Istalif

Istalif village is a little less than two hour’s drive from Kabul, near the Shomali Plains. Its known for its pottery, the colours used are mostly royal blue and deep turquoise. The merchandise ranges from bowls and plates, jugs and teacups and saucers. The view from the top of the village is stunning; you can see the shomali plains. You can see and feel the ruin created by the years of war this country has seen.
My first trip was with my room mate and our respective bosses. ML jan or Mari- Louise was leaving Afghanistan after 3 years and this was one of the last things she wanted to do. Ted and Nick our respective bosses, were new in the country and for one of them it was first time outside of Kabul.
We spent a few hours in the small street that has around 15 stores, browsing and chatting with some of the old men. ML jan speaks fluent dari and me with my broken Dari did a lot of shopping.
The afternoon was spent besides the lake in a chai khana, relaxing, having kebab’s and naan with lots of green tea.
For me the first impression was of the fresh air, away from the dust and garbage of Kabul, I felt that I was relearning how to breathe again. One doesn’t realise how much the Kabul air affects you till you leave it.
It was a beautiful spring day and hope to go back once again this year.