second day in Afghanistan

At around 5am I realise some village people picking from a desert plant, similar to cauli flower, but bigger, the buds. I learn later they make some kind of drugs from it.

It’s for sure a slow day. So little to drink during the night and a full fast day to come. So I am not surprised to find myself after a little while in rest pose in the morning shade. Mouth is already dry. The cool soil feels wonderful.

Later I took the police convoi to pass 2 villages who are not safe.

Walking an hour. Resting an hour. 

At around 5.30am I come again out of the shade. To the same time a police motorcycle drives out of a police look out. Oh. I am the goal. One man with a gun. The other is nervous. I put my backpack to the side. I shall unpack it. Everything is ok again. 

I got invited to sleep at the police station. Very good.

Just before fast breaking the policeman had a phone call with the commander. There is no help. I have to go to Herat. Even though this place is safe to sleep. No arguing helps. The commander’s word is law. If I don’t go, they will push me out with the gun. I result in.

Followed by some rides in different cars,  always changed at 3 or 4 checkpoints I arrive at the city entrance checkpoint 2h later. Waiting for the commander. I can’t call Berkatulla, because I don’t have a SIM-card yet. It’s stinky from all the traffic. Finally the commander arrives, explained that today everyone is very nervous, because there was an attack at one of the mosque in Herat. 12 people died. The attacker drove with a bomb in a motorcycle into or close to a entrance of a mosk. He showed me some pictures.

Berkatulla get informed and is happy to pick me up. With his motorcycle to his home. Welcoming at his family house. Here it’s very strict. You don’t see at all a women. Only the men appear.