On the way to Mazar-e-Sharif

Characteristically decorated Pakistani truck on road to Mazar

A funny thing happened on the way to Mazar-e-Sharif last week: We missed the plane. It wasn't our fault - we were misinformed about the reporting time (domestic Afghan flight times are never announced until the day before ... but that's tricky if on that day the office closes due to the start of Ramadan) and so we drove instead. I've already shown one picture from that expedition and here are some more.



Over a hundred people died during flooding in this village a few months ago. Note the washed away restaurant at right.



The Halo Trust remains visible in Afghanistan as it tackles the immense task of clearing landmines and UXO.



President Hamid Karzai is popular in most of the parts of Afghanistan I'll be working in. Less so in the Taliban controlled areas...



Northern mouth of the 2.6km Salang Tunnel at 3,400m altitude.






Nomadic Kuchi caravan






Roadside baker's shop. Shopkeepers are very often children and while I wish they were in school they are perfectly able business people.



The white tick mark on the shop wall indicates that the structure has been cleared or found clear of landmines.



Roadside grave



When this power line is finished in 2008 it will bring the first reliable power from Tajikistan to Kabul and much of Afghanistan.