One Last Stand

Sorry about the lack of updates. My luck with avoiding any wacky bacteria from the food or water here finally ran out. I took a dive on Thursday. But thanks to Dr. Hashim, our trusted fixer and recent medical school graduate, I was back on my feet in time to make a trip to Gardez.

The trip marked what will probably be our last adventure here in Afghanistan. It's been a real pleasure working with the talented Mr. Lasseter. When the stories he's writing hit newsstands (and websites) I'll let you know. But you probably won't need my heads up. I'm sure the news will be everywhere.

Tom corrupts a couple of Muslim minds by teaching them five card draw. Unfortunately, Allah would not allow Hashim, left, and Murza, right, to bet. We could have been rich.

I told Tom if we take one more trip, we'll be sleeping on a dirt floor. The lodging for this trip consisted of this concrete room with a few mats to spread out on. Our hosts were very hospitable and cooked us a wonderful dinner. This was despite the fact that they were clearly nervous about housing a couple of Americans for the night.

The airline tickets for home have been purchased.

Afghanistan is one strange place. On one hand, its landscape is perhaps the most stunning I've ever seen. In the parts we've traveled to, one has to only turn their head in any direction to find snow-capped peaks.

On the other hand, the poverty and the many generations of violence make it a sad and depressing place to be.