Letter to Afghanistan

[@GeographyNow]

FTR: there is a lot of extra footage that didn't make it in this episode like the Spogmai children's circus, Mazar-i-sharif and Kandahar- Patreon Patrons will have the privilege to see those clips! (If you feel ever so inclinded to join feel free to visit www.Patreon.com/GeographyNow )

[@tasnim569]

wooo woop hooray

[@-don]

yes

[@Emicoolpro]

Hi barbs! Huge fan! This seems super pro and I wish I could travel anywhere but my money is limited 😢. I hope you enjoyed your trip and Afghanistan seems to be a really beautiful country aside from the other stuff.

[@ancientegypti]

understood

[@andrefarfan4372]

Yes

[@zendragon9]

If this is the future of this Channel, I'm all here for it.

[@mahirrahman7]

100%

[@ForrestMccroy]

Wdym? (I am a new viewer and this is literally the 2nd video of his I’ve watched)

[@danberado]

@@ForrestMccroy For the last several years Geography Now has been featuring each country in the world in alphabetical order. There are only three countries left, and the host has stated they are unsure of what direction the channel will take next. The main series of videos cover a wide range of information about each country in an encyclopedic type of way. This type of introspective on-the-ground video is a welcome but different format that the channel dives into on occasion.

[@cupidsnow3885]

paul going to afghanistan not realising he looks like every other hazara person...

[@Meraqueen-vb5hn]

Afghan are different ethnicity, yeah he looks like hazara not pashtun or Tajik​@what_could_have_been_.

[@swagm8919]

Afghan is not an ethnicity it’s a nationality

[@fun12332gh]

@@swagm8919it’s also an ethnicity cuz every pashtun is afghan no matter the nationality pakistani or afghanistani pashtuns are afghan

[@fulgenzio89]

Talibans used to hunt down and kill Hazaras so he was at risk

[@1994mrmysteryman]

​@@fulgenzio89 They never hunted random Hazaras civilians. Fact check yourself.

[@ARreymago]

Crazy how barbs is so ethnically ambiguous. Italian, Korean, Hispanic, Afghan, what else could he pass for?

[@o12jordan]

Middle Eastern, Levantine, and Persian too lol

[@JackJanuary]

Barbs is mr worldwide

[@justahugenerd1278]

As someone who's mixed brown and white I feel like that's one of the OP combos for passing as many different ethnicities besides your own. And then Barb has the second, most OP combo

[@sammack1890]

Maori maybe

[@Jess-737]

I’m ethnically ambiguous too, and when I took a DNA test I had ancestry from every continent so it makes sense. It sure comes in handy. I can blend in almost anywhere.

[@Fai9albinKhalid3]

The irony of being robbed in the US like that while enjoying your time in Afghanistan is something else

[@tomkatt8274]

Afghanistan is the worlds most dangerous country.

[@frogizel2998]

​@@tomkatt8274doesnt look like it here

[@body2811]

​@@tomkatt8274 says who usa😂

[@arhamakhyar3088]

​@@tomkatt8274 Cmon,safer than US for sure. According UNODC,the intentional homicide rate in Afghanistan is 4.0 while in USA it's 6.4 😂😂

[@williamparis500]

Literally on an organized tour as a tourist. Not exactly an apt comparison.

[@I_hu85ghjo]

Blessings to Afghanistan. I hope your country can prosper in peace.

[@Pashazeco]

Thank you for your wishes

[@phoenixrising8640]

Thank u. We do have peace now❤❤❤🏳🏳🏳

[@arcanios806]

As soon as the Taliban are gone, certainly.

[@phoenixrising8640]

@arcanios806 never going to happen. The majority of us Afg'ha'ns support our T-ali-ba-n. Focus on your own country and leave ours alone. T'al'ib's are our own ppl from all over Afgh'anis'tan, u are a foreigner...never forget this fact.

[@phoenixrising8640]

@arcanios806 never going to happen. The majority of us Afghans support our T-ali-ba-n, who are our own ppl from all over Afghanistan. Stay out of our business. Focus on your country, our country is fine now.

[@shophocho7798]

Paul actually looks Afghan!

