Best of luck out there Hels, see if you can find two wheels out there. Could have some fun if it is safe enough.
oh congrats on the job! safe journey
Well done on the job Hel’s, just remember one thing… “Keep Low, Move Fast!” 
Shando, take it easy out there buddy. Incoming fire has right of way, and don’t share a shell-scrape with anyone braver than you!!! 
As for the £300 per day, you’ll probably find that it’s only the ex-SF guy’s who are getting that on the government work. Most of the ex-squaddie’s who end up out there are only getting an average of £160-£170 per day. I stuck with the UK/ London Close Protection circuit, and am currently getting £200 per day (12 hours) plus overtime and expenses! And I can’t even remember when I last got shot at or bombed!! :w00t:
I think I’ll stick with the UK market! I’ve had my day’s of being shot at etc…
Hope you both have a safe tour! 
RR
I spent 6 months in Kabul a few years ago…what kind of things would you like to know?
We both read “The Bookseller of Kabul” and “The Kite Runner” last year.
“Love in the Time of Cholera” was much better but did not put us off going to South America, the price did though.
We will miss you Hels, let us know how you get on. You seem very sensible and appreciate the value of a good game of chess. We are sure that will stand you in good stead.
JS
Just back from old Rufus W, great, mellow evening - Westie, are you listening? Judy Garland was covered LOL:D
Gazhurst - yes - i would like to know loads of things, so I will be picking you and lustfishes brains re Kabul and the country itself. What were you doing there? I would like to know everything, so let us know when you two are at the next BM / Ace cafe cos I will be dragging you both off to ask questions!
Jetstream, yes, nowt better than a good game of chess, am an old anorak at heart, LOL:D. ‘A thousand splendid suns’ also a very good read.
Would love to get a bike also, but reckon will have to disguise myself as a bloke if I want to go motorbiking in Afghanistan :D:D
I was out there as part of the ISAF in 2003!
PM me msn details or something and I;ll have a chat and send some photos to you
I’d be interested to see your photos / hear what you were doing and where you were based. Didn’t the ISAF conduct operations in Kandahar? That’s where some of our projects are based. Will pm the details tomorrow - be interested to have a chat.
Can I just say I doff my hat to both of you & may you both come back safely. Good luck.
ISAF didn’t venture out to Kandahar until 2004/2005, when I was there we we’re only in Kabul although we had a forward operating base in Mazar-E-Sharif and Bagram Airforce base…
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Amazing photo - how long were you there for in 03? Do pm me some more photos and some details of your life there, would be keen to learn form others experiences. I’m aware it will be very culturally different for a woman, but any experiences people have had would be interesting for me to hear.
Guiliano - I have read some of your friend’s blog on Beirut and found it very thought provoking and detailed. Have now learnt about how to set up a blog from blog spot, so will try and sort that before I go.
On another tack, will be having at least one BCR before I set off 
you have been warned !! LOL And a hopefully a few more ‘Angels’ rides out too:D:D
My Honda Hornet 600 is up for sale (will def be getting another bike when I get back!! and hiring one on any breaks home!) . Have put in the ad on the ads section, but it’s not come up yet, so keep a look out. It’s been an AWESOME bike.
Hiya Hels. Congratulations on new job. Gonna miss you on our rideouts though.:crying: If you need any help with directions, let me know.
( sorry, private joke !!). Pity your selling the bike, i could have stored it for you if i didn’t already have three bikes. Take care.x
Cheers Martin - you’ll have to get a replacement Angel now, for our ‘Charlie and the Angels’ Rideouts LOL:D Maybe one who doesn’t get lost?
Yeah - gutted at selling the bike, but I need the cash, and can always buy another when / if I get back :D:D Actually if you have three bikes maybe I can borrow one off you if am back on a break?