Goodbye Hostel Kabul

An awful night behind me. Back to room. No wallet. !!!!!!!!!!!

I had it downstairs. Look. Ask at desk. Decide that chances are slim I will get it back. Go into action. Cancel debit card on line. I have headache. It's midnight. I go get cash from an ATM from my backup card. Actually not devastated about the wallet. I was prepared for this. No money was in the wallet. I have a backup. Go back to room. Can't sleep. The noise outside and inside invade my room, which is empty all night of partiers gone partying. Man comes to door: "Mr Fischer, they have your wallet downstairs." All is well. It fell out when I pulled out change for the water bottle vending machine and was on the floor. I get out my multi-tool and make a hole in the wallet and tie it to my belt with some cord I brought. When I lost the wallet, for a flash I was thinking "I can't do this. I am too vulnerable... too scatterbrained." But I quickly decided not to give in to it. I just have to accomodate to my absent-mindedness and not give up. So, in the end I have a little more confidence in myself.

The hostel has redeemed itself somewhat as well, but I still can't sleep. Finally get a few hours sleep in the AM.

But I can't do this another night. Online I find another place closer to the train station and try to book a private room. So what if it is more Euros. I need some rest and sleep. Oops. Card is cancelled. I go there, get my room in person. A double: 10 euros. Cheap after all. Kitchen, washer, big terrace, much more congenial. Piano, but impossibly out of tune. I get a couple hours sleep. Get my train ticket for tomorrow. Shop for dinner: bread, smoked salmon, prosciutto, cheese, apple, olives. Leftovers for breakfast and the train.

I enjoy being with some Americans of Chinese descent in the kitchen. Dishes piled up from the slob population. I actually have a fine time washing everything up and putting it away. Weird. No great desire to go out. Guess I am missing domesticity after all. Good thing that this is what waits for me on my next leg.