Day 16: Culture Shock

Yesterday, I was asked to participate in a "meeting" with an Afghan "commander" and his "deputy" for the first time along with my Dari interpreter. We exchanged greetings, talked about family, had some Chai, and used the meeting to get to know each other. The biggest lesson I had learned was to appreciate the value of patience...to just chill! Getting right down to business (as we high-strung Americans are so accustomed to) would have offended them! I thought the role-playing was a great tool...took me back to those wonderful med school OSCEs.

Today, my team had the opportunity to partake in Afghan cuisine prepared by our Dari language and cultural instructors. It was a wonderful time of fellowship...talking about Afghan culture, Islam, Afghan food, as well as their life experiences living in Afghanistan. Good times!

The menu included Salata (very similar to pico de gallo), Naan (flat bread), Qabli Pulao (seasoned rice with veggies and raisins), and Korma.

Where's the Silverware?