Travels in Afghanistan

 

Looking for the recharge of our aquifer we made a trip upstream the mighty Ghazni river. I knew about last year's dam burst (see below), so I was curious what happened in the meantime...

Dam Burst: Band-e-Sultan Following Heavy Rains and Melting of Snow on March 28, 2005 

 
Band-e-Sultan Dam after it Burst due to Higher Level of Water
Following Heavy Winter Snowfall

Southern Ghazni: Band-e-Sultan's Burst Dam Caused Massive Flooding in the Region

Visit on May 23, 2006: Reconstruction of the dam almost completed

Low water  exposes the 1,000 year old dam inside the retention basin

 

Looks like my friends have been here before having fun...

 

Taliban signature still visible in the marble stone

 

Walking on the old dam (which after construction of the new dam normally is submerged)

 

 

 

 

 

The old dam opening with some kind of flow control

 

 

Last works on the NEW dam?

Two 120mm rockets connected to batteries and ready for detonation were discovered less than 150m from our compound in one of our places of work on Tuesday, 13 June. They appeared to be pointed in the direction of our camp. However, there is a significant government building (the new Police Headquarter for 4 provinces) inside our compound. Our security people handled the situation and alerted the local authorities and the IEDs were diffused.

 

Note: Having police around does not always mean more security (not in this country)...

After finishing their works successfully Kopi and Jerry were finally allowed to leave home. For Kopi a perfect timing, as he will arrive in Germany just in time for the opening game of the FIFA world cup! 

Of course our cooks prepared a BBQ

 

Prost! Bazar-salamati! Cheers! Be-salamati... We speak international

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See you soon in Germany! 

On the 2 hour drive from Kabul to one our well locations we passed the place were earlier this week a roadside bomb exploded.

 

 

 

It is Friday. We are once again locked down. Time for a pool tournament

This guy is dangerous...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Note the perfect outfit... the color of cue and pants fit perfectly

or Good-bye Party for John!

 

John wearing the Genghis Khan headgear

 

Kopi doing the Genghis Khan thing

 

Keith, another fierce-looking Mongolian fighter

...but the nicest Genghis Khan is Omayra!

 

Pashtoon Jerry meeting Mongolian Queen

 

Tom joining

 

Seth keeps a low profile

 

John in local wear

 

last minute financial transactions

 

the blue dot special

 

roof time!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

John, we will miss you!