Canada

bigwillsapper I saw on your profile that you enjoy books... What are you reading these days?
I recently finished "Nasty Bits" and "Kitchen Confidential". I am currently reading "Setting the East A Blaze" by Peter Hopkirk. Hopkirk is an awesome history writer. I also like "Dharma Bums" and "On the Road" but I've read them so many times they are getting a bit old! The next book I think will be a re-read of "Catcher in the Rye".
Also, I read that you mostly eat veg... I'm currently in Afghanistan... I think you would love the vegetables here! Cooked a bit like Indian food but better!
Cheers!
Will

starlagurl Why are you in Afghanistan? I love Indian food, I'd love to go to Afghanistan sometime.

bigwillsapper I’ve been in Afghanistan for 10 months with the Army. I was the Executive Officer for a counter IED (Improvised Explosive Device) Unit and the provincial agriculture advisor for Logar Province for my first 5 months in Afghanistan. Currently, I am the Senior Trainer for the Logar Province Police Coordination Center. I train Afghan Army and Police Officers. There are lots of opportunities to eat local food and hang out with Afghan people.

bigwillsapper I’ve been in Afghanistan for 10 months with the Army. I was the Executive Officer for a counter IED (Improvised Explosive Device) Unit and the provincial agriculture advisor for Logar Province for my first 5 months in Afghanistan. Currently, I am the Senior Trainer for the Logar Province Police Coordination Center. I train Afghan Army and Police Officers. There are lots of opportunities to eat local food and hang out with Afghan people.

bigwillsapper I think Afghanistan has great potential for tourism once the country becomes a little safer. The Northwestern part of the country I think would be safe enough to visit with a sizable tour group. This place is rich with culture, natural beauty, and layers upon layers of history.

bigwillsapper The food is great… I would consider myself a bit of a carnivore but the vegetables here rock! Savory and sumptuous like Indian food with a mix of spicy and a bit of mild. Bonjounis Yah (eggplant) is my favorite; cooked a number of ways! They also have great green bean, okra, chickpea, and tomato dishes. The fruit is seasonal and NOT genetically altered so the flavors are amazing!
-Will

starlagurl I would definitely love to immerse myself in the Afghan culture once it's safe enough. I wouldn't like to go with a tour group though... How long do you think it would take to be safe enough for independent travelers?

bigwillsapper The Northwest part of the country is probably close to being safe now but with run-off elections coming this November it truly is anyone's guess as for true stability in Afghanistan. When traveling here it is also strongly advised to consider the same precautions that are taken by women in strict Islamic countries (ie. travel with a tour group, try to have a male friend, companion or husband with you, and follow the morality customs as best you can; a simple scarf and conservative dress in public is best.).

bigwillsapper There are excellent opportunities to work with numerous NGOs here... everything from IT development to election oversight to agricultural programs

starlagurl Do you have any leads? I'm totally into it.

bigwillsapper Global Partnership For Afghanistan is an awesome group that does tree plantings here in Afghanistan. This past spring I worked with them to plant 2,500 trees for ecological and agricultural purposes. They work with the Clinton foundation. I know some Canadian Military officers who work the election mission here with the UN. I will post foundation and organization websites here but not the personal emails.

starlagurl Is it volunteer?

bigwillsapper There are a number of salary positions with GPFA. A mix with the Clinton Foundation. The UN positions... put a resume' together!