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September 2005 Archive Index: Joe Hale's Photos: Kabul International Academy & AISK (Posted: Thu Sep 01, 2005 7:56 pm) Late Reunion Registration Deadline Extended (Posted: Sun Sep 04, 2005 10:33 pm) Return to Kabul 2005: A Walk Around Kabul (Posted: Mon Sep 05, 2005 9:43 am) Updated Registration List for 2005 AISK/Old Hands Reunion (Posted: Fri Sep 09, 2005 8:00 pm) 2005 Reunion Tip: Flying into Washington, D.C. (Posted: Sat Sep 10, 2005 10:22 am) A Call for Freedom: Remember September 11, 2001 (Posted: Sun Sep 11, 2005 12:13 am) Where in the World is Chris 'Tex' Brown? (Posted: Sun Sep 11, 2005 4:28 pm) Return to Kabul 2005: Qargha Lake and the Kabul Golf Course (Posted: Sun Sep 11, 2005 4:35 pm) Return to Kabul 2005: The Valley of the Buddhas (1 & 2) (Posted: Sun Sep 11, 2005 4:41 pm) Joe Hale's Photos: International School of Kabul (ISK) (Posted: Tue Sep 13, 2005 8:08 pm) Updated Registration List for 2005 AISK/Old Hands Reunion (Posted: Tue Sep 13, 2005 8:22 pm) Return to Kabul 2005: Old Memories and Some New (Posted: Wed Sep 14, 2005 9:13 pm) Update from Marnie (Hartung) Gustavson (Posted: Wed Sep 14, 2005 9:59 pm) Afghans in Nanjing (Posted: Thu Sep 15, 2005 7:41 pm) Register Now for the 2005 AISK/Old Hands Reunion (Posted: Thu Sep 15, 2005 8:18 pm) Kiwi in Kabul: David Williams (Posted: Sat Sep 17, 2005 5:14 pm) Book Review: Adventures in Afghanistan (Posted: Sat Sep 17, 2005 8:46 pm) 71 Scorpions/Old Hands Registered for 2005 Reunion (Posted: Sun Sep 18, 2005 9:40 am) AFGHANISTAN: The Widows Literacy Project (Posted: Sun Sep 18, 2005 7:52 pm) Return to Kabul 2005: Kabul Life (Posted: Tue Sep 20, 2005 6:52 pm) Late Reunion Fee for 2005 AISK/Old Hands Reunion Eliminated! (Posted: Tue Sep 20, 2005 7:13 pm) More Photos of the International School of Kabul (ISK) (Posted: Wed Sep 21, 2005 7:47 pm) Sand and dust are par for Kabul Open (Posted: Sat Sep 24, 2005 8:08 am) Another Dozen Scorpions/Old Hands Registered for the Reunion (Posted: Sat Sep 24, 2005 5:06 pm) Preview: Panoramic View of Bamiyan from Van Auburn (Posted: Sun Sep 25, 2005 9:21 am) Preview: Panoramic View of Band-i-Amir from Van Auburn (Posted: Sun Sep 25, 2005 11:23 am) Welcome Home to Kathleen (Sheehan) Clark (1963-64)! (Posted: Sun Sep 25, 2005 1:18 pm) Latest Update of 2005 Reunion Registration List (Posted: Sun Sep 25, 2005 8:42 pm) Kite Fighting Brings Afghan Culture, Tradition to MSU (Posted: Sun Sep 25, 2005 10:35 pm) Return to Kabul 2005: Kabul Desert Classic, Kabul Golf Club (Posted: Mon Sep 26, 2005 6:25 pm) Introducing the International School of Kabul (ISK) Web Site (Posted: Wed Sep 28, 2005 6:52 pm) 2005 Reunion Tip: Getting Around Washington, D.C. (Posted: Fri Sep 30, 2005 8:07 pm) ... October 2005 Joe Hale's Photos: Kabul International Academy & AISK Posted: Thu Sep 01, 2005 7:56 pm Thanks to Joe Hale, President of Oasis International Schools for sharing photos of Kabul International Academy students and the former AISK campus structures. And thanks to Beth Prout for sending me the photos to publish here in our site. Joe wrote to Beth: "The "School Bldg Main" pic (last one in the series) is a building built on the AISK campus by the Russians. At first we were trying to get this campus, but it now belongs to the Ministry of Higher Education, and will be part of the new American University." Beth wrote to me: "The pictures I'm sending you were taken well before the USAID grant...as you well may know, Oasis made this decision to provide for education of the children in Afghanistan, and operating the school as a secular institution, respecting the peoples choice of faith totally. My favorite photo is this! (shown on the right)"   Late Reunion Registration Deadline Extended Posted: Sun Sep 04, 2005 10:33 pm Procrastinators rejoice! The deadline to avoid a $50/person late registration fee for the 2005 AISK/Old Hands Reunion has been extended to September 21, 2005. You won't get another chance so register today and join us October 21-22, 2005 in Washington, DC. You won't regret it. In fact, you'll be kicking yourself afterwards if you miss this reunion. By the way, September 21, 2005 is also the deadline to get a group rate at the Doubletree Crystal City hotel, our reunion headquarters. So after you have completed your registration form, written & attached your check and mailed it all to Ralph Lay (his address is on the form), call the hotel at 1-800-222-8733, give them our group reservation code (SOH/Scorpion Old Hands) and reserve your hotel room. The following Scorpions and/or Old Hands have already registered: Bill Stiefel, Kathy (Stiefel) Farrow, Bruce Flatin, Kay Flatin, Van Auburn, Leslie Brant Teixeira, Romane Brant, Mary Selby, W. A. Whitten, Anita Fajans, Joseph Gunn, Marie Gunn, Mary Brescia, Peter Brescia, Thomas Eighmy, Beverly Eighmy, Vera Uyehara, Christopher Rau, Susan Newton Rau, Penne Laingen, Bruce Laingen, Corinne Connor (Ashton), Daniel Connor, Cecil Uyehara, Allie Uyehara, Victor Skiles, Ruth Skiles, Annette Woodward, Basima (Abdalla) Anani, Robert Blair Mahan, Joyce Mahan, Mark Flatin, Paul Flatin, David R. Thompson, Jean Davies, Anna Maripuu, Vera Jensen, Jane Saunders McCarthy, Sarah Zeller, Kent Saunders, Marvin Cernik, Trudi Niewiaroski, Don Niewiaroski, Mary G. Bliss and Gary Lanza. Don't get left out!   