[@CoolEdo]

why arent you verified yet

[@muhammadchen6384]

I love your videos man

[@bazzmusic4952]

JUSTIFIED?!!

[@StackTile]

I can see it!

[@GeographyNow]

Oh you have no idea how well I blended in…

[@therealauspol]

Honestly Barbs, I think this is your best video yet. Along with your Turkmenistan video, the Greenland episode, these Geogra-Go videos showing people, their culture, their history, they're incredible man. Love your work

[@GeographyNow]

Thanks for enjoying, this is the type of content I love making

[@audi0078]

I would be totally interested in watching this type of travel videos from USA. To see all 50 states, from Alaska to Florida. Or travel from Portugal to Turkey, Europe is also interesting. Good luck in your next adventures bud

[@norifromreallife-di7hi120]

bro is a W for not disturbing anyone and being rude

[@ASSASSIN95-z7j]

We Afghans might have gone through some rough time but we are still very hospitable people towards everyone.🇦🇫❤️

[@captainjacksparrow370]

Your hospitality is da bomb

[@thegalacticfederation4007]

Expect women of course...

[@swagm8919]

There are probably less incidents of r*pe, divorce, and domestic violence in Afghanistan than any western country lol

[@79Dnivara]

as long as everyone has a P.

[@noukoukino]

​@@thegalacticfederation4007 not true. I am a woman and one of my co-workers is from Afghanistan. He is very smart and always really helpful and nice to everybody. My daughter also met two Afghan siblings at school once, and they again, were very intelligent and nice to everybody

[@jawad113735]

Undoubtedly, one of the best videos that tourists have made recently about Afghanistan, I am proud that you as a tourist had a good time in my country, I am grateful that, unlike the international media, you said positive things about Afghanistan ❤

[@TD1237]

I'm also glad to see an unbiased video on your country. I hope to visit one day. Love from South Africa.

[@phoenixrising8640]

​@@TD1237u are most welcome ❤❤❤🏳🏳🏳

[@TD1237]

​@@phoenixrising8640Glad to hear it. 😊

[@thomas-k7j7f]

After the last episode of Geography Now, there should be a video called Geography Then that showcases the evolution of all the Geography Now videos over the years. Edit: I went back and watched the Vietnam episode and I saw someone else had already commented this exact idea. Damn. Great minds think alike, eh?

[@74jparralel38]

Yeah, like past nations or maybe just physical geography

[@samwilson308]

I was thinking that if he needed/wanted to do an updated episode, he could call it "Geography Again".

[@Leo-mu8kn]

he should just visit every country again, round 2!!!

[@murqouttt8188]

honestly a lot of his old videos are very short he could easily make longer versions

[@kevin_anderson750]

That’d make me cry

[@gus1thego]

I have never seen you blend in in any other country like that 😂

[@GeographyNow]

Meanwhile, everybody was just following you like a caravan, because they’ve never seen a platinum blonde guy

[@kakonthebed]

Wait til he goes to Uzbekistan

[@MMACast]

​@@GeographyNowwell, then u didn't see yet some area's in Afghanistan..

[@Tingletonttu]

Gus and Paul being friends surprised me yet I feel it shouldn't have... Happy to see you two together!

[@warsamaosman-Sool]

Big gus 😁

[@lxndrlbr]

I truly cried at the end of the video: so much suffering and hatred is being spread around the world, but people from all walks of life and culture will happily share a meal and marvel at the beauty of the Earth. You are the best Barbs at not only seeing but sharing the beauty of the people whose country you visit, no one could dispute that about you. ❤

[@erenyeagerist7681]

It's USA fault

[@williswameyo5737]

Despite the turbulent politics, the local people in Afghanistan are quite friendly and hospitable

[@munibkhan2730]

Afghan people follow a code of life they’ve been following for thousands of years even before Islam called “Pashtunwali” and one of the codes in Pashtunwali is hospitality even towards your enemies you have to be hospital towards them and protect them which is unfortunately why many people in Afghanistan defended osama bin Laden because he was a guest there from Saudi Arabia

[@MissesWitch]

"you have no choice, he's already with me " that's such a funny response!!

