Bamiyan or Bust
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Last week myself and a couple of other internationals jumped on our trusty steeds and hit the road for Bamiyan, one of the most stunning and historically significant sites in Afghanistan.
I'd love to write the whole story here, but A. its too long and B. its going to be published, so you can read it in classic analogue form soon. In the mean time here is a summary to keep you going.
The trip was full of mishaps, mayhem, madness and moments of joy. -Being detained by the Police for not having permits to wear Afghan Clothes (ChowaKameis).
-Being escorted by Armed Police, which included us paying (bribe) for the petrol.
-One bike sliding out on a dusty corner and breaking the clutch, therefore disabling the bike. Two riders went ahead and the 3rd continued on safely with the police escort.
-The 3rd rider was abandoned by the police at a police checkpoint 10 kms up the road. He salvaged parts for his bike and made it back to Kabul before nightfall. We had no idea we lost a rider. We were glad when we talked to him and knew he was home and safe.
-Next morning I found myself a local treasure: Afghan 4x4!
-We headed out of Bamiyan in the direction of Band-e-Amir, but had to stop and ask the locals for directions.
-After a breathtaking ride to these majestic torquoise lakes my bike broke down no more than 500 metres from our final destination.
-Lucky the day was saved by "Dowaud the Dude" who repaired my bike with some string and duct tape!
-It was worth the ride, Band-e-Amir should be the 8th Wonder of the World.
Thanx to Frauke and Jon.
KK
I'd love to write the whole story here, but A. its too long and B. its going to be published, so you can read it in classic analogue form soon. In the mean time here is a summary to keep you going. 
The trip was full of mishaps, mayhem, madness and moments of joy. -Being detained by the Police for not having permits to wear Afghan Clothes (ChowaKameis).
-Being escorted by Armed Police, which included us paying (bribe) for the petrol.
-One bike sliding out on a dusty corner and breaking the clutch, therefore disabling the bike. Two riders went ahead and the 3rd continued on safely with the police escort.
-The 3rd rider was abandoned by the police at a police checkpoint 10 kms up the road. He salvaged parts for his bike and made it back to Kabul before nightfall. We had no idea we lost a rider. We were glad when we talked to him and knew he was home and safe.
-Next morning I found myself a local treasure: Afghan 4x4!
-We headed out of Bamiyan in the direction of Band-e-Amir, but had to stop and ask the locals for directions. 
-After a breathtaking ride to these majestic torquoise lakes my bike broke down no more than 500 metres from our final destination.
-Lucky the day was saved by "Dowaud the Dude" who repaired my bike with some string and duct tape!
-It was worth the ride, Band-e-Amir should be the 8th Wonder of the World.Thanx to Frauke and Jon.
KK