Return to Kabul 2005: A Walk Around Kabul Posted: Mon Sep 05, 2005 9:43 am Van Auburn wrote in the latest installment of his Return to Kabul 2005: "I've been in Kabul for about 10 days now and have yet to see another foreigner on my walks around town. Well, maybe one guy, but he was talking some pretty good Farsi to a couple of Afghans so he doesn't count -- probably a CIA type or something like that. With the coming elections, I have to assume that the NGO's and embassy are on high alert and have restricted the movement of their people. I don't see the threat, but I could be wrong. Not even a scowl from the semi-Taliban types you'll see here and there. Only problems I've had are with the older boys and young men who grew up in Pakistan and seem to have forgotten their Afghan manners. I have to agree with the new US Ambassador who said recently (not PC and foot in mouth according to the press) that only ignorant people get in trouble in Afghanistan. Well, those two Japanese tourists killed recently near Kandahar proved him right. Nobody in their right mind would walk around Kandahar in shorts, without an Afghan escort, taking pictures of whomever and whatever they pleased." View photos and read the rest of his Walk Around Kabul. Thanks Van and take care!   Updated Registration List for 2005 AISK/Old Hands Reunion Posted: Fri Sep 09, 2005 8:00 pm Here's the latest list of Scorpions and/or Old Hands who have already registered for the 2005 AISK/OLD Hands Reunion: Bill Stiefel, Kathy (Stiefel) Farrow, Bruce Flatin, Kay Flatin, Van Auburn, Leslie Brant Teixeira, Romane Brant, Mary Selby, W. A. Whitten, Anita Fajans, Joseph Gunn, Marie Gunn, Mary Brescia, Peter Brescia, Thomas Eighmy, Beverly Eighmy, Vera Uyehara, Christopher Rau, Susan Newton Rau, Penne Laingen, Bruce Laingen, Corinne Connor (Ashton), Daniel Connor, Cecil Uyehara, Allie Uyehara, Victor Skiles, Ruth Skiles, Annette Woodward, Basima (Abdalla) Anani, Robert Blair Mahan, Joyce Mahan, Mark Flatin, Paul Flatin, David R. Thompson, Jean Davies, Anna Maripuu, Vera Jensen, Jane Saunders McCarthy, Sarah Zeller, Kent Saunders, Marvin Cernik, Trudi Niewiaroski, Don Niewiaroski, Mary G. Bliss, Gary Lanza, Allison Delventhal, Claire Schutte, Chris Morgan, Edward Dunn, Chuck Gallaway, Debbie Gallaway, Doriana Bertoni Gould, James (Jay) Hawley, Janet Hawley, Andy Lay and Donella Lay. That's a total of 57 Scorpions and/or Old Hands, and that's without most of the California contingent yet to come. Register now! The photo on the right is of Union Station which I took on my last trip to Washington, DC. It's one of many historic sites to visit in Washington, DC while you're there in October 21-22 for the reunion!   2005 Reunion Tip: Flying into Washington, D.C. Posted: Sat Sep 10, 2005 10:22 am Don't forget to book your flights to/from Washington, D.C. for the 2005 AISK/Old Hands Reunion on October 21-22 now that you have registered. Three major commercial airports serve Washington, D.C.: Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), and Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI). The most convenient airport for our reunion is the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. It's only 1 mile from the Doubletree Crystal City hotel, our 2005 Reunion Headquarters. The hotel offers a courtesy shuttle to/from the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. It is recommended that you fly into this airport if it is an option for you. Washington Dulles International Airport is 25 miles away from the hotel and the Baltimore/Washington International Airport is 45 miles away from the hotel. You will have to take a bus shuttle from either airport to the hotel. Whichever airport you select, book your flights now and see you in Washington, DC.   A Call for Freedom: Remember September 11, 2001 Posted: Sun Sep 11, 2005 12:13 am "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness." - The Declaration of Independence The war had been in progress for some time already. September 11, 2001 was the day this war was brought home to the American people, figuratively and literally. The bombings of our Embassies in Nairobi, Kenya and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania (August 7, 1998), and the attack on the USS Cole (October 12, 2000) should have been our wake up calls that our enemies had declared war against US, our freedoms and our way of life. If we had any doubts about this war before, September 11, 2001 erased them forever. Four years ago, we were warned that this war would take time and that it would test our convictions and resolve. It has. And we are not even close to the end of this war. It won't be easy - it hasn't been. This war will require sacrifices from all of us - it already has. But we must not lose our will and determination to prevail in this war. Losing this war is not an option. Remember September 11, 2001, a day of infamy. It's inaccurate to call this a war against terrorism. It's more than terrorism. Terrorism is simply one of the ways our enemies have decided to engage us. It's a war like all other wars, a war to grab power. Power to deny us our freedoms. Power to slow, stop and even reverse inevitable change and progress. Power to control our actions and thoughts. Power to force Islam on all of us. Power in the hands of a few people who would like to force their