tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-214202132011-04-21T23:13:58.860-04:00Follow me on my March 2006 journey to Kabul, Afghanistan with the humanitarian organization, Global Exchange.JA Huberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18416207369827729263noreply@blogger.comBlogger381100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21420213.post-47614782751457465292007-02-14T23:11:00.000-05:002007-05-01T20:51:06.947-04:00

Almost a year later, I'm still struggling with the trip to Kabul last March with Global Exchange. I think it's because the culture is unlike anything I've ever experienced or comprehend. A member of the editorial board for a Tallahassee-area paper called the "Apalachee Tortoise" had contacted me last month. She found me via my primary blog and asked if I would contribute something about the

JA Huberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18416207369827729263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21420213.post-72920375831657216772007-02-06T19:26:00.000-05:002007-02-06T19:29:42.339-05:00

It's been almost a year since my Afghanistan trip and I'm still grasping at comprehending the experience. I was asked to write an opinion piece for a local paper, which helped me comprehend the trip a little bit. That article will be published later this month. In the meantime, I was motivated to write about Deborah Rodriguez and the Beauty School of Kabul. The school and salon are empowering

JA Huberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18416207369827729263noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21420213.post-1165534833945852712006-12-07T18:33:00.000-05:002006-12-07T18:40:48.296-05:00

I received an email from "The New Yorker" today promoting the Amber Chand Collection. The featured item was the Jerusalem Candle of Hope but I was drawn to the Kabul Necklace of Courage, a beautiful green-blue fluorite. The stones are carved and crafted by women in Kabul shops. Women to Women International is involved, one of the organizations my group met with in Kabul last March.The necklace is

JA Huberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18416207369827729263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21420213.post-1157505080033771362006-09-05T21:09:00.000-04:002006-09-05T21:34:13.926-04:00

The words, "Afghanistan will haunt you," and "we don't want to be forgotten," continue to linger in mind. I'm still connected somewhat to some of the trip participants. At least one woman, Sharon, will be returning over Christmas, taking along her son who recently returned home from a tour in Afghanistan followed by Iraq. She's speaking at a conference and I'm sure she WON'T be staying in a guest

JA Huberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18416207369827729263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21420213.post-1157496617126203132006-09-05T18:45:00.000-04:002006-09-05T18:53:10.916-04:00

JA Huberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18416207369827729263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21420213.post-1153277132854460842006-07-18T22:44:00.000-04:002006-07-18T22:45:32.866-04:00

I was sent an email stating that Barbara Walters visited Afghanistan pre-2001 and post 2001 (after the Taliban were ousted). She noticed that women continued to walk behind the men, but at a greater distance than pre-2001. She asked a woman why and the dead-pan response was, "land mines."I haven't researched to see if this actually happened, but I thought about it when I read today that the

JA Huberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18416207369827729263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21420213.post-1152741248010331492006-07-12T17:51:00.000-04:002006-07-12T17:54:08.026-04:00

Well, it's taken me about four months to actually write something cohesive about my March trip to Kabul. I'm working on other stories for other publications. This story gives a very brief story focuses primarily on two people I met. Enjoy the story here.

JA Huberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18416207369827729263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21420213.post-1151448764529533642006-06-27T18:50:00.000-04:002006-06-27T18:52:44.540-04:00

I learned a few tips on staying healthy while visiting Kabul and wrote an article about them. Hope these help if you are planning a trip.

JA Huberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18416207369827729263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21420213.post-1146359104640806872006-04-29T21:01:00.000-04:002006-04-29T21:05:04.640-04:00

Another cool woman I shared a room with during my stay in Kabul is Sharon Jumper. She's ex-Army, a military mom, attorney and professor - a true intellectual diva! Enjoy Sharon's travelblog.

JA Huberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18416207369827729263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21420213.post-1143948053748472642006-04-01T22:12:00.000-05:002006-05-31T17:17:46.740-04:00

The person for whom I probably "bonded" with the most from the journey is Cordelia. She's a really hip gal who lives in New York City. Besides being the "number one roomie," I admire her because she's fun, considerate and passionate for things she believes in. A few years ago, she took a year off from work to travel the world.Tonight, her blog was born (although she's kept a travel site). Enjoy

JA Huberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18416207369827729263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21420213.post-1143934666897728732006-04-01T18:30:00.000-05:002006-04-01T18:37:46.910-05:00

