Tapa Bibi Mahroo - Kabul

Spent a good chunk of today out and about since the project deadline was suddenly extended last night and we could take a breather. Went to a couple of client sites, looked at Afghan rugs, got stuck in a goat traffic jam and then went up Tapa Bibi Mahroo (arial view attached), the 500 foot hill smack dab in the middle of Kabul.

The Soviets built an observation post there during their occupation and some bright bulb had the idea of building an Olympic sized pool there, complete with diving boards. Didn't pause to consider how they were going to get water up the hill. It's never been filled with water. Ever. After the Soviets, the Taliban found a use for it. The bound and marched alleged adulterers and apostates up to the high platform and pushed them off, or shot or bayoneted them, and let them fall 60 feet to the bottom. Brutal. Now people go up there to get the full 360 degree view of the sprawl of Kabul.

On Fridays the dusty gravel lot there is used for local dog fights. Not a safe event to observe as the owners of losing dogs have been known to start automatic gun fights with winning owners. We're not in Kansas anymore Toto....

12 more hours and I'm off to Dubai. No more grit and dust in my eyes, hair and bed. Looking forward to a room with AC.