Bamyan

 What once was is no longer, welcome to Bamiyan.

In March 2001, both of the Buddha statues were destroyed by the Taliban following an order given on February 26, 2001, by Taliban leader Mullah Muhammad Omar, to destroy all the statues in Afghanistan "so that no one can worship or respect them in the future". It is with weird irony that now the new Taliban regime protects these reminders with armed guards.

Gate to Bamiyan City

Soviet Tank

Tunnel Entrance

As of now, Bamiyan is the only town where the tension in the air was palpable. There was more security than most towns and I was told it was because this was a major tourist destination, which I find odd because the Buddhas of Bamiyan no longer existed. They are just huge holes in the side of a sandstone cliff, but I guess the historical significance is still strong enough that some of the more "radical Islamic members" are capable of doing anything. This entire area, including the long ride from Mazar, in is littered with the relics of Soviet Tanks. I guess the Soviets thought that Bamiyan was worth fighting and dying for as well. 

Just another check point

Ken, Alim and David

Now that I have that nastiness out of the way, we drove from Mazer to Bamiyan into the valleys that are surrounded by the Hindu Kush Mountains. I just like saying Hindu Kush Mountains. I did not take many photos because they never do this scenery any justice and I do not want to start taking videos, because that can take over everything so for now I just sat back and enjoyed the ride. We stopped at a few mountain streams and let me tell you, the water was freaking cold. Along this road the gov't is constructing and 11KM tunnel and we were allowed to drive through about 3KM of it. David from our group shot a video of it, which goes back to my point of shooting videos. He could have shot 10 seconds and then spliced it together for three minutes because nothing changed. Anyways, it is a big deal and the safety standards are really non existent but your driver, Hakeim knew what he was doing.

Bamiyan Cliffs

A few locals 

The Blue Lake

Aside from the Buddhas, the big draw in this area is the Blue Lake at Band-e-Amir National Park, Afghanistan's first National Park. Fun Fact, the day we arrived we were told that starting the next day the park would be closed to all woman, just because that is how this gov't rolls. They lake was excellent and when It was decided we should go for a swim I was all "let's get er done". Then I stepping into the water and retreated like a yelping puppy. It was colder than the Antarctic waters I had swam in about 15 years ago.

Bamiyan was a nice stop and as usual we could not go out alone at night because it was too dangerous without a guide, so there is NO opportunity to explore and get into a bit of mischief. Regardless this also was an area the Genghis Khan conquered leaving death and destruction it his wake. That Genghis, I am going to have to have a chat with him when we meet up in Mongolia later this summer.

Soviet Tank

This one was painted pink

Valley View of the Blue Lake

Final thoughts on this. The guides are doing their very best to keep us interested (how can I not be) and sharing historical information both ancient and when possible, more modern. As I was told, "be careful because someone is always listening." Everyone once in a while my guide will make a comment like that to remind me that being a tourist in Afghanistan is exciting but there is more to the story of this country, so much more.

Yet more photos with locals

The Hindu Kush