First Impressions of Afghanistan: A Visit to Mazar-e-Sharif

I can't really do that here, at least I don't feel like I can just yet.

Even with just a few steps into this country, I feel the stares from the strangers.

Welcome.

Thank you.

Salaam.

Salaam.

It's obvious that this is not normal here.

We stand out like a sore thumb.

They're all staring.

Oh my gosh.

Our guide, Marty, brought us to a private area in this local restaurant to separate

women.

So we're in like a room.

And what's this?

This is tea.

This is tea.

OK.

I love coffee.

I'm a coffee drinker.

But people in Afghanistan like tea, right?

I'm really sorry.

But especially in these places, if you ask for coffee, they will ask you, what is that?

That's crazy.

Tough week for you.

I'm going to have a tough week, tough 100 hours.

While eating, my first expectation of Afghanistan was challenged.

I was approached by a local woman my age, who dropped her face coverings, hugged me

and welcomed me to Afghanistan.

Remember, women here are not allowed to show their face in public.

And just a few days ago, the Taliban rulers set out new laws stating that women are now

not allowed to speak.

Women have borne the brunt of the Taliban's repressive laws and have been stripped of

all human rights, which made this interaction all the more surprising.

Wow.

I just met a lady and I spoke to her for ages, but she didn't have contact videos of ladies.

So I didn't take a video of her, but I just went and took photos.

And she was so nice.

All right, back in the car for another long hours drive, couple hours.

And yes, we're still drawing eyeballs.

So like curious, aren't they?

We headed to the city of Mazar-e-Sharif with our first stop being at a market to get a

real taste of life in Afghanistan without the filters of international media.

The plan was to buy some local clothes to help keep a low profile from anyone who may

have a negative reaction to us being here, including potentially members of ISIS, who

the Taliban are trying to keep away from foreigners in this region.

This is actually crazy.

There's people everywhere.

I'm speechless a little bit because I haven't figured out how I should or will act here yet.

I'm kind of a mellowed down version of myself with how loud I'm letting myself be and things

like that.

But then also, I'm just still not a hundred percent.

Hi, salam alaikum.

Hi, how are you?

Good.

How are you?

That was friendly.

At this point, even with a few friendly interactions, I was still feeling unsure.

But the search for clothing continues.

If you would like to buy from here or from another shop, then you can choose the shops

by yourself.

No, we'll shop with your friend.

We'll shop with your friend.

Thank you.

I, at this stage, still felt on guard and uncomfortable being in this environment.

But I remind myself to give these people the benefit of the doubt, to come without prejudice

or judgment, regardless of what we've heard about this country.