I walked alone across the long bridge over the Panj River between Afghanistan and Tajikistan. Military vehicles and watchtowers on both ends reminded me that I wasn’t really alone. At the end of the bridge there is a large gate controlling the entrance into Afghanistan. I had a long walk to ponder the wisdom of my decision to travel through Afghanistan, but I was eager to witness the current state of affairs, learn more about Afghani daily life, and see some of the amazingly beautiful sights we hear far too little about.
overland travel
Afghanistan – Reflections
Afghanistan is on a heartbreaking journey to stability though the price is often freedom. People showered unimaginable kindness during my travels through a county oversaturated with incredible sights yet overshadowed by decades of war and violence. Despite this troubled past and years spent living under a cloud of fear, stress and uncertainty they rise above to exude a palpable warmth and love on a traveler they have just met.
It completely breaks my heart imagining what changes will come in the next ten years as the world chooses to mostly ignore Afghanistan. A time when the country will fight its most important fight – the struggle to come to terms with a generational and ideological crossroads which will define success or set a path towards failure for future generations.