Afghanistan

This is part of a pictorial story of a trip from London to Nepal in 1973. Afghanistan was a different country then. It's people hospitable and welcoming, even in the remote villages of the Hindu Kush. It was long before the Russian invasion and the Taliban. It was a country at peace.

We drove the Combi freely around the country, usually staying in hotel courtyards at night. Into the centre of the country to the amazing Bamiyam valley to see the now destroyed Buddha statues along the cliffs of the area. Then on the Band-e Amir and the natural lakes before following the backroads to Kunduz to watch the first Buskazi game since the Russian backed puppet government had been installed. Then back to Kabul and on to Pakistan via the Kyber Pass.

Click on an image to enlarge

Afghanistan 1973 - Most of Afghanistan is a desert and the roads pass through spectactular but extrememly dry courty.

Afghanistan 1973 - Christina was my companion on this and other journeys and my life companion for ten years.

Afghanistan 1973 - The photographer in 1973

Afghanistan 1973 - Afganistan was our first entry into a country where wearing the turban was normal. In 1973 both Turkey and Iran under the Sha had been westernised.

Afghanistan 1973 - Providing an essential service in the street. Note the man on the right at full attentiion.

Afghanistan 1973 - Journeys around Afganistan in 1973

Afghanistan 1973 - As more travelers were passing through in vehicles, entrepeneurs put up their signs.

Afghanistan 1973 - Jewelry and other artifacts on display on the pavement.

Afghanistan 1973 - A young girl plays in the street in Herat

Afghanistan 1973 - The first glimplse of both the horse drwan taxi and the full Burka used only in Afghanistan

Afghanistan 1973 - A bonanza of fruit in this oh so dry country. Herat.

Afghanistan 1973 - Horse drawn taxis still very much in use in Herat.

Afghanistan 1973 - An old caravanseri in Herat.

Afghanistan 1973 - Shops in Herat come in one standard size.

Afghanistan 1973 - Journays around Afganistan in 1973

Afghanistan 1973 - Greybeards while away the day in Herat.