Day 7 - techno-awe

Well, I’m afraid it’s going to be another day without pictures today, as we were inside again. I’ll be sure to get some staff pictures when I’m sure of everyone’s names – I’m at about 80% at the moment – a little ways to go.

I had a lie in, which would have been more effectual if I’d got to bed at a decent hour, but I ended up trying to coax my laptop to install Skype, without much success. Of course, when I ran it today it installed fine – typically.

But I was glad that it did as I was able to have a good catch-up with Sarah (the girlfriend) – we’d had a bit of a miscommunication on Thursday, and I was a little worried that the conversation would be a little fraggy due to the microwave link, and the fact that well, I’m in Kabul. I tested it out with my mate Roger in London, and yes, it was a bit laggy, and only one person could talk at a time (good old half duplex) – but then again, he was using a webcam. And as he was on, Sarah logged on unexpectedly – so I dumped R and talked to Sarah - and as there were no cameras involved, the quality was fantastic. Fair goes to skype, they’ve made something possible that was scarcely conceivable by Joe public as recently as five years ago. And it was great being able to have a relaxed catch up with my girlfriend, although it does make me sorry I can’t just pop round and see her like I’d normally be able to – but I’ve got less than two weeks to go. Time flies.


Mind you, if D**** had his way, I’d be here for much longer. He was very kindly saying how useful it was to have me around, and how an IT person could be really useful as a permanent fixture. He was also throwing big hints at Anthony, the visiting ER specialist, who’s helping set up an ER department in obstetrics (I’m pretty sure) that **** are in charge of here in Kabul. I’m not going to make you suffer the internal dialogue I had about the pros and cons of living in Kabul – mainly because I fulfilled my personal angst quota for the week yesterday, but also because it’s really not an issue right at the moment – I’ve got far too much keeping me in London at the moment – which I know Sarah and my boss will be glad to hear (and mum and dad too, of course!) – I was paying close attention when I watched “The Last King of Scotland” before I came out!

The thing that really struck me when D**** and M**** were talking about the various projects that **** Afghanistan is responsible for here is the sheer scale and variety involved – they’re project managing some essentially very complicated, professional areas – as disparate as engineering, architecture, medical projects, social and educational projects amongst others, doing large and small scale things, things which are funded by corporations, funded by foreign governments, the Afghani government, external groups and individuals – all of which have to be properly managed and accounted for. Add to this the HR and diplomacy issues of dealing with government red tape, and local staff, and breaking across a cultural barrier and work ethic which is totally at odds with just general day-to-day expectations in more settled economies, and I’m surprised that they have any hair left, let alone go about their jobs – vocations – with the energy and happiness that they do.

I find it especially remarkable that rather than being ground down into a resigned and somewhat detached mild cynicism, they really enjoy working in this dysfunctional country, despite the frustrations – and, even more importantly, keep looking for ways in which they can use their personal resources to make a direct impact in situations which might get lost amongst the bigger projects they’re responsible for. I’ve seen quite a few NGO staff who are highly professional and effective, but who have lost their compassion somewhere along the way – and it’s so easy to do. It’s great to be reminded that this isn’t necessarily the fate of everyone who tries to help in complex situations.

Oh, and I read about the train derailment yesterday on the route up to Glasgow back home – a route I take every so often to work. Who’d have thought staying in Kabul would be safer than catching a train to work? Well, given my experiences with the public transport system in Blighty, I can’t say I’m particularly surprised. I think I may write a letter* to the Metro about the whole affair.

(* thanks for the suggestion, Sarah!)