beliefs and morals on the rest of humanity. We must forcefully engage our enemies on all fronts. We must dictate the form and conditions of engagement on them. We must use everything at our disposal to fight our enemies in this war. We must not be afraid to confront and eliminate our enemies ruthlessly. We must not become our own worst enemies in this war by imposing arbitrary conditions and limits on ourselves. The only way to fight and win a war is to fight an all out war and bring it home to them as they have brought it to us. Do not forget September 11, 2001. We have already seen some good resulting from fighting this war. Afghanistan. This war brought world attention and more importantly, our attention to this poor country and its people, ignored and left to suffer in their own misery. Who can argue that Afghanistan and the Afghans are better off today? Iraq. The removal of its dictator is a huge relief to the Iraqi people and us. It is difficult to contemplate what evil this madman could have wrought on us, this madman who had no compunctions in gassing his own people to death. The fight to gain and retain freedom is not easy. We must continue to fight for ours and help the rest of humanity gain theirs. Remember our brave soldiers who have died fighting for our freedom. Support our brave soldiers around the world and at home who continue the fight for our freedom. Remember September 11, 2001.   Where in the World is Chris 'Tex' Brown? Posted: Sun Sep 11, 2005 4:28 pm The best that I can gather from his postings in the Forum is that Chris 'Tex' Brown is currently in Nanjing, China looking to ride and/or buy a bicycle. Beyond that, who knows but himself what he's doing in China instead of being in Afghanistan with Van. According to Chris, "downtown Nanjing is like Times Square X 100" and "the smog is horrendous." Chris wrote in his email with the following photographs: "Well here I am...'your man on the ground in Nanjing'....I do have a bicycle nowadays...more photos to come....alot like Kabul; never realized the Chinese connection in infrastructure and just plain how-to-do-it." Thanks Chris!   Return to Kabul 2005: Qargha Lake and the Kabul Golf Course Posted: Sun Sep 11, 2005 4:35 pm Qargha Lake and surroundings have undergone a dramatic transformation since my last visit and now looks like a picnic spot second only to Paghman. For the average Afghan, numerous pavillions, restaurants, picnic spots, and food and drink shops line the road from the dam to the Spoojmai Restaurant. The restaurant itself is now an upscale resort for wealthy Afghans with activities such as tennis, horseback riding, jet skis, and canoes. Their slogan is something like "Live Dubai in Kabul." They're even building twenty or so lakeside villas near the restaurant. Will try to follow up on this later; I didn't want to pay the $15 entrance fee for an hour visit. As Qargha Lake illustrates the power and energy of private investment, the Kabul Golf Course, controlled by the Ministry of Tourism, highlights the lethergy and corruption of the Afghan government. The irrigation pipeline to bring water from Qargha Lake is half complete and nothing has been done to renovate the grounds, clubhouse, or other facilities. According to the head pro and manager, money was allocated, but it has since "disappeared." I'm also going to look into this further and find out what's cooking. Love and peace - Van PS -- As I write this I hear a musical note from the street. Quick. Where's my 20 Afs. It's the Good Humor Man.   Return to Kabul 2005: The Valley of the Buddhas (1 & 2) Posted: Sun Sep 11, 2005 4:41 pm What else can I say except I hope to return to this special place, this Bamiyan Valley, every year for the rest of my life. The high mountains of the Hindu Kush offer their mystery; the many small farms and orchards offer their fuits, nuts, and vegetables; the people offer their smiles and hospitality; and the whole offers peace and simplicity in a world of too much turmoil. Oops, almost forgot -- and the Bamiyan River offers its rainbow trout. Strange how the valley is possibly Afghanistan's best chance to attract tourism, yet is almost totally neglected by the Afghan government. Money has been allocated for much needed road improvements, but, other than a few new bridges, nothing has been done and $35-$40 million seems to have "disappeared." The Bamiyan Hotel, operated by the Ministry of Tourism, is a mess and I understand people only stay there when the Roof of Bamiyan Hotel (a private business) is full. The food in the Bamiyan Hotel restaurant is "unhealthy and disgusting" and even the people who stay there eat at the Roof of Bamiyan. Also, no one to collect money to see the buddhas up close; yes, we bribed the guards to get in. Much of this might be due to the low social status of the Hazara, but it seems to me that "the powers that be" are shooting themselves in the foot. As they say, "one hell of a way to run a railroad." But there is hope. From what I hear, there's much dissatisfaction with the various ministries. Maybe after the elections, the polical appointees will get the boot and we'll see some real administrators. Inshallah. Love and peace - Van   Joe Hale's Photos: International School of Kabul (ISK) Posted: Tue Sep 13, 2005 8:08 pm Thanks to Joe Hale, President of Oasis International Schools