[@PROVOCATEURSK]

Not funny when you think of what happens to apostates.

[@TD1237]

Beautiful country and very friendly people. I'm glad he covered ir. 😊

[@close_all_tabs]

@@TD1237 friendly... he got robbed.

[@Cataclysm-08-36]

​@@close_all_tabsHe got eobed where his home is probably usa. not in Afghanistan. he literally said it are you blind and deaf?

[@unaddan]

@@close_all_tabs blud be better off delete your comment before we die in cringe cause of it

[@Brett.McMillin]

That Massachusetts plate being there is wild

[@lucasmarble2572]

As someone from that state, I felt honored.

[@mehdihamouda7970]

@@lucasmarble2572 you shouldn't

[@boricuadetorontocanada]

He was goin to his local drug mart for a box of quarters. (In a Bostonian accent) 😂

[@imthenomad]

BUT WHAT THE HELL IS MY CAR DOING IN AFGHANISTAN??!!!!

[@lucasmarble2572]

@@boricuadetorontocanada No r’s allowed in Boston.

[@FlamingBasketballClub]

Without Afghanistan we don't have Geography Now. Congratulations on the 10th anniversary of your KZbin channel Barbs. 😭😭😭

[@modaljazz59]

Excellent

[@amehak1922]

Technically Geography Now would have existed with or without Afghanistan or whatever name the first country had. 🤦

[@MannyHeffley077]

No need to get pressed bro

[@abdelkarimbaghdadi2094]

@@amehak1922 am very curious to know what pis$ed u like this.

[@amehak1922]

@@abdelkarimbaghdadi2094 I'm not pissed 🤦 just being pedantic

[@teddygrizz]

Here's a funny thing about Afghanistan. Because they are in between the middle east, east asia, asia minor, and the steppes, they have ethnic groups that are kind of every shade of brown from fair to dark, so hispanic and latino people can also pass as Afghani.

[@hamzaakbari8906]

Most ethnic groups in Europe, Asia , Latin America and MENA can pass as afghan. (Actually everything except black, South Indian and some other ethnicities like islands in Asia/Oceania) but ur right lol

[@Pardisc13895]

Even some of them are as white as Greeks or Italians like the ones that r Persian (Iranian or Tajik) mixed

[@hamzaakbari8906]

@@Pardisc13895 that’s what I said, most groups have wide diversity (even within a group like Pashtun has many tribes and every tribe family has differences) for example I have lighter skin but really dark hair (straight) so contrast and I have ginger in family but on the other hand also some dark ones

[@David-bh1rn]

It's almost like humans arent very genetically diverse and all look way more similar than people think.

[@RyVyse]

I sincerely express that this was a beautiful video. The honesty and maturity you portray towards the people and the nation was refreshing. If this is the way going forward for you and this channel, I cannot express enough of the success and growth I wish you in this new path going forward. It sucks your house was broken into. Perhaps this is the signal for a new era in your journey. Thank you for the hard work you and your crew have done over the past years and will continue to. Cheers Barbs!

[@samsor737ahmadzai]

Hey Paul, I am Afghan myself and I want to thank you for truly displaying the beauty of Afghanistan. Sorry for what happened to your home brother, but we are here for anything you go through. Things will get better Inshallah!

[@TD1237]

Love from South Africa. I hope to visit Afghanistan some day. 😊

[@PROVOCATEURSK]

What if he was an apostate, would you still like him?

[@kakonthebed]

Love to you from Botswana! Crazy being the second southern African in this reply section to express my wish to visit ❤

[@Kardas1]

@@PROVOCATEURSKif he doesn’t cause corruption in the land then he’s good . Atleast do a bit of research before trying to spew random bs

[@ted9030]

​@@Kardas1his username is literally provocateur so dont expect him to be nice

[@AlbertBoris]

I still remember when I first saw your video on Afghanistan! Hard to believe that so much time has already passed, but I just want you to know that you've been one of my favourite channels on KZbin from the moment I stumbled up on it!

[@JF-zbz]

Hi albertboris

[@AlbertBoris]

@@JF-zbz Hello!

