Kabul Korrespondence

It was this day exactly two years ago that I landed in Kabul to commence work with Aina Photo Agency. It was a cold day then, like now.

In those 2 years, Aina Photo Agency from strength to strength, now being 100% Afghan owned and run.

I was also lucky enough to be a member of a military rock band: The Insurgents and now member of the infamous White City band. We have since created the Combat Rock Collective, a group of like minded musicians and artist who want to ring some 'life' into the social scene in Kabul.

I also was privileged to be one of the Co-founders of Skateistan, the first ever skateboarding school in Afghanistan.

Myself and close friend Jeremy founded the Kabul Knights Motorcycle Club, that did the first ever successful trip to the forbidden Wakhan Corridor. We also rode with the KKMC around the better parts of this majestic country.

I have found many good friends here, no more dearer to my heart than my Afghan friends (or as I call them, my boys). A group of young Afghan men, who have dreams of traveling the world, but also helping better their homeland. Without them I would not know all I know about this fascinating country.

But it is not all good. There has been a lot of unnecessary death and destruction in these troubled lands. I wish I could say its getting better, but that would not be the truth.

When my close friend was gunned down for still unknown reasons, it made me question why I am here and whether it is worth it to stay. But every day something unique and memorable happens and it reminds me why I came here and why I should stay.

So maybe I have done a lot, but there is a lot more to come. I have some big projects in the making and I hope they will improve this country and make 2009 as interesting as the last 2 years.

Thank you Afghanistan and to all the people who have supported me in these 2 best years of my life.