Afghanistan, an accordion, ‘Elvis’ and Johnny Cash

by Willy Volk on

Some people travel to shop in different stores, or to eat different food, or to drink different beers. Jeff White traveled to immerse himself in a different culture. He believed so strongly in immersion, in fact, that he moved to Germany to live and work. This post of Jeff’s, republished in his honor, demonstrates Jeff’s interest in immersion and passion for connecting with people while traveling. Thanks, Jeff, for reminding us of the most important reason for travel.

A friend of mine just sent me this video from the start-up Web site GlobalPost, and it’s fantastic.

Gregory Warner, a freelance foreign correspondent living in Afghanistan, is an avid accordion player, and he tries to use the instrument as a means to connect with the people he’s covering.

The way Afghans respond to his accordion music is somewhat unexpected and reveals some truths about the country’s development during the last quarter century.

What does Warner do when asked to perform at a concert and realizing he doesn’t know any tunes by Afghanistan’s own pop icon? Well, Johnny Cash to the rescue. Watch and see what I mean…

(Thanks, Ed)

Afghanistan wants you, but you might want to wait

by Tom Johansmeyer on

A Tourist Information Center was just erected in Afghanistan’s Bamiyan valley. Customer service lessons are in progress – already making the region friendlier than most airlines – but it may take some time before Afghanistan is ready for regular visits. After all, seven U.S. soldiers lost their lives in the war there yesterday. If you think Afghanistan is ready for western tourists, you are out of your mind. Even if the fighting doesn’t stop you, look out for landmines and hand grenade fishing.

In the Bamiyan region, which is not where the recent fighting involving U.S. soldiers took place, the locals are eager to transform their province into a destination for tourists interested in history. At present, 20 people are receiving customer service training to convey the marks of the past on this region to any guests who may be interested.

And, it might actually be working.

This year, more than 400 foreigners did visit the region (likely not including those in uniform), with airport and hotel reservations up more than 100 percent from 180 for the same period in 2008. If these sites are cleared of landmines by October, as expected, the draw could be even greater. Fortunately, there will be a pizza place ready to serve when the rush comes.

Five Destinations for the “Super-Adventurous”

by Kraig Becker on

The Wall Street Journal has put together a list of five travel destinations that they deem are for the “super-adventurous” amongst us. They label these places as scary, saying that most travelers wouldn’t venture anywhere near them, but for the adventure traveler who has been everywhere and seen everything, they recommend these locales.

The two scariest places on the list are Iraq and Afghanistan, thanks to the fact there are ongoing wars in both places. Iraq has just officially reopened for tourist traffic for the first time since 2003, with small tours visiting some of the historical sites throughout the country. Afghanistan, on the other hand, has generally remained open these past few years, although certain places remain safer than others. That country is lauded for its historical landmarks as well, although the more remote regions get a nod for scenic beauty too.

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%Gallery-9128%The next two places on the list are Colombia and the Sudan, both of which require a bit of an adventurous spirit to visit. Colombia has made huge strides in recent years, and is far safer than it once was, although crime remains high in some areas. The country has seen a renaissance in tourism in recent months none the less. The Sudan is a completely different level of dangerous however, with unrest throughout the region, and westerners often the target of attacks. If you’re willing to take the risk though, the Journal notes that there are amazing Nubian ruins and pyramids to explore.

Which brings us to the final destination on their top five, which is Transylvania. While I’m sure the country is interesting and exotic, it doesn’t exactly strike me as an “adventure” destination. They recommend taking a Dracula tour, which really isn’t inspiring adventure either. Compared to the other four on the list, Transylvania, which I’m sure is quite lovely, is down right safe and boring for adventure travelers

Reading over their list I can’t help but wonder if an adventure travel destination needs to be intrinsically dangerous to appeal to that segment of the travel industry. Personally, I don’t think so, as I think there are great adventure destinations that are not necessarily dangerous. But looking at the Wall Street Journal‘s choices, it seems that they think there should be an element of danger involved, even if it is from vampires.

Afghan wildlife refuge: no hand grenade fishing

by Tom Johansmeyer on

Afghanistan is going green. The war-torn country has declared Band-e-Amir its first conservation area. While it may be premature to book your trip to this spectacle, at least there’s hope that you’ll get to enjoy it someday.

Band-e-Amir, like the rest of Afghanistan, has had a rough run over the past 30 years. Let’s face it: that’s how long the country’s been engaged in one war or another. The region’s snow leopards fell victim to the conflict between Soviet troops and mujahideen in the 1980s. Of course, the great Buddha statues were destroyed by the Taliban in 2001.

The fighting is reportedly in other parts of the country, these days, which the locals will attract foreign visitors. The lakes are the major draw, assuming you’re willing to subject yourself to a brutal daylong drive from Kabul. The destination may be billed as safe, but the journey certainly isn’t. Head into Afghanistan at your own risk.

For now, local merchants have their fingers crossed for Afghan tourists. Westerners, one would assume, would come much later.

If you do throw caution to the wind, be sure to follow the rules. Fishing with hand grenades is no longer allowed.
Among the local practices that are now banned: no more fishing with hand grenades. If you role the dice, don’t worry. The rangers tasked with enforcement are paid less than $60 a month and can be on duty for up to 24 hours at a time.

A dozen lucky people are going to Afghanistan!

by Tom Johansmeyer on

Bored with the usual travel fare? Get in touch with Poland-based Logos Travel, and you could find yourself in Afghanistan for two weeks. All 12 spots have been purchased – at prices of up to $3,700 each. Poland’s Foreign Ministry doesn’t think this is a bright idea, though, and issued a travel warning … as if one were necessary.

In case you didn’t know, people are fighting over there. With guns and bombs and grenades and everything else they can find. In fact, a shipment of cigars for U.S. soldiers serving in Afghanistan was delayed because of the intensity of the fighting.

Currently, 1,600 Polish troops are among the NATO forces fighting the Taliban in Afghanistan.

According to Marek Sliwka, owner of Logos Travel, security measures are being taken, including armed guards. The trip starts on May 2, but it could be scrapped if the fighting becomes too intense. Stops include Kabul, Herat, and the site of the two giant Buddha statues that were destroyed at the turn of the century. The Tora Bora caves were once considered a possibility, but this was cut from the itinerary for safety reasons.

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