[@GeographyNow]

Really appreciate that, thank you

[@JRenardLeatherCo]

truthfully, THIS channel is probably the only place where i believe i’ll get good a video about Afghanistan that isn’t biased or clueless

[@caitlinforster8189]

i also like Drew Binksy’s videos, the thumbnails and titles are a bit clickbait-y but the videos are great! He loves Afghanistan if i remember correctly

[@torger8305]

@@caitlinforster8189 Drew Binsky's videos on Afghanistan were honestly what made me fascinated with the country. Now seeing Barb get to go post-coup is pretty epic.

[@fredriknumse8991]

I can recommend you Bald and Bankrupt, he also goes to a ton of other places but his Afghan video was great.

[@thereita1052]

"the statues where destroyed in 2001" forgetting to meantion by whoum and why. Look it's a neat prospective but it's not unbiased. If I had a penny for each time a youtuber showed a poor country as an idilliac hyper friendly rural countryside, I'd be rich

[@close_all_tabs]

Yeah,... he got robbed.... don't see this on other channels.

[@chromelemon]

Barbs, of all the KZbinrs who have visited Afghanistan, I will say your video is the most respectful and the last part beautifully elevated the human condition of the people of Afghanistan. Thank you for being a good ambassador.

[@maseehwardak6055]

Left Afghanistan a while ago, and I miss my homeland especially Kabul alot. This video put a smile on my face, thank you very much❤️

[@ChromeMan04]

Ehh zangay zoya?

[@bluwasabi7635]

The bird-pet and mobile-bread-vendors sound cool. What do you miss from Kabul?

[@IYeleven]

Then go back 🙄

[@maseehwardak6055]

@@IYeleven wish I could but unfortunately due to taliban, I can't.

[@kitcutting]

one of my coworkers is from Afghanistan and he’s kept up with the news due to some of his family still living in the country. I’ve had the privilege of learning a lot of stuff about his home, and he’s even taught me a few things about the languages he speaks (Pashto and Dari.) The Afghans seem like wonderful people, and this video strengthens my belief in that. Thanks for sharing.

[@PROVOCATEURSK]

Google what happens to women and apostates there, how can you be so blind.

[@dyawr]

Not everything is good about their culture & they're not always wonderful... it's good to be realistic & understand some things.

[@yamaNGap]

@@PROVOCATEURSK yeah and can you google what happen to native america & native australia? how can you be so blind?

[@TD1237]

​@@PROVOCATEURSKWomen are safer there than in most places. So many solo female tourists vist and love their time there.

[@phoenixrising8640]

​​@@PROVOCATEURSKu still trolling here. We aren't going to change our religion.

[@LD-Orbs]

Don't put your first video down, Barbs. It was short, yes, but factual, free of hysteria, and quite respectful. Your Afghan video made you stand out - especially for the time! - and was a solid and good-hearted foundation for Geography Now. ** I'm glad you could make to to Afghanistan, and I'm glad you had an enjoyable trip!

[@trya314]

I appreciate how you portray people that you met in the country as they are, humans. There are lots of biases and misinformation about Afghanistan, but what I got from watching your video is a really good vibe❤Thanks.

[@Espen_Bos]

Agreed! A lot of misinformation on the internet designed to change perspectives. I have relatives who visited and loved their time there.

[@trash2treazures]

What a beautiful place. Thank you for sharing this incredible journey

[@Christian80806]

Turlock!!! I’m from a town close from there. Turlock has a lot of Assyrians there. I didn’t know there was an afghan population there too. I’m so sorry about the home invasion at your place 🙏🏾

[@noornorderm4756]

Well, you lost the war, so I guess its fine, come with peace next time 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@Christian80806]

@@noornorderm4756 nothing you said made sense. Weirdo

[@asparagusredal7751]

The invaders are gone and lost which is a good sign that Turlock kid can come back to his homeland 😊

[@Christian80806]

@@asparagusredal7751 ahhh agreed. Most of us agree we never should’ve been there smh

[@QuickTux]

This is like a remastered version of the Afghanistan episode 😂

[@GeographyNow]

Oh well,… this isn’t the only thing I filmed while I was here….😜

[@GeographyNow]

Oh well this wasn’t the only thing I filmed while I was here….😉

[@weston06.]

