I am eating more than mangoes, Mom

Hi All,
I want to say thanks to my aunt patti for making me sound like a slacker. The McCarthy's are a tough bunch, they are. Well, today I also slacked since Friday is the weekend. We went to the house of one of the hospital directors, which was a big honor (she was hand-picked by Karzai.) Here's a picture of the lunch she cooked for us. And this wasn't even all of it. I couldn't fit it in the frame. It was outstanding. I ate so much but really I couldn't fit in ma belly more than a bit of everything. Her littlest son did this cute handwashing thing beforehand. He had so much personality I couldn't believe it--jesturing and entertaining us like a professional comedian.

We were all sitting on floor so thankfully, I could just lie back on the comfortable pillows to digest and enjoy the company. The Afghans told stories about the Taleban--some funny (now), and some just terrible. Its been interesting to see how some of our western-dressing local staff looked during the Taleban years--with the turbans and beards they were forced to wear. They would have scared me then, but now I drop by their office for a chat and a laugh. Tells you something (you already knew) about appearances.... Here's our lunch group. In case you can't spot me, I'm on the right.

After lunch we went to the Hotel Intercontinental. I used to treat myself to an evening there in Jordan sometimes, or just sit on their veranda and smoke the hookah with friends. It later got car-bombed. (I think I have a knack for frequenting places that later get bombed--like the UN HQ in Iraq and some hotels in Baghdad.) I bought the full-on long shirt, pajama pants, and matching long scarf. I'll try to send a picture for you to laugh at. And I got some other long shirts and a bag, all made by Afgan refugees living in Pakistan. There were so many gifts I wanted to buy for everyone, but I'd need a whole trunk to take it home. Which wouldn't be all that difficult, except that I have to fly on a small ICRC plane to Pakistan first. I'll get stuff for you guys in Paksistan instead.
Here's a photo of the lovely Kabul mountains. Next post will be all photos so you can get a better idea of what the city is like.
Besos, Ciao.