Afghan Adventures

Out!

2007-02-15T03:22:00.000-08:00

Peter & I along with some of CBC/CTV friends landed in Dubai about 1 pm.

Thanks to all who checked in over the last month and a half. If you left a comment thanks! I can't respond to emails through the blog, but you're welcome to email me directly at bacton@sonetis.com.

To all who still have friends and family there. Military and Media they be safe. No to worry and they are doing good work but need your support. Keep it up.

Take care and talk to you all soon.

Barry

Just about done!

2007-02-12T10:53:00.000-08:00

Me at work.

Just want to thank everyone who has stopped by, if you left a comment, thanks again!

I can't respond to emails from the comments unless you leave me your email. Sorry about that, it's part of the system.

If you want to email me @ bacton@sonetis.com, feel free!

Network Time Killers

2007-02-12T10:47:00.000-08:00

How we kill time on rainy nights in Kandahar. Scrabble.
The guy standing is CBC's Jim Hoffeman, CBC's Tom Peary on the right and Peter Harris on the left.

The other two are Paul Workman and Jim MacDonald both with CTV.

Driving shots

2007-02-08T04:41:00.000-08:00

While heading back from Spin, I grab a couple of quick snaps as Noorkhan was speeding along at about 140km/h.

The little white rocks are a mine field. Tough to see at 140 but thought you might like to see a bit of the landscape.

Osama's Afghan home

2007-02-08T03:53:00.000-08:00

This is an area known as Tarnak Farms. It is Osama's last mailinig address before being bombed off to the desert or Pakistan or where ever he is now.

A lovely little left over from the previous Russian attempts at ruling this country.

Spin Buldak drive thru

2007-02-08T03:19:00.000-08:00

After our little adventure at the border town of Spin Buldak, our fixer Noorkhan took us for a little late lunch. You can't make out much through the dirty window, but it was a lovely little dinning cart. Nice view of the side street as well.

Although I'm not one for a lot of local roadside cuisine, it was spicy, and gave no lasting effects.

The border

2007-02-03T23:39:00.001-08:00

If you follow along. The first picture is a guy getting slapped by a Pakistan border guard.

The big gate is called the friendship gate.

The third is said border guard tell me to get lost.

Fourth is a shot of a Pakistan Military man caught crossing the border illegally.

This kid was just a kid crossing

Run for the border

2007-02-03T23:33:00.000-08:00

Peter and I heading to the border with Pakistan. The town of Spin Buldak. How do you like the chin whiskers?

Camels

2007-01-30T12:57:00.000-08:00

Snapped this on the way into town with our fixer. A small camel train.

IEDs

2007-01-30T12:51:00.000-08:00

I was asked what is an IED. It stand for Improvised Explosive Device. Luckey I don't have a photo of one, nor do I want to find one. Basically they take what ever will blow up and injure the most people, plant it in the ground or in a car and try to blow up a convoy or what ever they think is worth dying for. They can be pressure released, time released or set off with a cell phone. Fun fun fun.

Suicide Ally

2007-01-27T07:33:00.000-08:00

This is the gate to Kandahar City. We were on the way back to camp, so this is the end of Suicide Ally. They found 3 different IED's right at the arches about 2 days ago.

2007-01-25T13:14:00.000-08:00

Same trip as below, met the brother of the President, Ahmad Wali Khan Karza.
Thats him just to the right of the guy holding the AK-47.

The other shot is of one of many meat shops in the city. Hungry?

Adopt a dog?

2007-01-25T12:47:00.000-08:00

Peter and I were in to the UN office the other day. Found these puppies just outside the door. The parents were around, so I hope the're well looked after.

The school

2007-01-21T05:02:00.000-08:00

Ehsan runs a private school and is also running a community centre where both women can learn english, computer skills and business management. He has had threats on his life for doing it. The Taliban don't believe in education for women.

They also have an internet cafe, where alot of these girls are able to speak freely to the outside world. They Only have 9 computers. They would like to add a few more.

