After saying our good-byes in Barek Aub we took a slight detour on our way back to Kabul via the village of Istalif, which sits high in the hills on the opposite side of the valley from Barek Aub. The mountains to the west receive far more snowfall than those in the east so runoff is abundant year-round. This provides adequate irrigation for crops and fruit trees and Istalif is blessed with a forest of trees and heavy vegetation. It’s not a stretch to say it’s a little bit like Estes Park.
Istalif, in fact, was once a luxurious resort town with a world famous hotel, that is before it was completely destroyed by the Taliban during their occupation and retreat in 2001. But it didn’t take long before reconstruction began and our host organization was instrumental in rebuilding the clinic as well as developing a comprehensive community health program.
Although our direct support of the clinic was transferred to the government a couple years ago we stopped by to give everyone a taste of traditional Afghan culture with a lunch of kebobs and Shorwa on the banks of the Istalif River as well as pay our respects to one of the village elders who played a major role in reestablishing Istalif as a viable and thriving village and district. Another hero.
Before continuing on to Kabul, our host gave us a brief tour of the remains of the historic Istalif Hotel and made one last stop in the bazaar to barter with some street vendors over their world renowned pottery. Then it was back to the guest house to pack for our trip home tomorrow.
The week has gone by entirely too quickly – it’s hard to believe it’s nearly over. We have one more “first” tomorrow and I’ll send one final report.
Until then, thank you for following our journey and for your unending support.
--Bob
Istalif, in fact, was once a luxurious resort town with a world famous hotel, that is before it was completely destroyed by the Taliban during their occupation and retreat in 2001. But it didn’t take long before reconstruction began and our host organization was instrumental in rebuilding the clinic as well as developing a comprehensive community health program.
Although our direct support of the clinic was transferred to the government a couple years ago we stopped by to give everyone a taste of traditional Afghan culture with a lunch of kebobs and Shorwa on the banks of the Istalif River as well as pay our respects to one of the village elders who played a major role in reestablishing Istalif as a viable and thriving village and district. Another hero.
Before continuing on to Kabul, our host gave us a brief tour of the remains of the historic Istalif Hotel and made one last stop in the bazaar to barter with some street vendors over their world renowned pottery. Then it was back to the guest house to pack for our trip home tomorrow.
The week has gone by entirely too quickly – it’s hard to believe it’s nearly over. We have one more “first” tomorrow and I’ll send one final report.
Until then, thank you for following our journey and for your unending support.
--Bob