This weekend was an ADVENTURE in so many ways. It was one of those weekends that leaves you with a thoroughly satisfied feeling, a bit like how you feel after a good hearty meal. It reminded me of what I love about discovering a new country. 

Ever since arriving in Kabul, I have been looking forward to watching my first Buzkashi match. Buzkashi is one of those sports that really could only exist in a place like Afghanistan.

Buzkashi is sometimes compared to polo as the closest western sport. However, polo is played with a ball and Buzkashi is played with a dead goat. Polo matches last for only an hour and Buzkashi matches can last for days. Essentially, Buzkashi has next to no rules apart from having to lift a 60kg carcass whilst on horseback, run around a flag and then drop it into a white circle.

Apparently during the Russian era in Afghanistan, the government tried to organise Buzkashi games for the people. Their communist nature meant that not only did they govern the people; they provided leisure time activities too. However, in the true Afghan way, the people rebelled and refused to allow their Buzkashi game be controlled. And then came the Taliban era, where Buzkashi was banned as it was considered immoral. 

Spectacular to watch.