Pagoda SL Group

W113 Pagoda SL Group => General Discussion => Topic started by: 114015 on April 21, 2016, 00:19:45

Title: What the heck are you doing in Kabul?
Post by: 114015 on April 21, 2016, 00:19:45

Quote

Happy birthday Joe, from Kabul.

GGR,
What the heck are you doing in Kabul ??
Get out of there ..., too dangerous. We need you here!
Or are you a Navy seal or similar?

Achim
really surprised  ???

Title: Re: What the heck are you doing in Kabul?
Post by: GGR on April 21, 2016, 02:32:51

I'm an Attache at the EU Delegation and Office of the EU Special Envoy to Afghanistan. I'm in charge of supporting recovery policies and rural development aid. Crazy place. I've now been working in and out of war torn countries for close to 20 years. I had never seen such a set up yet. Basically it's a fortified paramilitary place where we run diplomatic and development activities. It's out of this world.

The terrorist attack the day before yesterday was  not that far from the Delegation, ant the blast hit our building quite hard. Fortunately the window in my office wasn't closed properly and partially opened which defused the pressure. Otherwise the risk is to have glass flying around.

Sadly, the death toll was already 64 dead yesterday and climbing. Wounded are per the hundreds. After the Paris and Brussels attacks, colleagues and myself really related to the people of Kabul, we kind of know what they are going through. The whole Delegation staff payed tribute to the victims yesterday with a prayer and a minute of silence in front of the EU flag flying half mast.

I'm flying out later today for three weeks. Hope the Pagoda starts, I haven't been home in the past 6 months!

Title: Re: What the heck are you doing in Kabul?
Post by: 66andBlue on April 21, 2016, 04:37:16

Wishing you safe travels and a bit of R&R with your Pagoda!

Title: Re: What the heck are you doing in Kabul?
Post by: nirmal on April 21, 2016, 10:23:51

Hi Gael

Haven't heard from you for some time now. Do you not connect thru Dubai any more enroute to Washington?

Nirmal

Title: Re: What the heck are you doing in Kabul?
Post by: Rolf-Dieter ✝︎ on April 21, 2016, 12:26:26

Be safe during your travels, once home wishing you a relaxed and good time with your Famaly and Pagoda.

Dieter

Title: Re: What the heck are you doing in Kabul?
Post by: mmizesko on April 21, 2016, 13:13:10

GGR,

Perhaps armor plating the pagoda might be a good idea?

Mike

Title: Re: What the heck are you doing in Kabul?
Post by: Mike Hughes on April 21, 2016, 15:29:40

If home is still the D.C. area and you need a jump I'm happy to hop over and let the two Pagodas visit while we get yours started! PM me as necessary.

Title: Re: What the heck are you doing in Kabul?
Post by: GGR on April 21, 2016, 17:03:04

Quote from: Nirmal on April 21, 2016, 10:23:51

Hi Gael

Haven't heard from you for some time now. Do you not connect thru Dubai any more enroute to Washington?

Nirmal

Hi Nirmal,

I'm in Dubai right now, at the Copthorn Hotel. Going back to the airport at 11:00 PM

Next time I'm coming through I will let you know. I still remember the fabulous shrimps by the sea!

Gael

Title: Re: What the heck are you doing in Kabul?
Post by: GGR on April 21, 2016, 17:06:03

Quote from: Mike Hughes on April 21, 2016, 15:29:40

If home is still the D.C. area and you need a jump I'm happy to hop over and let the two Pagodas visit while we get yours started! PM me as necessary.

Yes, home is still the DC area. Thanks for the offer. I have a charger if the car does not start. I hope to make it at Katie's cars & coffee on Saturday Morning.