Life on the edge

Went to a BBQ/Party tonight.  If you know where to look in Kabul or if you are in the know, you can find little places where you can drink, smoke and party like you are in London or New York.  It was a very different group of expats that I met tonight then whom I have been staying with.  A much younger crowd, most of whom had been in Afghanistan at least 2 years, some working in the private sector, some with NGO's, a number with the UN.  There is a life on the edge feel about them.  "Afghanistan is the Center of the World" one girl told me.  I mentioned a book I had read that had first sparked my interest in Afghanistan, "oh yeah, we all know that guy" she said, her expression seemed to indicate that she didn't think too highly of him!  I thought this might be an opportunity to network a little, and it someways it was, but people also didn't want to talk too much about work, this was the weekend, and it was time to let your hair down and party.  I didn't stay too long, I'm here very briefly and I want the chance to get in touch with people.  I can party when I'm home.   I was asked if I was planning on working in Afghanistan, I said I wasn't sure yet, but that I was thinking of taking some Dari language lessons while I was here (mainly to fill the time), that means you'll come back I was told.  I'm not sure however that I could live on the edge like they do, not for the length of time that they seem to, I'm getting too old for that.  It was interesting however to meet a new group of people and see how they view and experience Kabul.  This is definitely a city that stretches you to your limits!