Author Archives: Kavita Nair
Its 6 weeks today…
Third time lucky… It has been six weeks and already I have experienced love, respect, loss, envy, utter delight and longing, all of which I associate with Afghanistan. The love and respect Afghans bestow on me humbles me every time. I want to tell them I do not deserve it, I am learning Pashto for myself, [...]
Last week, I…
1…was locked down again – worked at home and listened to Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan with Natasha 2…fought like a tigress for my son and my authority – Proud of me! 3. …undertook a Capacity Development course for a few people from three formidable ministries 4….went to Panjhsher with Mikhail and a few colleagues from [...]
The Taliban celebrate my return to Kabul!!
I had thought I would settle down a bit before I blog about my new job and my third trip to Kabul, complain about airplane food, change in weather and mundane things like that. But Kabul always takes me by surprise. I am spending my second night in the city in my office, listening to [...]
Locked Down: My second day in Kabul
I was just getting ready to go out for a meeting with Lauren – to Shahr-e-Nau – when we heard gunshots, loud and continuous. My first thought – Mikhail! I spoke to CG Admin and HR heads – the highly efficient Lauren spoke to them already and they in turn called the security guards posted in [...]
My Afghan connection
I am amazed – even as I try to keep a distance, to remain objective, to remain a passive onlooker – at how easily I make that emotional connection with an Afghan. How easily the walls I build around me shatter and I am open: to friendship, to caring, crying and laughing, even protecting my [...]
Kabul adventures…The Guesthouse
Wednesday, August 18. We are in our new home. Mikhail is the first to wake, as usual. Its 7:00 am. “Mummy, no sleeping.” I wake up, before he can start punching me, and get off the bed. I feel fresh today. I love this place – my new home, the ABCD guesthouse. It’s a huge [...]
