Two days to departure

Some more streets scenes.

Heads of some beastie for sale.

Local tailor.

Bombed out building.

what will they tell their children

What will this dad tell his little girl about her place in Afghan society. Will he encourage her to pursue her dreams or will he buy her first burqa. Will he tell her that a man may cherish her one day or own her.

How about Granddad? What will he say to his granddaughter?Then the young boys...

Following in the footsteps of dad?

What will the boys be told?

Article 22 of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan:

"Any kind of discrimination and distinction between citizens of Afghanistan shall be forbidden. The citizens of Afghanistan, man and woman, have equal rights and duties before the law."

Kabuli mosques

Kabul children

The children don't know - or care - about big people stuff like guns and burqas and corruption and horrible roads and bacteria-ridden water and open sewers and and and....

The children just hang out and talk with their friends and play.

They go to school...

Girls in school uniforms.

Boys on their way to a separate school.

And they spend time with their family.

Love the red-striped dress.

This family may be wealthier than many Afghans; they are shopping at a store frequented by internationals where prices are high. But, of course, the store carries stuff that we as westerners can't do without - cheetoes!

Some children have to work.
or beg.

This young street kid, who also goes to school, sold me a map of Kabul.
Some children sift through the garbage on the streets.
Portrait of Girl in Red Dress.

On the run.

and a 'thumbs up.'