Tip Top

Yet another huge thank you. This time to Ian MacWilliam. Ian is the regional (Afghanistan/Pakistan) director for Free Press Unlimited, the good people from the Netherlands that made In Search of the Truth: Afghanistan possible. Ian's vast knowledge of the region and its history was an invaluable resource. His patience and professionalism in our everyday dealings and the constant logistical challenges were not only admirable, but essential to the project. He also knows all the best Sheesha spots throughout Afghanistan. Here he is on top of the 'City of Screams' along the ancient Silk Road in Bamyan. Photo: Antoinette DeJong.

We are Farmers

The Truth is we are farmers from Ryan Alexiev on Vimeo.

Absolute Truth

We were able to get permission to set up the Truth Booth right at the base of the Buddha which was dynamited by the Taliban in 2001. It was the largest Buddha sculpture in the world at 175 ft and took 100 years to build between the 4th and 5th centuries. Bamyan, which lay on the ancient silk road, was at the time the epicenter of Buddhism and housed over 4,000 pilgrims in the tunnels and caves around the sculpture. Buddhism first spread west to here, then east to China.

The Afghan Autumn Collection

We had to bump up our style (and disguises) in Afghanistan so we got fitted with some Afghan casual wear (the ubiquitous Shalwar Kameez) in Mazar-i-Sharif. This was our tailor who hooked us up!

A Hasty Retreat

An abandoned decades–old Soviet tank in a field of sunflowers, Bamyan, Afghanistan.

Stopping Traffic

Young Bamyanis

Giggles from Bamyan

The Potato Fields of Bamyan

Bamyan is famous for its potatoes. Small fields growing spuds and the farm workers harvesting them are ubiquitous throughout the town.  Afghans really do make a big deal about these spuds... and with good reason, they're delicious!

Site of the small Buddha