for sharing photos of the International School of Kabul, its students, teachers and a typical Kabul street scene. And thanks to Beth Prout for sending me the photos to publish here in our site. Joe wrote to Beth: "Beth--Believe it or not I got a phone call yesterday inviting me to the AISK reunion. Although I will not be able to attend, I thought it was nice to be invited." "We opened school on the 5th of Sept. with 160 students enrolled! What an exciting day, although the buildings are still being 'tweeked', the desks haven't arrived from Pakistan, and security is a constant issue. In spite of it all, the team there is fantastic (although almost all have had some sickness already). They are working hard for the children. Hope you enjoy the pics." Beth wrote to me: "Here in these most current pictures, a sense of wonder comes over me as I look at the building the staff put so much effort into in renewing for the school. I wish I had Van Auburn's eloquence for writing. Thankfully, these pictures speak their own beauty!"   Updated Registration List for 2005 AISK/Old Hands Reunion Posted: Tue Sep 13, 2005 8:22 pm Here's the latest list of Scorpions and/or Old Hands who have already registered for the 2005 AISK/OLD Hands Reunion: Bill Stiefel, Kathy (Stiefel) Farrow, Bruce Flatin, Kay Flatin, Van Auburn, Leslie Brant Teixeira, Romane Brant, Mary Selby, W. A. Whitten, Anita Fajans, Joseph Gunn, Marie Gunn, Mary Brescia, Peter Brescia, Thomas Eighmy, Beverly Eighmy, Vera Uyehara, Christopher Rau, Susan Newton Rau, Penne Laingen, Bruce Laingen, Corinne Connor (Ashton), Daniel Connor, Cecil Uyehara, Allie Uyehara, Victor Skiles, Ruth Skiles, Annette Woodward, Basima (Abdalla) Anani, Robert Blair Mahan, Joyce Mahan, Mark Flatin, Paul Flatin, David R. Thompson, Jean Davies, Anna Maripuu, Vera Jensen, Jane Saunders McCarthy, Sarah Zeller, Kent Saunders, Marvin Cernik, Trudi Niewiaroski, Don Niewiaroski, Mary G. Bliss, Gary Lanza, Allison Delventhal, Claire Schutte, Chris Morgan, Edward Dunn, Chuck Gallaway, Debbie Gallaway, Doriana Bertoni Gould, James (Jay) Hawley, Janet Hawley, Andy Lay, Donella Lay, Peg Podlich, Clayton Esterson, Thomas Greene, Margaret Greene, Bertram Dunn, Audra Dunn, Elizabeth (Betty) Wright, Cynthia (Cindy) Wright and Bruce MacMakin. That's a total of 66 Scorpions and/or Old Hands, and that's without most of the Northern California contingent yet to come. Register now! That's my photo on the right of the Washington Monument in the fog from infront of the Lincoln Memorial. It's one of many historic sites to visit in Washington, DC while you're there in October 21-22 for the reunion!   Return to Kabul 2005: Old Memories and Some New Posted: Wed Sep 14, 2005 9:13 pm The director of the Kabul National Museum, Omara Masoudi, has done wonders since my last visit. The exhibits pale in comparison to what we were used to, but now at least it qualifies as a "real" museum. It's under control of the Ministry of Tourism so we have the same old problem -- lack of funding. Many artifacts are stored in the basement because there are no display cases. "Maybe next year," Omara says. "Inshallah." I like this translation from a 3rd Century B.C. limestone inscription in the museum: "As children learn good manners. As young men, learn to control passions. In middle age, be just. In old age, give good advice. Then die, without regret." I visited the AISK campus and am elated to report that rebuilding has begun. No, it will never be our school again, but the important thing is, it will be a school. I told the workmen the history of the site and that I wanted them to build a very good school. One replied: "We will build the best school we can because that is our future." God bless him. Maybe one day I can tell the new faculty and students about the history of their campus. Maybe one day we can have a small plaque dedicated to those who made AISK possible. Maybe I'm getting way too nostalic and mushy. Love and peace - Van PS -- Sorry if my choice of photos seems odd; trying to honor some personal requests. Its been cloudy too which makes for crappy photos.   Update from Marnie (Hartung) Gustavson Posted: Wed Sep 14, 2005 9:59 pm Dear Friends and Family, Our friend in Kabul, Patricia Omidian wrote me when I was in the states saying,” When can I expect you back to the land of OZ?” an accurate description of our life home in Kabul. Norm and I visited our home in Seattle for a month this summer primarily to attend our daughter, Kristina’s Fourth of July wedding which was dramatic, beautiful and had its own flavor of OZ. It was difficult for us to spend that much time away from Kabul as we are really just establishing our projects and ourselves and I had visions of my three months of hard work prior coming unraveled. We traveled back through Istanbul and even 24 hours in that beautiful city was wonderful. We arrived back to our household at PARSA to a staff that had been alone without supervision for three weeks, as Mary MacMakin has also left for her summer break in the states. It has been an interesting experience settling in for an extended stay here... Read Marnie's update in its entirety here: Part 1 (449 KB) and Part 2 (637 KB). Thanks Marnie!   