this is not happening next weekend or anything, but the seed has been planted. And it is taking root. I trust his judgement about where/when it would be safe for us to go, etc, etc.
Part of me thinks I am crazy ... but part of me thinks it could be an amazing adventure.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
3 comments:
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I don't think it sounds crazy at all. Especially S's reaction. I have a really good buddy who is a Vietnam Vet and he talked for years about going back. How beautiful the country was, the people, etc. He lost a leg over there, saw heavy combat with Cav in the Highlands fairly early in the War. His family thought he was totally Nuts about wanting to go back and frankly, deep down inside I think he felt that too.
ReplyDeleteBut he went back and now has been back several times with Veterans groups. For him, it has been a totally healing experience. He likes to say that all the old GHOSTS are still there in his dreams but they are all friends now and so they sit around drinking coffee (since they are all on the wagon and have given up booze, lol!)and shoot the shit!
I don't know why a tourist would be in-country NOW...doesn't make a lot of sense. But from everything I've heard it is an incredible place of rugged beauty. It's always us humans that screw stuff up and we've messed that place up for years now.
But as a seed planted for the future, I think it's a cool idea. But I still feel better knowing your proficiency w/automatic weapons, etc! Best Regards Always...T
hubby and I had the same conversation, about the tourist. But as for the vacation, hubby never did get on tour so the way we see it as a couple, we would rather stay away, if possible. But I totally get that for you guys it would be different. You two seem to "get" each other so well. Happy for you :)
ReplyDeleteGeorgia is pretty, too, and no one here will cut your head off. There is nothing pretty enough to get me into that shit hole...other than opening the draft to senior citizens. Then I'll go.
ReplyDelete