These series of photos were taken on Friday, March 10, 2006 on our way to Istalif. When I showed my camera to them through the van window, they gave the thumbs up to take the photo. Then, the woman lifted her burqa. Maybe she only wears it to protect her from the bits flying at on while riding on the bike.Anyway, I really like the free-spiritedness of this series. I'm disappointed my camera

JA Huberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18416207369827729263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21420213.post-1143595103795425262006-03-28T20:06:00.000-05:002006-03-28T20:18:23.810-05:00

Just days upon returning home from Kabul, a few things happened over there:Recall my post about the young girl we met in the office of the Ministry of Women's Affairs? Kevin Sites with Yahoo! published a story about her in his "Hot Zone" blog. You can read it here, however, there is one major error - she was married to a three-year-old, not a 30-year-old, big difference. Other than that, it's the

JA Huberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18416207369827729263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21420213.post-1142899892328074672006-03-20T19:00:00.000-05:002006-03-20T19:11:35.286-05:00

The Travelocity gnome enjoyed his visit to Kabul, too. He did not return home with me, though. I gave him to one of the group participants, Sharon, a former Army soldier and current Army Mom. I know she'll take good care of him. Enjoy images of the gnome's trip here.

JA Huberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18416207369827729263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21420213.post-1142768058603956222006-03-19T06:31:00.000-05:002006-03-19T06:34:18.616-05:00

Damn jet lag! Up at 3 this morning, but it's given me time to start sifting through some of the 1,000+ images I took of this incredible journey. I downloaded them during my 3.5 hour visit at the Saturn dealership yesterday. Anyway...Click here and log in (it's free) to view them.

JA Huberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18416207369827729263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21420213.post-1142677672975387782006-03-18T05:15:00.000-05:002006-03-18T06:09:27.853-05:00

I woke up at 4 AM today, can't get back to sleep so I thought I'd blog a bit about the trip back to the States.I hate saying goodbye, especially people who I've shared an intense experience with. The trip to Kabul was intense and the only ones who can ever understand the emotional rollercoaster that I felt are the other trip participants.The two vans arrived at the airport security point. We

JA Huberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18416207369827729263noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21420213.post-1142567761988869592006-03-16T22:47:00.000-05:002006-03-17T06:21:56.636-05:00

The night before my trip, I was briefed by a Kabul security contractor who provided me with invaluable advice. He had me so scared, nervous and aware that I contemplated canceling the trip. But, I decided I could do make the trip and return safely.One of the things he told me was that any Afghani can be "bought" and that he carried $1,000 in singles with him - in case of an emergency. I quickly

JA Huberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18416207369827729263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21420213.post-1142559862801104082006-03-16T20:38:00.000-05:002006-03-28T20:02:33.760-05:00

Tuesday was our last full day in Kabul. We spent the last few hours of daylight on Chicken Street, the famous and popular shopping area where you can purchase a custom-made fur coat, to Afghan rugs, to jewelry galore.It's also an area frequented by the ex-pat community where they can pick up their Western goods and food.The downside is, that beggars make it a full time job to lurk and stalk the

JA Huberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18416207369827729263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21420213.post-1142556360821888592006-03-16T19:42:00.000-05:002006-03-16T19:46:00.833-05:00

I'm home, safe. It's a strange feeling. The whole trip seems years ago. I'll still be entering experiences about the trip as well as upload photos. But, for those of you in the Sarasota area, let's plan on happy hour on Friday, March 24, 2006 at O'Leary's at 6:00 PM (located near Marina Jack's). I'll send out an Evite or drop me an email if you'll be there.Note: for you Tallahassee folks, I'm

JA Huberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18416207369827729263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21420213.post-1142446668618252632006-03-15T13:09:00.000-05:002006-03-15T13:17:48.633-05:00

I'm sitting at the Dubai Creek Hilton, overlooking the night scenery. Buildings are new. Cars are new. No one is honking a horn. There is a sense of order. Hard to believe that hours ago I was in a country at the crossroads, determining what it wants to be.The Ariana flight was 'interesting.' The Afghan men took note of the 11 Western women on the flight and really didn't know how to react to us.