Afghans in Nanjing Posted: Thu Sep 15, 2005 7:41 pm Chris 'Tex' Brown wrote: "I know I shouldn't post pics unless they have an Afghan bent to them and these do ... surprise surprise ... I'm sitting having a Jingling beer watching the traffic, scooters and all and here come the boys ... these Islamic dudes who obviously got off the boat on the Yangtze into Nanjing with some fruitcake to sell. Well, they saw me a mile away and gravitated to my table on the street and started hawking fruitcake or the original Cliff bar ... dense and packed with nuts, molasses. So I dickered with them and Abdul finally got me for $1 in RMB and I had a pound of fruitcake which is in my fridge here at the college. They raised a ruckus and definitely showed that baazar pinache. So here are two pics of Abdul and his friend and the fruitcake wagon. He also had a priceless ancient scale to weigh out the boodle. Then he whipped out a picture of a guy I recognized and will pass on also ... from the 60's when horsemen were king in Kabul. Taken near Viv Miracle's and Tor's homes in Shari Nau!" Thanks Chris! What I want to know is if the last part of your story about Abdul whipping out an old picture of you on your horse is true? That is you on the horse, right? By the way, the main focus of this site is us: Scorpions and Old Hands! Any photos and news about us are relevant here. Of course, this site is also about our love for Afghanistan and its people.   Register Now for the 2005 AISK/Old Hands Reunion Posted: Thu Sep 15, 2005 8:18 pm Please register now if you are planning on attending the 2005 AISK/Old Hands Reunion in Washington, D.C. on October 21-22. Don't wait until the last minute. The Reunion Committee needs to get an accurate count of the total number of Reunion attendees because it affects the size and type of banquet room and boat we'll get. Also, you have less than a week to avoid a $50 per person late registration fee. This fee kicks in if you register after September 21, 2005. If you're still trying to decide on whether to attend this reunion, just look at the photos and read the accounts from the last 2 reunions: 2002 AISK San Antonio Scorpion Stampede and the 2000 Scorpion Millenium Reunion. I attended both of them and they were both a blast! I'm confident that the other attendees of these reunions would agree with my statement. Come join us in Washington, DC next month and you'll not only get to meet your old friends but you'll also make new ones. Register now! Don't forget that September 21 is also the last day to book your hotel room at the Doubletree Crystal City (our reunion headquarters) and get our group rate. Call them at 1-800-222-8733 and give them our group reservation code (SOH/Scorpion Old Hands). Reserve you room now! There's plenty to do and see in Washington, DC. One of my favorites is the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. I make it a point to visit this museum every time I'm in Washington, DC.   Kiwi in Kabul: David Williams Posted: Sat Sep 17, 2005 5:14 pm While making my usual rounds reading the news from my favorite sources around the world, I ran across this interesting news blog from The Sydney Morning Herald titled "Kiwi in Kabul" written by David Williams. David has returned to Afghanistan after his initial visit in 2002, a year after the US-led invasion toppled the Taleban. David's daily news blog of his experiences in Kabul are interesting. He provides an alternate view of what's really going on in Kabul and Afghanistan. I wonder if our own man on the ground in Kabul, Van Auburn, has run into David yet. I think they both have a lot in common and would have a lot to talk about and share with each other. BBC News is another good source for news about Afghanistan with its "In Depth" feature on "Afghanistan's Future."   Book Review: Adventures in Afghanistan Posted: Sat Sep 17, 2005 8:46 pm I originally read Louis Palmer's Adventures in Afghanistan in early 2001 and wrote my first review of the book in May 2001. In that review, I mentioned that I planned on reading it again since I was very impressed with the book. It took over 4 years for me to find the time to read "Adventures in Afghanistan" again. This time, I promised myself that I would write a second review which would do this book justice. Louis Palmer's "Adventures in Afghanistan" take place during the period after the Russians have retreated from Afghanistan but with the Afghan Communists still in control. The "silsila" (the underground movement of the Afghan resistance) arranges for Louis to get into Afghanistan as part of a resupply mission. Louis and his Afghan companions travel through Afghanistan via the "Great Circle," the ring of roads which encircle Afghanistan. Louis starts his journey from Quetta (Pakistan) and crosses into Afghanistan with a band of Afghan Kochis (nomads). His travels and adventures in Afghanistan take him through Kandahar, Herat, Mazar, Kunduz, Kabul and many other fascinating and interesting places in between these major cities of Afghanistan. His present day journey into Afghanistan is also a journey into the past in many ways. Read the rest of the book review.   