Bus stop oasis
near Gardez, Afghanistan
My brother Brian and I were taking a bus from Ghazni to Gardez, along a roadless track in the eastern province of Paktia. The packed mini-bus just drove through the dusty valleys whereever traction was best. It stopped by a stream where a stall sold tea and the men could wash, and sit on a carpeted patio over the stream.
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Brian writes:
Yes, I remember that bus ride. It was dusty. A turban would have come in handy. Hot. And hot tea in the shade. Waiting while the buses were loaded. When a bus begins to move all the men stroke their beards and say something like "burrdo bahai." Like a bon voyage to themselves. I say it now without really knowing what it means whenever I take off in a plane. A shared prayer for a safe journey.
Javaneh writes:
It's "Buro ba khair" literally translates to "Go, with wellness." and it is a bon voyage type of saying. Have a safe trip would be a better translation.