JA Huberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18416207369827729263noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21420213.post-1142335710786749322006-03-14T06:17:00.000-05:002006-03-14T06:28:30.800-05:00

It's my last full day in Kabul. Hard to believe it's time to return home. Will I miss the 2.5 gallon shower? Will I miss sharing a bathroom with 10 people and bedroom with 4? Most likely not, but I will miss the people - the people on the trip and the people met during this strange journey.I've kept alert. When we are out on the streets "waiting," it makes me nervous with the crowd it draws. I'm

JA Huberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18416207369827729263noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21420213.post-1142335038215200772006-03-14T06:16:00.000-05:002006-03-14T06:17:18.216-05:00

Warden MessageMarch 14, 2006Demonstrations in KabulThe U.S. Embassy has received information about a possible demonstration todayat the Pakistani Embassy in Kabul. Further demonstrations at Pakistaniconsulates throughout Afghanistan are also possible. It is currently unknownwhat time the demonstration will take place or if it will be violent. Afghanauthorities are in the area preparing for any/

JA Huberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18416207369827729263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21420213.post-1142334692293125692006-03-14T06:05:00.000-05:002006-03-14T06:15:08.336-05:00

These are words of wisdom shared by a UN worker here in Kabul. I'm fine. We haven't had access to email for about 2 days. Yes, there was a suicide bomb attack on the former Afghan President at the place where we attended International Women's Day earlier in the itinerary. By registering my trip with the State Department, I received the following email (not that it did me much good without email

JA Huberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18416207369827729263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21420213.post-1142080669160642802006-03-11T07:30:00.000-05:002006-03-11T07:53:33.923-05:00

The days are beginning to blend together. Think it's Day 6 of my time in Kabul. Here are a few more things/observations/experiences:Yesterday we traveled to the village of Istalif. It was an hour away from Kabul. Along the way, a motorcycle pulled alongside our van. A helmet-less male, 20-something, with dark sunglasses, moustache, leather jacket and jeans was driving with a blue burqua'd woman

JA Huberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18416207369827729263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21420213.post-1141909366764349032006-03-09T07:54:00.000-05:002006-04-05T18:45:30.640-04:00

There is so much to process with this experience that it's going to take me weeks to digest and comprehend everything. Today is bright, no rain. Which also means, more dust.I've seen evidence that there is progress in Kabul. Rebuilding. The simplest thing, such as a new window, is a big step towards progress.Here are some of my thoughts about the experience to share today:No shower today. My face

JA Huberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18416207369827729263noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21420213.post-1141823757184796012006-03-08T07:46:00.000-05:002006-03-08T08:15:57.203-05:00

It's the end of day three and I have to be at one of the slowest Internet Cafes in the world (but also the cheapest). Let's back up to yesterday - I forgot to mention that the tribe people we met with, who want an apology from the US government for being detained, were (are?) members of the Taliban. Yes, somewhere out there, there is a photo of me and some Taliban members. But, people are people

JA Huberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18416207369827729263noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21420213.post-1141741071129796942006-03-07T09:06:00.000-05:002006-03-07T09:20:07.306-05:00

It's the end of my second day in Kabul. Yes, I did arrive after a fairly uneventful flight on Ariana (except for the 2.5 hour delay), arrived at Kabul Int'l Airport. It was chaos - not like Japan's controlled chaos - utter, random chaos. People are everywhere crammed around a small luggage belt. Boys and young men approach, "lady, I find your bag." People constantly bumping into me and grabbing

JA Huberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18416207369827729263noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21420213.post-1141534549759519912006-03-05T08:43:00.000-05:002006-03-04T23:56:53.986-05:00

Although my connection from Amsterdam to Dubai arrived at 5:30 this morning, the hour through passport control and 15 minute taxi ride to terminal 2 made it impossible for me to grab the Kabul flight - either on my scheduled airline or another.And after spending 2.5 days in the same clothing, without a shower since Friday morning, my gold status is pampering me at the Dubai Creek Hilton. Having a

JA Huberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18416207369827729263noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21420213.post-1141493756276163092006-03-04T12:26:00.000-05:002006-03-04T12:35:56.290-05:00

It's Saturday evening - I'm supposed to be in the air on my way to Dubai, but not the case. Thanks to a goose playing chicking (and losing) with my plane, our departure from Atlanta was delayed about 2 hours (please realize, I do feel bad about the goose). I only had a 90-minute connection in Paris to begin with - that's why I only packed carry-ons with me. Good thing.When I went to the service

JA Huberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18416207369827729263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21420213.post-1141356311174786372006-03-02T22:12:00.000-05:002006-03-02T22:25:11.186-05:00

It's the night prior. My two bags are packed - both carry-ons. I'm traveling light. The ugliest, least form-fitting and most unattractive cloths I've ever worn are included in the luggage. The ugly clothing is not returning back to the States with me.I'm ready for the journey to begin. I realize that most of you don't understand why I'm making the trip. I fully don't understand why other than I

