Despite my valiant reading effort, which among other items has included a historical account, a policy article and not one but two absolutely wonderful Afghan-American autobiographies, I feel that I haven't quite found what I'm looking for. So, in hopes of hearing about a tiny, real, unedited, joyful tidbit of Afghan pride, I sought out the only Afghans I know of in town: at the Khyber Pass restaurant in Hillcrest.
On my lunch break today, I sat outside in the summer breeze and tried to strike up small talk with my waiter, Assan, who apologized for being "not very good at speaking." I told him I was writing a paper about Afghanistan (if he admittedly wasn't the most comfortable with English, I figured "blog" would be a tricky sticking point in conversation), and asked him if he could tell me something he really loved about the country. Anything: his favorite family recipe, favorite place, favorite activity (is kite-flying in Afghanistan really the preferred pastime of childhood, or just a romantic premise around which to frame a timely and appealing best-selling novel?). Assan smiled, fumbled a bit, said something about pride and freedom, and hurried off. He sent someone else out to bring my Lamb Kachaloo Chalow.
I thought I had perhaps insulted him. He certainly could have felt affronted, this tiny little high-heeled and wrap-dressed American walking into his restaurant and requesting that he divulge his spirit on the spot, perceivably in exchange for a healthy tip and her continued patronage.
But at the end of my meal, he came out and said, "I have been thinking very much about your question, and it is difficult for me to put into words. My daughter and other members of the family could explain better than I can." He asked for my name and phone number and said he would have his daughter call me. So, that was my small adventure for the day. I hope to hear from Assan's daughter soon; in the meantime, I will begin my readings on the next country.
Does anyone happen to know an ethnic Albanian living in San Diego, perchance?
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