In my former life, returning from a lengthy time out of the aircraft would earn you a BITS flight, that is to say, Back In The Saddle. I've been back nearly a week now and I am caught up. A great friend and colleague sat in for me and kept things running smooth. Thanks, Mark!
Ok, it has been forever since my last blog and I have no excuse. Sounds like a catholic confession! But, I'm back in Kabul after a great vacation and Thanksgiving back to Virginia with Kay and the boys. I'm charged up and ready to re-attack this mission here...an
d do a better job about capturing some cool stuff in this fascinating land.
Ok, since I started off with the saddle reference, I'll use that as a transition to a goal I have for the new year. Before I leave this place, I want to see a Buzkashi match. I cut the following from the website on "Southern travels." From what I understand it is brutal (not just for the dead goat) and very physically demanding.
Buzkashi, which
literally translated means "goat grabbing" is the national sport of Afghanistan. Many historians believe that Buzkashi began with the Turkic-Mongol people, and it is indigenously shared by the people of Northern Afghanistan. There are two main types of Buzkashi, Tudabarai and Qarajai. Tudabarai is relatively simple compared with Qarajai, even though they share similar objectives.
In Buzkashi, a headless carcass is placed in the center of a circle and surrounded by the players of two opposing teams. The object of the game, is to get control of the carcass and bring it to the scoring area. Although it seems like a simple task, it is not. Only the most masterful players, (called chapandaz) ever even get close to the carcass. The competition is fierce, and the winner of a match receives prizes that have been donated by a sponsor. These prizes range from money, to fine turbans and clothes. In order for someone to become a chapandaz, one must undergo a tremendous amount of difficult training. In fact, the best chapandaz, are usually over the age of forty. Buzkashi, is definitely not a game for the weak.
The players are not the only ones who undergo arduous training; the horses that participate in buzkashi must train for five years before ever making it to the playing field. Buzkashi, is indeed a dangerous sport, but intensive training and excellent communication between the horse and rider can help minimize the risk of injury.
The different types of Buzkashi: Tudabarai & Qarajai
In Tudabarai, in order to score, the rider must obtain possession of the carcass and then carry it away from the starting circle in any direction. The rider must stay free and clear of the other riders.
In Qarajai, the task is much more complex. The player must carry the calf around a marker, and then return the carcass to the team's designated scoring circle.
In each version of the game, points are awarded for successfully completing the task of getting control of the carcass, and getting it to the proper scoring area. The winner of each match receives prizes which have been put up by a sponsor. The top prizes are usually money, or fine clothes.
To many Afghans, Buzkashi is not just a game, it is a way of life; a way in which teamwork and communication are essential to being successful.
Well, all the matches are generally up North where I don't get to travel. Just to busy right now, but I hope to break out soon. Sounds like I am talking about a prison, doesn't it. : )
Gotta run...
blessed to be a small part of a group of incredibly talented folks in Afghanistan, working hard to make a difference and build relationships with the Afghans. Some background info can be found in a recent NY Times article. 
