14th October - Return to Kabul

We say our goodbyes in Taloqan. It is always so sad. These trips to such remote areas bond us closely to our drivers, Haji and Quadus

and to Mukhtar. We have stories shared over many years. The tiny Paktec six seater plane lands late at Taloqan airstrip. It always feels miraculous to watch this plane arrive in the desert land of Taloqan, sending up huge clouds of dust as it bumps along the rough strip, a bird coming to return us to civilisation and the first step towards home.

The pilot explains they have had a difficult journey and had to use oxygen after a tough time getting over the mountains.

I sit in the front beside the pilot and wave farewell to Quaduz who becomes a tiny dot but never stops waving until we disappear. The view is spectacular from the front of the plane and we fly so close to the snow crowning the Hindu Kush. 

I hug Leslie goodbye as she races off to the Pakistan embassy with just 3 hours to go before she must leave Afghanistan, her visa due to expire today. I am welcomed so tenderly back at the guest house by Ghul noor and Abdul Rahim. There is fruit in my room, extra blankets on my bed, sweet tea made with cardamoms. I have known Ghul Noor for 14 years and he is like a father to me. 

How I wish my own father was still alive to hear my news and see all the progress we have made out here! He would, I am sure have come along with me.