earthquake

Bam, Iran
last two nights were spent in a tent, the guesthouses dont exist anymore. Half of the town lives in shipping containers, and the only people who drive around in brand new 4by4 's are the aid workers. it makes it a little uncomfortable to be on the street when all of a sudden you are the one with dollar signs all over you thanks to internatioanl aid. the romance of development work has disappeared for me quite quickly.

nothing left of course, no hot water, internet connection, but as always people move on. ha, i am almost embarrassed to turn the scene into another memory to be packed in cottonwool and put in the photo album when i get back. I guess it makes it very easy- so mny people i meet are here for the iranian hospitality- maybe i am too cynical but it is like they go fishing with themselves as the bait, the big fish to catch is a free dinner and maybe even a free place to sleep. ya i think i am too cynical.

on a different note, happy birthday to I.

I cross the pakistan border in a few hours and will be on the bus for a little bit:P

More as it happens
rx