Kabul

We arrived in Kabul at 9AM local time after a short 2 hour flight over some of the most amazing landscapes I have ever seen. In some instances I questioned whether it was still planet earth I was observing. It was Iran that lay below us - a never ending sea of desert mountains, sand with artistic patterns, rippled by the wind I suppose, and the long and winding curves of what at one time must have been rivers but were now dry dusty snakes. Everything looked so uninhabitable. Next came the snow covered mountains and then some of the most majestic snow capped peaks came into view and like the desert before, they stretched as far as the eye could see - - we were now in Afghanistan airspace. We circled around one of the mountains, dropped quickly into an approach and there lay Kabul at its 7000 ft. elevation.

As we exited the plane there was a pungent odor and the pollution in the air was very evident. The sun was out and it was warm. That will change tomorrow as it might get cold and even snow. We were met on the tarmac by a van and our entry into the country expedited. Before leaving the airport in an armoured vehicle we had to don our body armour. We will have to wear this at all times outside our compound.

At the embassy we were badged, briefed and shown to our quarters; a small, 2 person "hooch",with 2 single beds, toilet, and shower with hot water - yeah!! We even have a TV and Internet. Dave K and I will get to know each other very well :)

The compound is a village to itself with all the amenities - cafeterias, gym, PX, laundry room and even a pool. We had lunch and now we rest and get ready for briefings tomorrow before our first mission on Tuesday. Here comes the rain and thunderstorm that will bring in the cold weather. I am warm in my bunk so no worries...

Happy Easter to you all and I'll be talking to you soon.