On the 5th October last, I began my long journey back home to East Clare, firstly hitching a ride on an Amercian Chinook to Kandahar, and belive me, that was an experience, then a 737 from Kandahar to Dubai, with the massive reward of 33cl cold Heineken Beer just after take-off (Its all dry over here !), then an overnight flight from Dubai to Heathrow, a nice english breakfast there, and the best part of all was the final leg with Aer Lingus into Shannon, with the excitement of spotting three of mates houses as we approached landing (I live fairly close to Shannon Airport), it was cold and wet in Shannon but I couldn't care less, there I was meeting my wife and 2 boys, in a T-Shirt in cold and wet Shannon- It was great to see them as I had missed them, Its the hardest part of being away and not be able to do teh simple stuff like meals and tickling fights !!
It was great to meet my neighbours and friends back at home over the following two weeks. In the first few days, you realise and cherish the freedom's we have in Ireland, even through the economic challeneges that we are going through right now, we don't live in fear, we have access to education, we are allowed free speech, stuff we take for granted, stuff I took for granted, It really gives one perspective coming back from a country like Afghanistan. The first few days home were a little surreal as my sleep pattern wasn't right, and I was in a way "between worlds" which I guess is understandable. Thanks to everyone who I met over the break, it was great meeting you all and I look forward to seeing you at Christmas...
Like all good things as they say.....I packed up again and returned to Afghanistan last week via the same route to much cooler weather and to a very busy workload......but also to a very welcoming team back up here in Tarin Kowt.
On my way out, I bought a book in O'Mahony's book store in Limerick, which I pretty much read cover to cover on my journy back, so riveted that I was by it.....
"Forbidden Lessons in a Kabul Guesthouse" are the Memoirs of Suraya Sadeed, she tells the very personal, tragic, cruel and hopeful story of how she set up her childrens charity in Afghanistan, yes "she", a woman who took on every obstacle right through the period just after the defeat of teh Soviet Union, through the Civil War, the Taliban, 9/11 and post 9/11, it is a fantastic window into the real lives of Afghan people and how they have suffered through the many years of conflict here, and told with such compassion and bravery, I would highly recommend the book, as it gives accurate accounts of history along with very personal emotional expereinces with people she met along the way and also gives hope for the future here, to borrow a quote from the book.......
"drop by drop, a River Forms", this woman was not for giving up easily ! - enjoy the book if you choose to read it..........
