It took time for it to sink in that this was a call sign I
had to respond to during my time in Kabul. There were times when I felt weird
carrying the heavy walkie talkie around. Using it in public places undoubtedly
attracted unabashed stares from people that made me feel as if I were giving
instructions to blow off a bomb!
This was part of the ‘settling in’ process, which was sooner that expected, thanks to my colleagues in Kabul who were more than helpful. The excitement of working in Afghanistan, having to adjust to many things new, the opportunity to travel, the average Afghan’s love for everything Indian (including the dubbed version of ‘Saas bhi…’ and other Ekta Kapoor TV soaps!) definitely helped. The security issue that was a major decision factor eventually had to become part of life. Remembering the days when security advisories and news of bomb blasts circulated over email, I feel quite amused by my reaction “I can’t be bothered about that, got to do my grocery shopping!” – not quite literally though. All along when I was frequenting my favorite Kabul restaurant on TTK Road, I never imagined that I will live in the ‘real’ Kabul one day!
As time passed, the urge to gatecrash every party in town slowly faded away. I found myself spending more time pursuing my hobbies of pottery painting, reading and blogging, catching up with friends, and of course preparing for the next holiday! A chance to visit the provinces is something I always look forward to for the sheer beauty of the landscape.
There are things I still miss about Chennai – the nightly chat and giggle sessions with my sister, a movie at Sathyams, shopping at Spencers, Globus, or even on the pavements, relishing chaat at Gangotree’s and lot more. But Kabul does have nice restaurants of varied fare, which is a blessing. And I do manage to shop occasionally at Chikan Street for gifts.
The toughest thing for me to handle is the homesickness and here I must sincerely thank my many friends in the Chennai office for providing ‘logistics’ support and acting as a link between my home and me. The last year in Kabul has been very fruitful with a holistic learning experience. As I continue my stint here, I pray His grace remains.