71 Scorpions/Old Hands Registered for 2005 Reunion Posted: Sun Sep 18, 2005 9:40 am To date, the following 71 Scorpions and/or Old Hands have already registered for the 2005 AISK/Old Hands Reunion: Bill Stiefel, Kathy (Stiefel) Farrow, Bruce Flatin, Kay Flatin, Van Auburn, Leslie Brant Teixeira, Romane Brant, Mary Selby, W. A. Whitten, Anita Fajans, Joseph Gunn, Marie Gunn, Mary Brescia, Peter Brescia, Thomas Eighmy, Beverly Eighmy, Vera Uyehara, Christopher Rau, Susan Newton Rau, Penne Laingen, Bruce Laingen, Corinne Connor (Ashton), Daniel Connor, Cecil Uyehara, Allie Uyehara, Victor Skiles, Ruth Skiles, Annette Woodward, Basima (Abdalla) Anani, Robert Blair Mahan, Joyce Mahan, Mark Flatin, Paul Flatin, David R. Thompson, Jean Davies, Anna Maripuu, Vera Jensen, Jane Saunders McCarthy, Sarah Zeller, Kent Saunders, Marvin Cernik, Trudi Niewiaroski, Don Niewiaroski, Mary G. Bliss, Gary Lanza, Allison Delventhal, Claire Schutte, Chris Morgan, Edward Dunn, Chuck Gallaway, Debbie Gallaway, Doriana Bertoni Gould, James (Jay) Hawley, Janet Hawley, Andy Lay, Donella Lay, Peg Podlich, Clayton Esterson, Thomas Greene, Margaret Greene, Bertram Dunn, Audra Dunn, Elizabeth (Betty) Wright, Cynthia (Cindy) Wright, Bruce MacMakin, Christopher Whaling, Sarah Whaling, Gerry Geronimo, Don Niewiaroski Jr., and Cindy Hargest. Coincidentally, Doriana (Bertoni) Gould submitted the program from the 1971 AISK Commencement Exercises: front and back. Thanks Doriana! As a fellow member of the Class of '71, I hope to see our class as the best represented class in the upcoming reunion. I will be sending emails to my classmates and schoolmates today to encourage them to attend this reunion. Please do the same. You only have 3 more days to avoid the $50 late registration fee for the 2005 Reunion and to get our discounted rate for your hotel accommodations. Register now! Click here for more details about the 2005 AISK/Old Hands Reunion.   AFGHANISTAN: The Widows Literacy Project Posted: Sun Sep 18, 2005 7:52 pm Dawn Erickson wrote: "Dear Friends and Family - If you are not already aware, I am back in CA looking for a job and continuing to work on projects to help rebuild Afghanistan." "At this link there is information regarding the current project with the Hayward-Ghazni Sister City Formation Committee for a new Afghan Widows Literacy program to be started in Ghazni next spring. The program will be similar to the literacy project that I have helped work on with the Afghan Women's Association International in Kabul. Thanks for your interest and help!" Dawn Erickson Hayward-Ghazni Sister City Committee Corresponding Secretary Advocates for Afghanistan Co-Founder   Return to Kabul 2005: Kabul Life Posted: Tue Sep 20, 2005 6:52 pm Van Auburn wrote: "Marnie G has given me several projects to work on over the next month so it looks like fun and games are over for awhile. Actually, she almost threatened to chain me to desk/computer to prevent my leaving in October for the DC reunion. Was thinking about a trip to Heret or Tajikistan, but it now looks like any extended trips will have to be postponed 'til next year. Nau Roz in Mazar-i-Sherif when the red flowers bloom would be nice." "Elections are now over and from what I could learn, everything went pretty smooth. Only heard about a couple of relatively minor incidents -- three rockets did minimal damage to an industrial area off Airport Road and an IED went "boom" near the Canadian base at the end of Darulaman. Note that both incidents occurred on the outskirts of Kabul; it appears the Taliban don't have the ability or the balls to directly challenge the city's road blocks and other security measures. Maybe a little more happening down Kandahar way, but don't think this is much considering what they threatened. The city was so quiet it reminded me of old Kabul, our magic kingdom, everything so very peaceful with hardly any cars on the streets. Speaking of "ancient" Kabul, I must talk too much about the old days with my Afghan friends. Now, instead of addressing me as Mr. Van, I am now called (with affection I hope), Mr. Chel Saal Pesh -- Mr. Forty Years Ago. Oh well, call me anything you want, just don't call me late for diner, especially if we're having fresh hot naan, kebabs, and melon. And, speaking of kebabs, I spent several hours watching our cook prepare kebab-i-afghani and took meticulous notes. I'll try it out this winter, and if all goes well, I will share with anyone who is interested. (Pauline -- I think this is right up Don's alley.)" Read the rest of Van's latest Return to Kabul 2005 post and view his photos. Thanks Van!   Late Reunion Fee for 2005 AISK/Old Hands Reunion Eliminated! Posted: Tue Sep 20, 2005 7:13 pm Geof Uyehara wrote on behalf of the Scorpion Reunion Committee: "Let's get rid of the late fee. We need to encourage people to register. We have a quorum for the Afghan Lunch and for the Cruise, but need a few more people to sign up for the Dinner Dance to break even. Things look good, but could be better. Call all your friends, e-mail your family, and get all the Old Hands around to get up and go. Scorpion Old Hand Reunions are few and far between We don't want to miss people by them not knowing or miss out because they are busy. Beg borrow - time and money to dance and meet Old Friends and Make new ones at the Dinner Dance. Break the pisa bank and race down to D.C. The nan and kabab orders are awaiting us. Scorpions Call your friends - Old Hands call your work buddies and get them to sign up now!!" Scorpion Reunion Committee Coco, Ralph, Gerry, Geof, Molly, Dave Dustin, and the rest Please do not wait until the last minute to register so we can get a good count of reunion attendees. The deadline for taking advantage of the group rate for your hotel room is still September 21. Book your room now! For more information, check the 2005 AISK/Old Hands Reunion page.   