Trip in the Snow

Recently took a trip to see if I could get to some villages for my projects. Unfortunately, the snow was still too deep for us to get to the cutoff villages. So we visited some other villages, talked and handed how some equipment and supplies to the villagers. It was a great trip and as you can see, the weather was beautiful. But the change is tremedous from the area we visited to some other areas of Panjshir. It's warm enough to see wheat growing in some areas and in others, you still have two feet of snow. Just incredible the diversity of Afghanistan.

BUZSKHASHI

Now, I don't know how you spell it, but it's definitely a riot. Picture this: 2 teams (about 15 horses each), cleared snowfield, audience in the action (keep your head on a swivel) and a wrestling match on the field (seriously, with mats even).

So, the rules are pretty simple. A circle on the ground on one end and a flag at the other end.

Your team has to take the headless goat (you heard right) around the flag and drop it in the circle. The other team tries to stop you. You drop the goat or it is stolen from you, the teams start over.


Remember what I said about active participation. It's really more about daring your buddy to see how close you can get to the action.

Look mom, no hands!!

It's a Party

The Soviets left Afghanistan a while ago, but the Afghans still celebrate. And boy do they like to celebrate in style. In Panjshir, we were lucky enough to be invited to attend the celebrations, which included lots of food, 100's of ex-Mujahadien fighers and my first Buzskashi game!!!

So, how do you feed hundreds in the middle of winter in Panjshir? Of course, outside!

Don't they look so happy :)

Men working the Afghan barbeque.

Got to have your nan bread. Reminds me a lot of lavash from Armenia

And the good stuff (green stuff is a type of creamed spinachish-like thing - not too bad).

Day after the Blizzard

We finally got hit. At least 10 inches fell in the area and turned the valley into a beautiful wonderland. Too bad no one had any snowboard or skis. Fresh virgin powder all over the place and no way to ski it. Oh well!!!

Just thought I would take a couple of pictures of the aftermath. Fort building will start shortly!

Christmas/Nativity 2008/2009

Jeremy was here Dec. 22-Jan. 12, during which time we celebrated Christmas several times over, jumped into a freezing cold lake, and went skiing. Photographic evidence follows ...

The Polar Plunge is a Richart family tradition. Every year, folks from all over Nebraska drive in to either jump into the frigid waters, or to smirk at those who do from the comfort of their warm, dry clothes. But before people can plunge, the Richart men have to cut a hole in the ice. This year, it was nine inches thick, and required the help of a chainsaw.

Richart family and friends gather on the big day, ready to jump.

I was there too ...

I jumped ... and have never been so cold in my life!

And of course, there were presents.

Grandpa Richart got a hat with a built-in flashlight; very handy.

And there were many rousing rounds of Bananagram (an excellent game which I have recently located at my local A.C. Moore!)

Then Jeremy and I spent a few days skiing at Timberline in West Virginia. We had a very cozy condo right behind one of the ski lifts.

I skiied.

Jeremy snowboarded.

He did some of this, too.

And there was this bra tree. Weird.

Meanwhile, back at the Herbst ranch, Pop decided it was time my brothers learned to tie their own ties.

And then we took a few photos.

Merry Christmas!