Video: Buying Smokes in Kabul
I was on my way home this afternoon—Kabul is nine-and-half hours ahead of EST—when I got a call from my roommate. He needed smokes. I told my driver to pull over so I could hop out and get some. He just laughed.
For just two-bucks (US) I had a pack of Marlboros, and I didn’t even have to open the car door.
A lot of shopping is done this way here. I’ve bought fruit, vegetables, t-shirts, phone cards, Afghan currency and breakfast pastry from the comfort of a passenger seat.
Unfortunately, these street-side vendors play hell with traffic. Some of them just stand in the middle of intersections, waving whatever they’re selling at the bumper-to-bumper traffic they cause. The Kabul mayor is actually considering a law restricting where and when these guys (they are all men or boys) can sell their wares.
I like them though, it’s one of those quirky things that make living here so interesting.
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So convenient, yet so dangerous! I like it. I just hope no one gets run over.
Funny you should mention that. I think one of the most dangerous things I’ve done in Afghanistan is cross the street. Drivers actually swerve toward pedestrians in Kabul, rather than away from them. I haven’t seen anyone get hit, but I fear it is just a matter of time!