More Photos of the International School of Kabul (ISK) Posted: Wed Sep 21, 2005 7:47 pm Thanks to Joe Hale, President of Oasis International Schools for sharing photos of the International School of Kabul, its students and teachers. And thanks to Beth Prout for sending me the photos to publish here in our site. Joe wrote to Beth: "Beth-I am in Dubai tonight and I just got these pics...I'm scheduled to arrive in Kabul on the 19th!" Beth wrote to me: "[I've meant to send these to you sooner! Somewhere in these photos is a picture of the students desks which finally (and most thankfully!) arrived.]" "And reading through my letters this month from those who are in Afghanistan, I am reminded of a line in a letter written to Jonathan Swift from Henry St. John!" "I have caught hold of the Earth, and neither my friends nor my enemies will find it an easy matter to transplant me." "[I figured you'd like this!]"   Sand and dust are par for Kabul Open Posted: Sat Sep 24, 2005 8:08 am Thanks to Lakshmi Nagarajan for finding this article titled "Sand and dust are par for Kabul Open" from "The Times" and written by Tim Allbone in Kabul. The article is about the Kabul Desert Classic, the first golf tournament held in Kabul since the Soviet invasion in 1979. Our man in Kabul, Van Auburn is one of 28 entrants in this tournament and he is mentioned in the article: "Another player was Van Auburn, 58, from New Mexico, who was schooled in Kabul between 1961 and 1966 and has now returned as a tourist. 'I learnt to play golf here but I never thought I’d get to play in Kabul again,' he said." That's a photo (on the right) of Van putting on one of the "greens" in the Kabul Golf Course which he sent us on September 10. Click here for the other photos of Qargha Lake and the Kabul Golf Course. Add your comments about this article and/or event in the Forum. Thanks Laki!   Another Dozen Scorpions/Old Hands Registered for the Reunion Posted: Sat Sep 24, 2005 5:06 pm Another dozen Scorpions and/or Old Hands have registered for the 2005 AISK/Old Hands Reunion: Bill Stiefel, Kathy (Stiefel) Farrow, Bruce Flatin, Kay Flatin, Van Auburn, Leslie Brant Teixeira, Romane Brant, Mary Selby, W. A. Whitten, Anita Fajans, Joseph Gunn, Marie Gunn, Mary Brescia, Peter Brescia, Thomas Eighmy, Beverly Eighmy, Vera Uyehara, Christopher Rau, Susan Newton Rau, Penne Laingen, Bruce Laingen, Corinne Connor (Ashton), Daniel Connor, Cecil Uyehara, Allie Uyehara, Victor Skiles, Ruth Skiles, Annette Woodward, Basima (Abdalla) Anani, Robert Blair Mahan, Joyce Mahan, Mark Flatin, Paul Flatin, David R. Thompson, Jean Davies, Anna Maripuu, Vera Jensen, Jane Saunders McCarthy, Sarah Zeller, Kent Saunders, Marvin Cernik, Trudi Niewiaroski, Don Niewiaroski, Mary G. Bliss, Gary Lanza, Allison Delventhal, Claire Schutte, Chris Morgan, Edward Dunn, Chuck Gallaway, Debbie Gallaway, Doriana Bertoni Gould, James (Jay) Hawley, Janet Hawley, Andy Lay, Donella Lay, Peg Podlich, Clayton Esterson, Thomas Greene, Margaret Greene, Bertram Dunn, Audra Dunn, Elizabeth (Betty) Wright, Cynthia (Cindy) Wright, Bruce MacMakin, Christopher Whaling, Sarah Whaling, Gerry Geronimo, Don Niewiaroski Jr., Cindy Hargest, Connie Duncan, Elaine Duncan, Andrew Brescia, Lakshmi Nagarajan, Molly Alexander, Diana Ashton Hobson, J. Bing, Danny Hilario, Gina Hilario, Calvin Martin, Caroline Martin, and Bob Cole. That's a total of 83 individuals so far. You still have time to register, but don't wait too long or you might just miss this reunion! Click here for more details about the 2005 AISK/Old Hands Reunion.   Preview: Panoramic View of Bamiyan from Van Auburn Posted: Sun Sep 25, 2005 9:21 am Thanks to Van Auburn for this panoramic view of the Bamiyan valley.   Preview: Panoramic View of Band-i-Amir from Van Auburn Posted: Sun Sep 25, 2005 11:23 am Thanks to Van Auburn for this panoramic view of Band-i-Amir.   Welcome Home to Kathleen (Sheehan) Clark (1963-64)! Posted: Sun Sep 25, 2005 1:18 pm Kathleen (Sheehan) Clark wrote: "I lived for 2 1/2 years in Kabul. I was in 1st grade in 1964. I also went to kindergarden in 1963 there as well. I live in Crystal River, FL currently and am a nurse. I believe my class in 1964 was on page 16 of the 1963-64 Tazi Tales (International Elemntary School yearbook)." (Note: unfortunately Kathy was absent the day her class photo, shown on the right, was taken.) "I don't remember alot about particular people I went to school with, except Justin Thivierge. His parents and mine were friends. Would love to say hello. Kabul holds many fond memories for me." When asked how Kathy found our aisk.org Web site, she responded: "I was looking for an old classmate, Justin Thivierge and when I Googled his name, AISK came up. Cool!" I'm glad to see that another project I've been working on is starting to pay dividends. Welcome home, Kathy.   