JA Huberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18416207369827729263noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21420213.post-1141260552853278202006-03-01T19:37:00.000-05:002006-03-01T20:08:23.283-05:00

The Prez and Mrs. Bush made a surprise visit to Kabul yesterday, on their way to India and Pakistan. I am disappointed our delegation was not there during the ribbon cutting at the new American Embassy.I (and most of the other participants on the journey) wondered if his visit would have any impact on the mood in Kabul. Will the visit stir hostility and did it blanket over more peace? That

JA Huberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18416207369827729263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21420213.post-1140750017830908032006-02-23T21:47:00.000-05:002006-02-23T22:00:17.846-05:00

I can't believe that a week from tomorrow, I'll be on my way to Kabul. I've completed my shopping of finding long, shapeless shirts and jeans. I may throw in a long skirt - we'll see how the packing goes.I've also picked up a Polaroid camera (I forgot how much fun they are) - the idea being that I can give an instant photo as a "gift." My digital and standard 35mm (for black and white) are making

JA Huberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18416207369827729263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21420213.post-1140404739640639452006-02-19T21:59:00.000-05:002006-02-19T22:05:39.653-05:00

Two weeks from day I will be in Kabul. I can't believe it's almost here. There are so many little loose ends to tie.The biggest stressor continues to be "what to wear." From the emails being shared with everyone, this seems to be the common concern. One participant has been sharing emails from a previous trip participant and her most important tip has been, "cover your crotch!" She also assured

JA Huberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18416207369827729263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21420213.post-1138936747931381512006-02-02T21:56:00.000-05:002006-02-02T22:52:47.530-05:00

As I've written before, I'm stressing out about what type of head-wear to adorn in Kabul. So, I found a website called www.IslamicLadiesWear.com and ordered a head piece. It arrived today (quickly, I may add) and included with the package was a little bonus (I LOVE bonuses) - a traditional natural toothbrush. It's basically a root of a tree known in Arabic as "Arak." To use, peel back the bark

JA Huberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18416207369827729263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21420213.post-1138560807737503972006-01-29T13:44:00.000-05:002006-01-29T14:01:52.526-05:00

My anxiety is building up. In a good way. I've been researching on the Internet and communicating with people who have been to Afghanistan, or are already there. I don't know if I am going to be mentally prepared for the poverty. Seeing images on the web and speaking with a film maker who was there two years ago, most Americans would not believe nor comprehend the living conditions. Over there,

JA Huberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18416207369827729263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21420213.post-1138332384245065492006-01-26T22:20:00.000-05:002006-01-26T22:26:24.253-05:00

My traveling companion for my upcoming trip arrived today. I still have to work on removing the Styrofoam dots from him - it's kind of like glitter - don't think it ever goes away. Now, I'm instructed to leave him with any member of the military that I come in contact with. I didn't clarify whether that means US or other. I'm debating whether to break him in this weekend and take him on the road

JA Huberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18416207369827729263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21420213.post-1138147157023420042006-01-24T18:47:00.000-05:002006-01-24T18:59:52.200-05:00

Watching a mostly-naked Bushman traverse across the African plains in order to return a glass Coke bottle to the gods made me laugh. It still does. I'm referring to the movie, "The Gods Must Be Crazy". Xi, the main character of the film, carries the Coca-Cola bottle that fell from the skies (an airplane) throughout the movie. It's a story of Western society invading/touching/corrupting (?) a

JA Huberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18416207369827729263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21420213.post-1138072581367417502006-01-23T22:14:00.000-05:002006-01-25T22:52:33.136-05:00

Here's a snippet of an IM with my Mom tonight. She beat me in reaching my Grandma to tell her of the trip:CWAC2444: i am talking to grandma now. she said she would pray for you!!!!!!(OK, so I'm picturing my 83-year-old Grandmother on her knees, praying against the bed with the rosary between her hands).JHuber7672: Did you wake her up!?JHuber7672: Is she upset? Should I call her?CWAC2444: SHE WAS

JA Huberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18416207369827729263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21420213.post-1138072435744571132006-01-23T22:06:00.000-05:002006-01-23T22:20:02.150-05:00

Although I've been planning this trip for about a month, I can now tell the world (since I just informed my parents - I'm 35 years old and still care what they think!) that I'm heading to Afghanistan for a 10-day trip. No, I haven't lost my mind. I have a voracious curiosity for unknowns and Afghanistan is a big unknown.I'm heading over with a small, non-profit group that works with peace-keeping

JA Huberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18416207369827729263noreply@blogger.com0