Leaving parrty for two of Turquoise Mountains staff returning to California
Yesterday we celebrated our first graduation at Turquoise Mountain. As an event it was almost more important for the progress of the Institute and its craft schools than it was for the proud students. Curiously the representative from the ministry of education took his time at the podium as an opportunity to talk, not about progress and inspiration but instead to complain that they had not been informed of Turquoise Mountain program. At all levels and departments we have learnt that to progress your first meetings should be with the ministry. Generally all our Afghan visitors are extremely supportive but very occasionally Afghans find it difficult to understand why we have created, albeit with some false starts, a significant educational establishment in a traditional crafts. Unfortunately this deputy had only been in the job a week.
Meanwhile the fort is quiet with visitors coming and going. One of the Architects who has been here for 18 months is about to leave which will be a good test for the finishes period of his site, scheduled to be the first to complete in late spring this year.
Labrador and Peacock making the most of the sun in the Qala
The Peacocks and Labrador are all healthy. Everyone feeds the dog so he’s getting little overweight, well hidden beneath his winter coat. Apparently the peacocks are expecting but no-one’s holding their breath as previously it’s not been successful. In a surreal event that only Kabul can produce one of the guesthouses held a ski wear party last weekend. As I had my goggles I was well prepared and we danced the night away clapping and singing whenever the power went down to keep the vibe going.
This week's Afghaniman sweeping snow off the roof
Afghaniman is one of the office staff in Murad Khane. Here he’s pictured sweeping snow of the roofs, one of the many maintenance tasks that flat roofed mud buildings need.
Duncan DJ
Duncandj in Kabul 