The weekend was a blast (ok, not that way!)

Trip Start Jun 30, 2007

Trip End Ongoing

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Flag of Afghanistan Kabul, Afghanistan
Sunday, July 8, 2007

What an eventful first weekend, I must say that even I am impressed! I was invited to a boxing match which was followed by a roof party. A security company here has been training it's staff in the art of boxing (if I can say that) and they had a tournament on Thursday. It was really well organised, boxing ring, referee, live MC, 3 judges including an indian lady (go girl power!), head protection gear and a very enthusiastic/loud crowd. It was held in the front yard of an Indian friend's house where she works and lives. Much blood was shed and there was even a controversial decision that sent the crowd roaring in anger. The very first, live boxing match in my life.

I escaped early from the party as the others were heading for the opening night of a night club. Not really my scene, but was really intrigued by the all the gossip the following day.

01 Boxing tournament

I've joined a gym near where I live, it was wonderful to sweat out some of the pressure I'd been facing these last few weeks.

I had lunch with another friend from France on Friday, went to l'Atmosphere, the french haunt with the outdoor pool and bar. The place where people go to see and to be seen.

I then joined a Sri Lankan friend for a cup of afternoon tea at a rather posh (and extremely golden) compound in Wazir Akbar Khan. She invited me to join her at a colleague's engagement party. This party turned out to be the equivalent to what we would have as a wedding, the multi-tiered cake included. I felt I was sitting in a wedding hall in Karachi - women dressed in their fabulous shalwar kameez, lehngas and dresses. There were a group of girls dancing in the way I once did at a friends wedding in Islamabad when I was 15. A live musicia was singing famous Hindi songs. Brought back lots of memories. We were looked after well and the Afghan hospitality being second to none. It was nearly mid-night by the time I got home.

The following day, I was dragged out in the sun, house hunting. We checked out about 6 places and I've finally set my heart on a charming but spacious villa. I'll have the second and third floors, while the owner will live downstairs with his family. It has a huge terrace with gorgeous views. I'm now in the process of organisin armed guards through the Ministry of Interior which is a security mandate from my employers.

I've enjoyed wandering the streets of Kabul, shopping for house hold items, groceries and books. I feel so much at home here because it's so similar to shopping in India, Pakistan and Zambia.