An anonyms Canadian donor helped get this project off the ground.

Lunch

2007-01-21T04:57:00.000-08:00

Peter and I went in to the city to have lunch with our fixer.
That's him on the left. The other man Ehsan runs a school and a community centre.

Sorry Nate couldn't resist it.

2007-01-18T08:16:00.000-08:00

While out with the PRT, Nate decided to try some local transportation. Sorry Nate.

Not one to Rant but...

2007-01-16T23:36:00.001-08:00

So I'm on my way in to the work area this morning and get stopped by an American forces personnel. They examine my ID, and ask me what I'm carrying. My jacket. OK carry on. I don't mind being checked, it is for the collective protection of us all.

So as I'm walking away, I realize something is up and guess that the US Sec Defense is here. Turns out I'm right. So at the office, I tell Peter the reporter, and decide might as well get a couple of shots.

I set up near an MP who was even willing to pose. Blue lights, directing traffic etc. Not to long after Peter heads off with the mini camera to cover a different angle.

After a few minutes, I get a US Major telling Peter and I that we can't set up here. OK I set up inside the Canadian compound. Right near where we work. The Major follows me into the Canadian compound, and informs me I cannot shoot anything related to the visit.

Peter gets on the phone to our Public Affairs Officer, who chats with the US PAO. And basically we can't shoot a thing. So much for a Coalition force. We can't get into the press conference with the Defense Sec. who will be talking about things that affect Canadian troop. I'm I wrong or is this plain stupid. We aren't showing security related things, just need a shot that shows he was here. Not releasing any information until he is on the ground. I fully recognize the security issues, but come on. Ah well I guess I'm just a lefty journalist who should just shut up.

The US has threatened through our Public Affairs Officer to impound everything (including us) if we did go ahead and shoot any of the motorcade or anything they deem as off limits. Which is pretty much anything with the Sec Def in it. Oh by the way the Sec Def has a media contingent traveling with him.

Welcome to my world. God bless America land of the free, home of the brave, and do as your told or the US will kick you in the butt. Ok I'm done. I'm going to Tim's for a double double.

PS-Gates just cancelled his visit due to weather. We are in the middle of a sandstorm.

More Random Photos 2

2007-01-16T02:19:00.000-08:00

More shots from in and around Rock Lobster

Panjiway area

2007-01-15T02:00:00.000-08:00

Just some more random photos from the last trip out, enjoy.

Belanday

2007-01-14T11:51:00.000-08:00

Spent a couple of days out in the field. Belehoney was the first stop. Doing foot patrols, meeting locals and Afghan National Police. Notice the kids with the RPG. They use to go to the local school until the Taliban came to town. They hanged the nightwatchman and told the locals that if they sent there kid back to school, they would come back and kill them.

The school is now the local Police station and the some of the kids are Police Officers.

Most of the people on the walk about talked of lack of security, road improvements, water, and a medical clinic.

Cats

2007-01-14T11:29:00.000-08:00

The guy at the rock lobster are a mix of Vandoos for the force protection, and the english guys are the provicial reconstruction team. They came across this Cat and kittens.

Rock Lobster

2007-01-14T11:13:00.000-08:00

We spent the first night at camp Rock Lobster. It is on the front side of forward operating base Masum Ghar.

Out side the wire

2007-01-14T10:52:00.000-08:00

Left on Wednseday for a few days outstide the wire.

We first drove to the Kandahar PRT, then hoped a convoy to Zangabad were we had a little tea and chicken. Shot a village that returned after operation Medusa.

There is a pic of what I took with me two packs. Two cameras, helmet and flak vest.

The Provincial Reconstruction Team

2007-01-08T13:56:00.000-08:00

We flew out to the PRT for a Peter MacKay tour. Was flown out by the US in a Chinook. Grabbed this shot of Peter as a Blackhawk was landing.

