A few faces from The Wakhan Valley, Afghanistan

[Sirocco]

Following a bit of a document disaster we couldn't get our Land Rover into Afghanistan so had to leave it in Tajikistan. We took the opportunity to use our Visas and visit the nearest town where I managed to get a few portraits, thought you may like to see them. This is the 1st place I have had the courage (through respect or who knows what I have never taken photos of people anywhere) to ask and get photos through all of the countries I have travelled.

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The good news is that I printed a few of these off and gave them to those photographed and they were delighted. Hopefully this approach will open up opportunities for others to follow and maybe even get other Afghan's to open up and allow their pictures to be taken/story to be told.

More photos on our Facebook page.



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[haven]

Tell us how you printed the photos while traveling. A portable printer like Canon Selphy? Polaroid Zink-compatible camera? A printer at a local WiFi hotspot?

And tell us more about the problems getting your vehicle across the border!

 

[Sirocco]

WiFi hotspot? haha you must be kidding. I have driven over 1000km to get to Bishkek to find internet

There was a local shop which had a laptop and printer with paper. We had to go there for Passport photos to exit Afghanistan. $2 each.

We are also carrying a Canon Selphy which plugs into an inverter in our trailer. I can process RAW photos out of the Nikon D90 then print direct from the Selphy. We got invited into a Kyrgyz Family house in the Pamirs and the women fed us and made us tea. I asked if I could take photos of her and her little boy to which she said yes. I excused myself for 5 minutes, went outside and printed 3 images for her In a house that only had 2 rugs, some clothes, a woodburning stove, food and a 12v battery to charge cellphones. It was a great gift and she was very pleased. Its nice to give something back when the hospitality of the people you meet is so generous considering they have next to nothing.

I might do a blogpost on the Afghan permit thing, Its a bit in-depth and does not belong in this section. If anyone reads this and is going to overland in Afghanistan then drop me a PM for some info

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[Lipek]

Nice photos, I went "over landing" in Afghanistan couple of times although my experience was quite different if you know what I mean...

 

[Sirocco]

Blog post on how to get your vehicle into Afghanistan:

http://siroccoverland.com/2013/06/1...e-wakhan-valley-afghanistan-ishkashim-border/

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[Scott Brady]

Fantastic images. I hope you have enjoyed the Pamir Highway and Wakhan so far - such a stunning, remote and unique part of the world.

 

[Sirocco]

Fantastic images. I hope you have enjoyed the Pamir Highway and Wakhan so far - such a stunning, remote and unique part of the world.

Thanks Scott. The Pamirs is the highlight of the trip so far pushing Georgia into 2nd place. We didn't really want to leave but we need to get a move on. Currently in Bishkek, should be in Almaty next week

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[Scott Brady]

Thanks Scott. The Pamirs is the highlight of the trip so far pushing Georgia into 2nd place. We didn't really want to leave but we need to get a move on. Currently in Bishkek, should be in Almaty next week

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Will be curious of your impressions of Almaty. It was certainly a city in rapid change. The cheapest room we could find (without prostitutes "checking" you in) was $140 per night.

 

[haven]

Here's the blog post describing preparations to the D90 in advance of the trip. Good, sensible ideas here for any vehicle. http://siroccoverland.com/vehicle/