Better to Be An American

I keep going back and forth about documenting my taxi driver conversations in Dubai. Here are some highlights:

One (of many) Pakistani driver and I decided that while the governments have a lot of problems and ill will, the people of the country should be treated separately and not as representatives of these politicians.

Afghani driver told me I should look forward to apples in Kabul, but Kandahar has the best!

Bangladeshi driver thought I was European, because "Most Americans keep talking about America, like they are relatives of Barack Obama or George Bush."

Afghani driver from the consulate was obviously trying to see if I would be interested in marrying him. I tried to steer the conversation away, and he was commenting on my Russian looks. So I decided to find out: of the superpowers that have been at war with Afghanistan, which was better. Although it was a loaded question, I found out that it is better to be an American in Afghanistan. :)

Something to take my mind off of the crazy driving habits. I commented to one driver that the driving is very hard for me to get used to. He said, "Oh, no. I heard that they drive crazy in America!"

Women's History

One of the goals of the organization I am going with is to provide opportunities for Afghan women to realize their dreams. Here's an interesting link to some Afghan women's history:

http://www.afghan-web.com/woman/afghanwomenhistory.html

Almost there

I made the man at the Afghan Embassy laugh today. An American woman without an iPhone? Thankfully, he had mercy on this American woman without access to communication and let me borrow his mobile all morning (only after 1 call, he ran out of minutes!). It's been pretty hectic trying to contact people in Kabul about visa information, worried family in America, and the friends I'm staying with, all without a mobile!

If you'd like to talk to me, wake up very early in the morning and get on Skype or Gchat! My tomorrow morning (American evening) will be filled, as the visa information came in late, so I will have to go through the whole process again tomorrow. Hopefully, there are no problems and it will be as efficient as possible.

Sans business duties, Dubai has been great. I haven't done anything "touristy" yet, but the people I have talked to have been very friendly and helpful. And while I was excited to practice Arabic, a lot of people speak English. Actually, I haven't spoken to any native Dubai residents yet--South Asians are pretty much taking over here!