Photo op after photo op after photo op. We hope to get back to the PRT and work out of there for a few days covering the rebuilding projects.

More Random Photos

2007-01-07T21:16:00.000-08:00

Just some photos take by Peter & Robin

Kandahar Radio

2007-01-07T04:15:00.000-08:00

Peter & I headed out early Saturday morning (4am) to see the rebroadcast centre for a new radio station that is broadcasting in Kandahar but is actually in South Eastern Ontario. Does that make sense to anyone?

We also got a chance to check out a local radio station, as the military is looking to use the tower for their broadcast.

We travelled in what are known as the RG 7. A large beast, but a safe one. Much better ride than the bision, and you get to see out of it.

Was also able to get some shots from the roof of a neighbouring building.

These photos came from CAPTAIN ROBIN THIBAULT

The plane ride in

2007-01-04T11:15:00.000-08:00

We flew from Dubai a little differently this time. Straight to Kandahar so we avoided Kabul. Last time throught Kabul we has a fun time flying God will Airlines. Ariana is down to about 3 or 4 working planes, and can't land in most countries to to safety violation.

We caught a cargo flight that took us straight in to Kandahar. It is an old Russian built Antinov.

2007-01-04T03:40:00.000-08:00

Market Cats

2007-01-04T03:16:00.000-08:00

Working my way back

2007-01-04T02:59:00.000-08:00

Well after 24 hours of travel on Dec 31, Peter Harris and I arrived in Dubai. We found ourselves down by the water. We were a little dazed after the travel, didn't sleep much, and had to search for a place to eat. We were staying at a Meridian Hotel, but it is a residence, so no internet.

Back to Desert.

2006-12-18T09:03:00.000-08:00

No pictures to load yet, but I'll be heading back over for 7 weeks with a different reporter. Peter Harris.

I'll upload some picts as soon as I get stuff packed.

Barry

Dubai Bound

2006-08-02T03:36:00.000-07:00

Well I'm out. We were able to change our tickets and get out of Kabul 2 days early. Also had a to pay off some national police to speed the process. I'll save that story for later. Thanks for checking out all the photos, and sorry I couldn't put up more. Ran out of time. I get back to Canada on the 8th, and should be back at work on the 14th. Hope you enjoyed the blog, I'll be taking it down in a couple of days. Not sure what is next as far as work goes. Hopefully a chance to enjoy what is left of summer.

Barry

Landscape

2006-08-02T03:34:00.000-07:00

Shots that I took on the way back to Kabul.

Hows the heat?

2006-08-02T03:32:00.000-07:00

This is in the shade. July 30

Sand Devil

2006-07-30T10:14:00.000-07:00

If you look closely, you can see a sand devil spinning away. We got hit with a giant sandstorm tonight.

Russian Tank Grave Yard

2006-07-30T10:07:00.000-07:00

Went out to an area just off the base. Shot a standup for the Nato piece that we have done in advance for Monday.
Couldn't get in to the fenced area due to a it being locked up and the local ANA army guy wasn't sure if it was clear of mines.

2006-07-28T00:34:00.000-07:00

2006-07-28T00:31:00.000-07:00

2006-07-28T00:28:00.000-07:00

Some frame grabs for the Ramp Ceremony

2006-07-27T12:25:00.000-07:00

Local Kids

2006-07-22T03:34:00.000-07:00

A couple of photos of some of the locals where we're shooting the bridge building story. Great faces! The two kids were at the pump gathering water, and the father and child shot is just at the edge of the village beside the grape fields.

2006-07-22T03:25:00.000-07:00

Afghan National Army

2006-07-20T00:27:00.000-07:00

My Afghan National Army friend. There are ANA and Afghan National Police. Both of whom work with coaltion forces.

2006-07-20T00:06:00.000-07:00

Ben and I on the inside. It was a 3 hour trip there, but took 6 and a half on the way home due to a truck breaking down. A convoy can only travel as fast as the slowest vehicle. 9 plus hours in an un airconditioned vehicle. A dirty sweaty bunch.

