Herat is still standing

For some reason, I'd got the impression that the wonders of Herat had been totally flattened. I was wrong. Thank goodness. I have pics to prove it.

Spent Id ul Fitr in Herat; far from the Kabuli traffic and potholes. There are even functioning traffic lights. Some drivers have even noticed them. Marvellous. 

Friday mosque erected by the Horrids; tilework restored a couple of centuries later by those extraordinary Timurids (Shah Rukh and The Lovely Jewel). Ansari's Shrine and Jami's Tomb. Many concrete animals, especially fountains.

We were very fortunate in having a student to take us around and keep us safe. The MarcoPoloHotel is a comic riot. I loved it. The two Yas restaurants are also recommended. A very refreshing weekend.

Arrived in Kabul

Arrived on 5 August to start work in Kabul at AUAF in Darulaman Road. Visited Darulaman Palace (ruins of, pic left) early on.

Settling in, getting used to living in a guesthouse, sharing kitchen between 3 of us, and a house between between about 18.