The Journey

On occasion, we have colleagues who share their experiences working in the more secluded regions of Afghanistan. Panjsher (The Valley of Five Lions) is one of 34 provinces in Afghanistan. It is known for its valley which joins the eastern and western borders of the province. Home for more than 300,000 Afghans Panjsher has the potential of becoming a major center of emerald mining as well as a unique experience for those who enjoy the awe inspiring peaks of the Hindu Kush.

In the months of January and February this region is marked by extremely cold temperatures. Nevertheless, you will find that people walk in sandals with no socks, throw snowballs with no mittens and wear the traditional light cotton pants. It would appear that living in the mountainous regions of Afghanistan not only requires extreme resourcefulness but also remarkable resilience.

In effect, it is truly bewildering how the Afghans manage to cope with this harsh climate and the poverty that surrounds them. The experiences shared by my colleague of the people living in Panjsher is but a simple wintry example of how very little we understand these people and their ability to survive. Clearly, a journey in this country only truly begins once you understand that you don’t.


Photos taken by Mr. Robert Aguirre January 20, 2008.