Vacations

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.