Nice wheels, or as the kid say, "Pimp my Ride"

2006-07-19T23:56:00.000-07:00

Took a little trip outside the wire on the 19th. 3hr ride up in a Bision with no airconditioning. We were to leave at 4:45 am, but got on the road around 6 am. The plan is to go rebuild a bridge in a local grape growing area.

Home of the double double.

2006-07-17T03:21:00.000-07:00

Not much to say. No drivethu though.

impact

2006-07-17T03:03:00.000-07:00

Here is the impact site of the last rocket attack. they figure a 40mm mortor, or RPG. The Taliban set them on a timer, then take off.

Rocket Attack

2006-07-16T02:10:00.000-07:00

Had a rocket attack last night after several days of quiet nights. Heard it whiz over head and the thump. It was a race to floor in our media tent, and I believe I won. Here is a picture of what will kill you though. A nice large piece of shrapnel. I'll see if I can get a shot of the creater hole it left. The British kicked us out last night. They don't want pictures released incase friends of those launching the attacks get feed back on their aim. It landed about 400 yards from our work tents.

Bombing

2006-07-13T03:27:00.000-07:00

Here is that frame grab from the bomb in Kabul last week.

2006-07-12T01:26:00.000-07:00

Part of the pack.

2006-07-12T01:22:00.000-07:00

Here are a few of the reports. Ben closes to the lens, Steve next to him and John in the chair.

2006-07-12T00:57:00.000-07:00

Forward Supply Base

2006-07-12T00:52:00.000-07:00

We took a little road trip up to a forward supply/artillery base. The sun was going down in this shot. I was able to ride in a G wagon and got some stills and video on the drive to, but was back in a LAV for the return drive. I snapped this just as the door was closing.

Uplink Dish

2006-07-09T05:25:00.000-07:00

Here is how we get out when we can't FTP. This dish belongs to CBC, CTV have there own, and Global, well we just rent time when we need it.

Inside the Office

2006-07-09T05:19:00.000-07:00

here's Brooks (CBC) in the office

Uplink Tent

2006-07-09T05:14:00.000-07:00

Rick & Richard hard at work for the CBC.

Office & uplink

2006-07-09T05:02:00.000-07:00

Here are some shots of the work space.
There is some AC, but it gets pretty hot inside at times.

Hi Maggi and Robin

2006-07-09T04:56:00.000-07:00

This is post is for our wives. Hi girls, should be home soon. I worked with Shane's wife Robin at Global for 8 years.

Other view

2006-07-07T12:55:00.001-07:00

Work Area

2006-07-07T12:48:00.000-07:00

Here is a quick shot of Global Nationals Kandahar Bureau. Notice the dust. It gets on and in everything. There is now way to avoid it. It's a nice fine powder, almost like baby powder.

How hot is it where you are?

2006-07-07T11:15:00.000-07:00

Hit 60 C the first day we were here. But as a buddy points out it's a dry heat.

Kabul July 4th

2006-07-07T11:10:00.000-07:00

Took this shot while carpet shopping. About 10 minutes later, I was back in the hotel, and boom. A bomb when off on the other side of the building in the background. It blew out most of the windows, I'll try and get a jpeg of the viz I shot.

2006-07-07T11:01:00.000-07:00

Up and running

2006-07-07T10:38:00.000-07:00

Hi all.

Though this might be an easier way to update people on my little summer vaction. For my friends and family, you can skip this part. For the folks from b-roll.net a quick backround. I work for Global National. It's one of Canada's private networks. I work in the Ottawa bureau, covering mostly politics, government. My current assignment brings me to Afghanistan, covering Canadian troops. I arrivied along with Ben O'Hara who is the reporter I'm teamed with.

I hope to upload some photo's, and general update people on what's going on during my one monthe assignmeng. Hope you enjoy it and feel free to comment or ask questions.

Barry