Bro had to say it twice with two different emojis to *really* hint about the other things he filmed 🤨

[@SOL.INVICTVS.]

​@@weston06. His comment probably didn't publish correctly the first time

[@Voice_of_Rambol]

​You don't say

[@boricuadetorontocanada]

"You have no choice, he is already with me." Straight from the Afghan playbook, 😂.

[@GeographyNow]

😂😂😂

[@boricuadetorontocanada]

@@GeographyNow ❤️❤️❤️

[@afklife3090]

Afghanistan… it is a beautiful enigma. A lot is misunderstood. However, the way this video was written and edited packed an emotional punch and was one of the best videos of any kind I’ve seen in very long time.

[@Espen_Bos]

Very objective and well-written video I must say. Afghanistan looks beautiful. 😄

[@rekamanusia]

Afghanistan i hope your country getting better … such a lovely place

[@miatx6818]

The first time i’ve ever seen someone going to Afghanistan and seen Afghanistan on its own

[@nasrullahyusofi6228]

Is it weird? The poeple of Afghanistan are not living in forest or those who never had civilization. Search about its history and the ethnic groups and I am sure you will find that the poeple are so rich in culture, honesty, hospitality and so friendly. This poeple have 5000 history and have so many historical sites. Did you ever heard about Yemen, Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan history? This countries are in war but it doesn't mean they were bad poeple and not having history or never had civilization. We were the best and now we are the worst. This is the world.

[@mysteriousjz]

Strangely enough, he is half Italian and half Korean, but won't blend in well in either. He looks very central Asian and like Mongolians decendant in Afghanistan. In the US, he will be considered Hispanic like from Equador or Salvador Hispanics, but neither Asian nor European/Italian/White.

[@akirak1871]

I'm half Japanese and half some mixture of Irish, Scottish, Welch, and German, and I kind of look like him, right down to the lackluster beard-growing skills. I think I've been mistaken for every race except black.

[@Tabish_Nooristani]

There are no Mongolian descendants in Afghanistan, you're talking about the Hazara people,who are turko iranic nomads.

[@andersonchrisss]

​@@Tabish_Nooristani Hazaras are Turkic-Mongol

[@Matthew_Ssali]

He's 1/4 Irish 1/4 Italian 1/2 Korean.

[@figyelem9764]

this guy always seemed to me as a dollar store Pedro Pascal tbh

[@wingeditz41]

It’s very nice that you aren’t afraid to talk about sensitive topic. I’ve been following your channel for a long time and it’s cool to see how big it’s grown! 🎉

[@RostamBahadur]

Thank you Paul! I love your insight about my country 🇦🇫. I wish you the best.

[@Sher245]

I am Afghan, I randomly came across your video. I have to say I am impressed how meticulously and accurately you put forth the parts about not just womens' but mens' hijab, how women are not completely cut out from education and working, how they do not need male escorts for short term distances. Subscribed!

[@shadowneko11120]

Dear Barbs. I am deeply moved. Thank you for going there and making this video therefore taking the viewers with you. Most of us who live in the 'west ' have to shift through so much propaganda and negative media about countries such as Afganistan. I appreciate your sensitive approach which doesnt' sugarcoat the difficulties either. I was concerned about your previous video where you are doubting upon your return of what you are doing. - Sure there are many younger newer content creators but I think your experience and genuine humanity really come through. The world is so focused on more, more ,new ,new. but some people appreciate mature perspective of which you are growing into. If you still find energy and joy, keep going!

[@sfnzmi]

As an Afghan, this is one of the best videos, if not the best, I’ve seen of a foreigner spending time in Afghanistan. Thanks for visiting! I hope to see you again in the country :) I’m moving to the motherland in a few months.

[@GeographyNow]

Thank you, I’m glad you approved, I strive to make sure people from the country are happy with the content I make about their countries, even if I don’t sugarcoat everything

[@phoenixrising8640]

Welcome back, Brother❤❤❤🏳🏳🏳

[@sfnzmi]

@@phoenixrising8640 thank you brother 🏳️🙏

[@swagm8919]

Why would you want to go back?

