Bpeace in Afghanistan

And we really were too cool.

Today was day one of our big training weekend, just in time for the arrival of winter.

Bpeacers and Bpeace associates met at the Afghan International Chamber of Commerce. Building was a bit cool as over night the tempatures dipped. New to Kabul Bpeacers got to experience the deep dark chill that settles in after a few hours when sitting indoors without electricity or heat.

Steve and Athena led the small but enthusiastic group of women in service businesses. There was lots of animated discussion about how to differentiate Habiba's daycare center and Nargis's Venus Fitness Center. Habiba told us that she was teaching the children etiquette -- how to behave well, greet people properly and more. A new idea that came out of the session for Nargis was to establish herself as the fitness guru of Kabul by speaking to women's groups about the importance of exercise.

Meantime in the retail class, associates were discussing the advantages and disadvantages of various retail formats with Kate, Susan and Marla. The day ended with a conversation about the Rangeen Kaman Afghan Trading Association and the potential of the group to solve problems such as raw material sourcing. Bpeace left the Association with three ideas for projects which they could work on over the coming months. Laila will sheperd them through.

Mahooba, the network guru of Afghanistan welcomed Paula, Susan and Marla to her splendid home in the outskirts of Kabul. After getting lost on a dark, bumpy road, the driver found his way and delivered the three safely to a house that seemed palatial by Afghan standards. The group dined on a typical meal of rice pilaf, bread and kabobs, met Mahooba's husband, brother and mother.

Athena, Steve, Kate and Rangina had dinner at Bpeace's favorite Kabul restaurant, Taverna du Lavine, a wonderful Lebanese spot . . .simply awesome Fool. Lovely evening catching up with our friend. Rosemary dropped by to say hello. She was en route to bring her famous spagetti to several US colonels who remain stuck at the US compound and dreaming of "real food". Made us grateful to be private citizens and able to move about town.

We are off to bed and rest before we greet 100 women tomorrow for day two of training.
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