We're in the process of leasing the villa next door to us. It was being set up as a restaurant, so it doesn't offer much in the way of living space, but we desperately need the additional working space. We're packed to the gills as it is, and we're going to be adding another 10 or so ex-pats and 50 or so LNs (local nationals) would be a huge pain without more space for desks. Fortunately the LNs don't need living space, but the additional ex-pats means most of the newer folks will be doubled up in rooms. Looks like I'll probably never see a private room for the next year or so.... Oh, well. We still have it infinitely better than the green-suiters, so I can't complain.

While the new villa doesn't have more living space, it *does* have a great garden. It will be *so* nice to see some greenery.

Afghanistan has a great history of gardens. With the climate being so dry, they really value green space, and go to great lengths to take care of it. Roses are a particular favorite, and are grown pretty much everywhere.

Old Aircraft at the Flightline

We were looking around a part of the Kabul Airport today, and I got a chance to take a look at some aircraft in the graveyard...

Kings & Queens Palaces

The two palaces are the "Kings Palace" and "Queens Palace" without about 1/2 mile between the two. I was told that at one period the Queens Palace was use as the guest house....

The small house is one of a pair adjacent to gardens below the Kings Palace. The observatory-like building was identified as a restaurant with a pool that the last king used. Looks to be 60's or 70's era design.

And the garden is simply one of the many adjacent to the barracks. While the buildings are often in poor shape, they love their gardens!

The road to Darulaman

We headed out this morning towards a new (for me) base that we'll be working on. It was very interesting how the houses went straight up the mountain, and built right into the rock.

Friday Bazaar at Camp Eggers

Today I was able to get out to visit the Friday Bazaar at Camp Eggers. Cool stuff - probably much more expensive that what I'd pay at a local vendor, but that's not much of an option anyway. All in all it was a nice chance to see something more than the inside of the villa......

Here's today's score: A rug for my room and a Martini-Henry.

The stamps all seem to match, but I'm guessing that the rifle is probably a Khyber Pass copy. For what I paid for it ($60), thought, I'm not terribly worried. The bore is atrocious - a trace of rifling amidst the corrosion. I have *no* intention of ever firing it, but it and the rug will make a nice addition to the man cave......