Latest Update of 2005 Reunion Registration List Posted: Sun Sep 25, 2005 8:42 pm The following Scorpions and/or Old Hands have registered for the 2005 AISK/Old Hands Reunion: Bill Stiefel, Kathy (Stiefel) Farrow, Bruce Flatin, Kay Flatin, Van Auburn, Leslie Brant Teixeira, Romane Brant, Mary Selby, W. A. Whitten, Anita Fajans, Joseph Gunn, Marie Gunn, Mary Brescia, Peter Brescia, Thomas Eighmy, Beverly Eighmy, Vera Uyehara, Christopher Rau, Susan Newton Rau, Penne Laingen, Bruce Laingen, Corinne Connor (Ashton), Daniel Connor, Cecil Uyehara, Allie Uyehara, Victor Skiles, Ruth Skiles, Annette Woodward, Basima (Abdalla) Anani, Robert Blair Mahan, Joyce Mahan, Mark Flatin, Paul Flatin, David R. Thompson, Jean Davies, Anna Maripuu, Vera Jensen, Jane Saunders McCarthy, Sarah Zeller, Kent Saunders, Marvin Cernik, Trudi Niewiaroski, Don Niewiaroski, Mary G. Bliss, Gary Lanza, Allison Delventhal, Claire Schutte, Chris Morgan, Edward Dunn, Chuck Gallaway, Debbie Gallaway, Doriana Bertoni Gould, James (Jay) Hawley, Janet Hawley, Andy Lay, Donella Lay, Peg Podlich, Clayton Esterson, Thomas Greene, Margaret Greene, Bertram Dunn, Audra Dunn, Elizabeth (Betty) Wright, Cynthia (Cindy) Wright, Bruce MacMakin, Christopher Whaling, Sarah Whaling, Gerry Geronimo, Don Niewiaroski Jr., Cindy Hargest, Connie Duncan, Elaine Duncan, Andrew Brescia, Lakshmi Nagarajan, Molly Alexander, Diana Ashton Hobson, J. Bing, Danny Hilario, Gina Hilario, Calvin Martin, Caroline Martin, Bob Cole, Stanley Hallet, and Judy Hallet. That's a total of 85 individuals so far. Thanks to Ralph Lay who has been busy processing these registrations for the reunion. You still have time to register without incurring late fees, but don't wait too long or you might just miss this reunion! Click here for more details about the 2005 AISK/Old Hands Reunion.   Kite Fighting Brings Afghan Culture, Tradition to MSU Posted: Sun Sep 25, 2005 10:35 pm Kristi Jourdan of The State News (Michigan State University's Independent Voice) wrote in an article titled Kite Fighting Brings Afghan Culture, Tradition to MSU: "Kites of all sizes swished and swooped through the air trying to slice each other's strings and send them spiraling out of control toward the ground on Friday." "Approximately 500 people attended the kite fighting event at Munn field on Friday evening, which was held in recognition of Khaled Hosseini's book, 'The Kite Runner' - this fall's featured novel in the One Book, One Community program." Read the rest of the article. Here's another article about this same event titled The Sky's the Limit from the Lansing State Journal.   Return to Kabul 2005: Kabul Desert Classic, Kabul Golf Club Posted: Mon Sep 26, 2005 6:25 pm Not much to say except a good time was had by all, and most important, the participants raised over $4,000 for Ashiana, a non-profit group that helps the children of Afghanistan. Check out their website at www.aschiana.com. A good bunch of people and I know that any donations you might make would be put to good use. For other news about the tournament... Sand and dust are par for Kabul Open (The Times) World Watch: Playing through in Kabul (U.S. News & World Report) Love and peace - Van Thanks Van! By the way, David Williams (Kiwi in Kabul) mentioned meeting you at this golf tournament in his last post from Kabul: So mate, what did you reckon?   Introducing the International School of Kabul (ISK) Web Site Posted: Wed Sep 28, 2005 6:52 pm The International School of Kabul (ISK) has a new Web site. Links to the International School of Kabul Web site have been added to our Related Links and About pages. Some visitors come to our site looking for an international school in Kabul and these links will help them find the International School of Kabul Web site. Congratulations to the International School of Kabul in their "New Beginnings 2005!" Check out the photos of Kabul International Academy (ISK's predecessor) and the International School of Kabul previously published here. Note that aisk.org is not associated with the International School of Kabul.   2005 Reunion Tip: Getting Around Washington, D.C. Posted: Fri Sep 30, 2005 8:07 pm This is the second in a series of tips for the 2005 AISK/Old Hands Reunion scheduled for October 21-22, 2005 in Washington, DC. The first tip published on September 10 was about the airports in the Washington, DC area. This tip is about getting around Washington, DC. You won't need a car to get around Washington, DC to visit the many historical and other interesting sites in the area. The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority Metrorail is a safe, easy and convenient way of getting around Washington, DC. It's also cheap! A one day pass is only $6.50!Crystal City (where our 2005 Reunion hotel is located) is a stop on both the Blue and Yellow Lines of the Metrorail. If you're planning on walking around Washington, DC, be sure to bring soft, comfortable shoes. The distance from one end of the National Mall to the other end looks deceivingly short on maps, but it is actually a very long walk! I've been trying to do my part in encouraging my classmates to attend the reunion. Here's a couple of responses I've received: Caren (Cruit) Mack wrote: "Gerry, I will see you guys... one way or the other..." and John Steiner wrote: "It looks like the only thing we might do is the cruise. Have to figure it out with Noriko who is away in London right now. We're going to be spending weekends looking at colleges for Nick the next couple of months." I hope Caren, John and the rest of the Class of '71 and other classes will be able to attend the reunion.   Back to top