Recreation

Not far from Kabul, still within the city limits, is lake Qargha. Weekends, this recreation spot is packed with Kabulis of all ages, not so much of all sexes. While driving up the few curves to the edge of the lake, we overturned tens of cars, mainly small corollas, each one carrying several men and uncountable kids. Women are rare to see in Afghanistan, even here, not far from Kabul, they are hardly seen in public space.

At the lake, much is going on. Half of Kabul (the make half) seems to have made its way out of the smog layers, to get an idea of the blue color of the sky and dip feet and sometimes entire bodies into the fresh looking waters of the lake. Activities of all sorts seem to be going on. Fishing, swimming, car washing, bicycle polishing, tee boiling, goat roasting, paddle boating, chatting, drumming and dancing, yelling, whistling (especially towards me and my friend, two of the few women around the lake), patrolling, we even saw a bicycle race and footballers running up a hill. Just like around any other big city around the world on a warm summer weekend.. .. to be continued...