[@sfnzmi]

​@@swagm8919 I don't want to risk boring you with a lengthy response, so I'll summarize: I've achieved everything I needed by living outside of Afghanistan for most of my life. I no longer need to live in the United States to earn an income; having the passport is enough. Now, I want to return home to be closer to my relatives, be part of a community that shares my culture and religion, and start new businesses there.

[@corjp]

WOW, THAT WAS BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!!! We only see and hear about the war but nothing about the country it self, Thank you for sharing this realy wonderful piece of knowledge.

[@AdeaHernandez]

Momma: Netherlands Barbs: Denmark Gus: SAME THING 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@sirBrouwer]

Well to be fare it is very much so. we are both as flat as a pancake with the only cheating mountains are both oversees Be it the Caribbean parts for the Netherlands and Greenland for Denmark. both are tiny. have very similar ''small'' costumes/habits. Small as in in the very minute things you don't even notice unless looking very close. I find it hard to see the difference with out seeing Danish/Dutch text or lice plates (and even those are both yellow with black letters. Where most of Europe uses white with black letters)

[@close_all_tabs]

Speaking as the man in the middle from Germany. It's not the same. But it's similar. If it was the same, we wouldn't talk about "Denmark" or the "Netherlands" today. Would all be "German". It's a good thing we have our differences, while agreeing on most things. Don't you agree? What Bab's friend meant was most likely, that it would take too much time to explaine to Bab's mother.

[@davedevosbaarle]

@@close_all_tabs I suppose Gus meant something like "close enough".

[@muysli.y1855]

Someone who live in a Frisian Region between Netherland and Denmark it feel very different but for outsiders maybe more same

[@everett_fex]

Well, the words 'Danish' and 'Dutch' do sound similar

[@FactStorm]

GeographyNow, you are the real one. I love how you hung out with Gus in Afghanistan, you two are world ambassadors. On a side-note, your disclaimers were essential. You're smart & know how to navigate, it is intrinsic in you ;)

[@krmr2069]

I always learn so much from your videos. Afghanistan is much greener than i ever imagined. Thanks for taking us there

[@milicaradakovic8098]

I am so proud. You put not only information, but emotions into the videos you make, which makes this exciting to watch. I think this is a love letter to Afganistan.

[@VicHD]

It's fascinating to see Afghanistan from your perspective and not how the media journalists perceive it. Great video.

[@modaljazz59]

When soon is Barbs invited on The Sunday Morning show (or equivalent)?

[@TD1237]

Yeah, this man's very objective. Just because we may not agree with the TaIib's perspective doesn't change the fact that this is the wau forward according to their own beliefs. The people have been through so much. They need to grow naturally, without outside interference.

[@PROVOCATEURSK]

@@TD1237 You can´t grow with a death cult. Literally deleting people for "sins".

[@phoenixrising8640]

​@@TD1237ppl forget that Tal'ibs are our own ppl from all over Afghanistan and that we face many challenges and there's much u foreigners don't know about but blame our Tal'ibs and believe the propaganda

[@TD1237]

​@@phoenixrising8640Yes, I understand that. That's why I'm happy they are leading your people instead of the US. Keep well. ❤

[@Ifoundnohappinesshere]

This has to be the most craziest trip Barb done, truly impeccably remarkable

[@miguelzaunbos]

What a satisfaction! Ten years ago you began with a dream, and now you can visit this country. Thank you for share this moments. I feel like I am there. Congratulations!

[@IrisRuiz-wj4fu]

Best video you have done over the course of the last 8-9 years of videos. I truly enjoyed watching this in its entirety. There's a maturity that is visible and yet the heart is still young. Love it!! 100!

[@adrimedina422]

You should make more videos like this, I love how thoughtful and informational your commentary was!

[@ARreymago]

Afghans are some of the nicest people ever, regardless of politics

[@Jess-737]

Yep. There’s plenty of refugees from there in Houston TX and they’re just the sweetest people ever.

