It’s definitely not up there at the top of the Abercrombie and Fitch list of “best world destinations”, but you
gotta admit it’s an interesting idea.
The New York Times travel section runs a
piece about traveling in Kabul, Afghanistan. The State Department, of course, is not so bullish on Afghanistan travel,
saying on their site that there are serious risks of kidnapping, assassination, land mines and banditry (everyone say:
“Badges, we don’t need no stinking badges!”). But this very nicely written, and totally compelling piece makes a good
case for why Afghanistan warrants being on your list of potential destinations.
Obviously, this is not a trip for the “kick back on the beach with a Mai Tai” crowd, and getting around is tough.
It’s not just the afore-mentioned land mines and assassination risks, the roads suck and you’re likely to shake some
teeth loose as you cruise around the country in a Land Rover. But still, according to the piece, there are some changes
afoot to make the country a viable tourist destination. To wit: the writer visits one Mullah Ezzat, who has built
luxury chalets as well as a golf course on the shores of Lake Qargha, just north of Kabul. So there you go. Golf and
war, quite a mix.
Just be careful when going OB to get a lost golf ball.