Best Day Yet

I went up with a water/sanitation team to some remote areas to see the water schemes we've put in places, and areas we will do future projects. We went to some pretty remote areas, where only our NGO is working. Almost every switchback required a 6-point turn, so going just 6 km would take about 40 minutes. The picture at left is our truck. We had to leave it and hike part of the way to one of the villages. The way its facing is the way we drove out--you can see how little and rocky the road is--its like a footpath (right click on it and open it a new window to see it better.) I am so amazed at what these trucks can climb over and go down--literally boulder fields. The drivers are incredible too. And, Mom, they definitely never drink--its strictly forbidden here (trust me, I've tried.) Plus, I was briefed on all the ways to jump out of a rolling vehicle, so, no worries.

We went into different villages and saw if the water was working, checked the tanks and standpipes and pipes and talked with the communities. That was so fun. The people were really hospitable, patient, and gracious. The women were usually really shy, but always wanted to touch hands and never failed to return my smile and Salaam. I didn't really take photos of them, it felt intrusive. The landscape was amazing--huge mountains lush with trees and, but just ripped apart by landslides. (Will post more pictures later.)

Ooh, speaking of landslides, check out this road which we take to our projects in Kaghan Valley. (Mom, don't read any more, or please forgive me if you do.) So, further along this road we had special duties--one person had to look up for falling rocks, and the other person look down the side for moving land. I know it was dangerous, but I was totally grinning with my wrapped-up head out the window looking down at the river way below.

I wanted to put up some photos of Balakot--the epicenter of the earthquake, but it won't let me upload photos. I will do it later tonight, maybe. The internet is really weak here, and the electricity patchy--not even fans at night. Luckily it is cooler here, but it is still damn hot. And tons of mosquitoes. So, sleep is not happening so much. But, I only have one more week and tons of stuff to do, so will just push through.

Some things I wanted to say in comments, but can't since I can't get to blogspot.com: did anyone catch that that was a sheep in the photo with the men in the previous post? and thsoe were its.... ugh, disgusting. HELLO TAUSCHEKS! Mike D, thank you for the holla, I've been wondering about you. Alan, you made me laugh out loud. W, of course I watched the game. That penalty call in the box was BS. But I wanted Italy anyway, so I am happy. I feel a void in my life now that both the World Cup and Wimbeldon are over. And, finally, Mom, yes I am pale. But I plan to rock my costume this weekend in ISB so will hopefully catch some rays (and some men who can appreciate 1920s swimsuit fashion.)

Talk to you all soon