[@erinnadia0409]

They really are, I've become friends with a lot of Afghans who have moved to Australia and they are so kind and fun to be around ❤

[@theturquoiseball1255]

They are really nice! So nice that all the problems of that country just appeared out of nowhere! It’s not like the problem is actually caused by people or anything…🤔

[@erinnadia0409]

@@theturquoiseball1255 ew, you can't say people are responsible for their governments, I am definitely not like my government and very much against their corruption.

[@bedrock6443]

@@Jess-737when you overcome struggle you do change a lot and become more kinder because they know what struggle feels like

[@jacobgrindstaff9947]

I've watched you for YEARS, and I absolutely loved this video. Proud of you barbs

[@Gustav_Smit]

Loved this video🤩🤩 Watching from Cape Town, South Africa 🇿🇦

[@prth7969]

“Ankhiyaan milau ya ankhiyaan churayu kya tune kiya jaadu” that’s the song playing in the cab 6:35 . Yes music is prohibited publicly but just this song gives such refreshing vibes.

[@Lycan3303]

Alexander the Great himself said, in a letter to his mother, “I am involved in the land of brave people where every foot of the ground is like a wall of steel, confronting my soldiers. You have brought one son into the world, but everyone in this land can be called an Alexander.”

[@ibrahimmohammedibrahim9273]

Graveyard of empires

[@tejdandekar]

Source?

[@Tom-pn3zh]

Unfortunately that does not seem to be true. As far as I'm aware, none of Alexander's letters survive - the quote appears to be made up.

[@ZyroAniCapped]

@@Tom-pn3zh Yup as an Afghan its made up, idk which war, prolly during soviet era or british

[@oqo3310]

​@@Tom-pn3zhalso tbh a lot of ancient quote are mostly made up by the historian narrating the whole thing.

[@GrowingUpWithoutBorders]

Wow! I loved this video. You did such a great job showcasing their country.

[@DavidMCammack]

How ironic: he goes to this "dangerous" place, and his home back in "safe" America gets robbed.

[@alphaprawns]

It was literally less than 2 weeks ago that a number of Spanish touritsts were gunned down in Afghanistan. Sure the US can be dangerous but I don't know why you're trying to paint Afghanistan as a safe place by comparison.

[@TD1237]

Lol, was thinking the same thing.

[@Deiwos0]

I imagine if he'd been a woman his time in Afghanistan would have been far more dangerous to be fair.

[@farhanayub267]

​@Deiwos0 he literally brings along two women there. Did you watch all of the video?

[@asharahmad1068]

​@@Deiwos0great assumption. Many of your female travellers came to Afghanistan alone and had great time with Taliban themselves

[@IMA321]

Funny that the Algerian man who passed by the camera at 08:26 his name is "Wasim" and it means "Handsome" in Arabic.

[@razmiihsan8897]

The snow zone is really beautiful. Thank you for making this video.

[@razmiihsan8897]

The duck boats really looks out of place

[@AS19Motorsport]

Excellent point near the beginning of the Afghanistan trip: visiting new places has to (in some way) be about learning the habitus of the people living there. Things like Korean newspaper wrappings and imported number plates are the real stories you get from the everyday life. I’ll keep that in mind when travelling in the future

[@andrewniedziela]

This was one of my favorite travel videos from you Barbs. Thank you for highlighting the culture and natural beauty we're not regularly introduced to here in the west. Thank you for sharing.

[@Neel71]

Your geography content is top notch but your travel vlogs are even better! It was mesmerizing indeed. Keep it up.

[@ds43750]

Absolute legend Barb, thank you for this!

[@bm9727]

Paul you are the gift that keeps you giving. What a beautiful video. I’ve never considered Afghanistan a travelling hotspot (perhaps because of the bad connotations attached to it) but honestly after watching this I was completely smitten with the amount of historical monuments and natural beauties and beautiful people. One of your best videos yet, congrats Paul and much respect to the Afghan people all over the world!

[@torger8305]

That afghan outfit is pure drip💧

[@modaljazz59]

beyond drip if permitted to say

[@TheEyeOfTheEye]

Is drip good? Asking for an old friend

[@Goober-r8b]

@@TheEyeOfTheEye yes

[@susanhering4032]

Thank you so much for this. What a beautiful and amazing country.

