Humans of Afghanistan

Driving about 20km to visit an old city and listening to a guy speaking about the challenges faced when renovating the local mosque is rarely a weekend highlight. But when it happens in Afghanistan, visiting Balkh city and the Masjid Sabz (Green Mosque) becomes a fantastic adventure. Another reminder that, without the war, Afghanistan could be a great place for tourism and trekking.

16 August 2014: Young Afghan in Balkh city, Northern Afghanistan

P.S: And yes, I'm the happy (so far) owner of a Fuji x-t1 with a 23mm 1.4. Let's see what I can do with it...

Takeoff

Fuji X-T1 and a lovely 23mm lens or more money on my bank account. Fuji X-T1 and a lovely 23mm lens or more money on my bank account. Fuji X-T1 and a lovely 23mm lens or more money on my bank account...

12 July 2014: Daniel, at D-4 of his end of mission, Mazar-e-Sharif, Afghanistan.(unretouched)

Edit: To respond to the usual question asked lately, no, this picture was not photoshopped. I never add / remove / modify elements in my pictures and only play with contrast/colors/exposure, when needed.

In the Ghetto

Without me even noticing it, almost 4 months past since my arrival in Afghanistan. Last weekend, despite the insecurity and the threats, millions of Afghans went voting for a new president. Winter is over, my pullovers returned to my trunk (a place they should never have left) and the ice cream vendors started squatting Mazar's streets, filling them with annoying music, announcing their presence. A new routine in my life...

12 April 2014: Farewell dinner for the departure of some colleagues. Mazar-e-Sharif, Afghanistan.