On my initial google of "Afghanistan Map" I was overwhelmed by the 100s of maps that came up, NONE of which, at first glance anyway, looked to be easy to read or navigate. If I am going to teach myself about the Middle East I need the "Dummy" version to start.
FLASH BACK:
Childhood - Dad's Bedside Table, that Magazine that I had no appreciation for until I was out of the house: National Geographic!
THANK GOODNESS FOR
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC!
Not only did I get a map out of the deal, but they have some pretty cool features such as a guide, photos, facts and quiz.... yeah my score.... to put it nicely... it was sub-par...
HOWEVER I did learn a lot! Who knew Marco Polo passed through the Stan back in the day?!?! Think the popular childhood pool game exists over there? I have no idea, but I would venture to say, probably not. Any thoughts on what Khameerbob could be? I was clueless too, but apparently it's a popular dumpling like pasta dish that is very popular.
Now for the doozie - ever heard of a Snow Leopard?!?! Me either!!! (and no we are not talking Mac OS X)
Watch out friends because these Big Kitties don't growl, they hiss and their tails which help keep them warm and help them balance on dangerous ledges, are as long as their bodies and really fluffy. Wait, that's not all - these Cats can jump SEVEN times their body length!!! Frightening I know - not sure whether or not the tail is counted in the "body length," but regardless... scares the heck out of me...
Now I realize our Marines (and all Military for that matter) have much bigger fish to fry other than worrying about Snow Leopards, but I want to know - in your training is "potentially threatening wildlife" something you good people are briefed on? I mean I know you learn about all aspects of the Country you are headed to (the people, the terrain, the potential danger, etc, etc), is there at least a quick, 5 seconds or less mentioning of Giant Cats that could leap at you?
I mean granted you have with you at all times high powered rifles so bring it on Big Kitty, but still, just curious =).
Want to learn more about the tahilwidars and how they saved Afghanistan's famous Bactrian gold? How about the Pashtun people's code of honor? To have fun and learn more about Afghanistan I encourage you to visit National Geographic's website:
***MANY MANY THANKS to National Geographic, my source through out this blog.***
Awww you are too funny and I love you for it! Do I need to get you a subscription for your birthday???
ReplyDeleteWell done, Court. And your words of caution about snow leopards are well taken. I don't trust those bastards any further than I can throw them.
ReplyDeleteNat Geo is a great thing! Check out the Nat Geo Channel on TV-it's also very entertaining and informative. As for Middle Eastern smarts, I again suggest Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson. He goes to Afghanistan and Pakistan and builds schools for girls-really freaking awesome book!
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