Backpacking in Afghanistan: Travel With Authentic Afghanistan

I backpacked in Afghanistan in 2016 and loved it. From my border crossing (after a night in the southernmost Soviet Union Hotel) to the tour of Masar e Sharif, it was amazing. Especially when I got to play football (and score the only “goal” of a 0-0 draw (come on VAR – it was OVER Read more about Backpacking in Afghanistan: Travel With Authentic Afghanistan[…]

Backpacking in Afghanistan: Touring Takht e-Rostam Buddhist Monastery in Samangan

“Bullets for your brain today, but we’ll forget it all again.” – Nicky Wire. Afghanistan continued to inspire and we headed out past the town of Tashkurgan to the province of Samangan. It was here that I got to tour some quite simply epic ruins of an ancient Buddhist Monastery known as Takht e-Rostam. The Read more about Backpacking in Afghanistan: Touring Takht e-Rostam Buddhist Monastery in Samangan[…]

The Day I...Lobbed the Goalkeeper From 30 Yards in Afghanistan

The Day I…Lobbed the Goalkeeper From 30 Yards in Afghanistan

“Out comes the goalkeeper [Rinat Dasaev no less]. Nat too sure this time. And it’s a goal! Terry Moore taking the credit for that” – Northern Irish commentator (1988) commenting on the night Glentoran were 1-0 up and just a goal away from taking the mighty Spartak Moscow to extra time in Belfast City. My Read more about The Day I…Lobbed the Goalkeeper From 30 Yards in Afghanistan[…]

Friday’s Featured Food: Pilov in Horam Restaurant Haibak, Samangan, Afghanistan

Friday’s Featured Food: Pilov in Horam Restaurant Haibak, Samangan, Afghanistan

On my tour of Afghanistan, I had quite a few authentic local culinary experiences, in my homestay, at my hotel, in Haibak and in Masar e Sharif. I’ve already written about trying Mantoo in Masar e Sharif and the smoking Shisha on a Saturday night out with the lads. In Central Asia, Plov becomes part Read more about Friday’s Featured Food: Pilov in Horam Restaurant Haibak, Samangan, Afghanistan[…]