[@nuncasaberas5926]

Half expecting Lord Miles to show up out of nowhere.

[@beesinpyjamas9617]

he is absolutely exactly who barbs was talking about as an example of what he was not going to do

[@timwinterhalter5233]

​@@beesinpyjamas9617 i mean he does less pretending that the foreign public is dangerous. He throws himself into dangerous situations for views and attention

[@thedictationofallah]

@@timwinterhalter5233 Dangerous situations benefited him with the 8 best months of his life (Taliban custody)

[@phoenixrising8640]

​​@@timwinterhalter5233we de'sp'ise that lord miles li'ar. He acts as if he is important to us when he isn't and ab'u'ses the good nature of our Afghans. We like respectful, honest and straightforward ppl...everything that miles nutcase is not.

[@phoenixrising8640]

​​@@thedictationofallahhe deserved to be banned for life from Afghanistan or h u n g. Yet he comes back and acts as if he is so welcomed and we love him 🤮

[@b12_jegar]

Guy's always welcome to Afghanistan I'm Afghan I come from jalalabd Always welcome to Afghanistan and enjoying your holidays here

[@eatinsomtin9984]

Very happy that you made the video how you did. Got rid of misconceptions and had lots of fun in the country. W video

[@lindsaynic]

What a gorgeously done video! Thank you for sharing some of the real parts of Afghanistan with us.

[@selinaBARMAR2565]

I appreciate you showing us more of Afghanistan. I don't think it's the first time I've heard how beautiful it is, I can see that it is. I learned back in NYC years ago how delicious the food is, and I have always been open to eat Afghan food since. I'm sorry to hear about your home being robbed; that's traumatic to add to it being so far away. I'm glad no one was hurt. Yeah, some follow our lives on social media but for all the wrong reasons as we know.

[@erinnadia0409]

The men from Afghanistan really do have the best hair!

[@GeographyNow]

I was so jealous

[@EggsBenAddict]

​@@GeographyNow I need whatever they're using!

[@elvishpastiche]

​@@EggsBenAddict Afghanistan should pull a South Korea and become famous for their make up and hair products.

[@gabor6259]

​@@elvishpastiche Or A-pop. 😄

[@modaljazz59]

​@gabor6259 👍👍👍🎸

[@YOUKNOWlMHERE]

21:14 DAMN that was beautiful,the blue lake the sky and rhe dry hill and the snow mountain in the back ,, thanks barb for sharing

[@riazazizi7211]

Brooooo this is the best video I ever seen so far about Afghanistan.

[@Corredor1230]

I can't explain with words the value behind a video like this that truly showcases Afghanistan in the most real way it can. Also, damn, the editing and the quality is top notch! What an amazing watch. Thank you for all the hard work Barbs, and I hope you're doing well. Videos like this are incredible.

[@lilosaquamoon]

The kids watching youtube and learning english is a very international experience, my little cousin in Puerto Rico speaks full proper and complete sentences in english and i asked howd she learn, and she said watching youtube!

[@jacob_and_william]

it's crazy, my international cousins who grew up before youtube can barely get a word of english out, their younger gen z and gen alpha siblings speak fluently and with little accent

[@TravelingGuy]

Puerto Rico teaches English as second language (it's part of the USA)

[@lilosaquamoon]

@@TravelingGuy right, but youd be surprised how many of my family members and friends from PR dont know english. It wasnt always US territory ya know😉

[@TravelingGuy]

@@lilosaquamoon Of course you're reply had to include the "teach the apparently dumb person a geography lesson" route. By your logic all Hawaiian islander's speak would know their native language, right? It's been part of the USA from 1889 highly doubt anyone from that time is still alive. That said, your point would have been valid without including the condescending portion. Ya know 😉

[@lilosaquamoon]

@@TravelingGuy LMAO im condescending but youre telling me what my experience with MY people is…. Okay

[@ahhro9166]

Amazing video!!! Wow Afghanistan is beautiful, a lot different than what the media puts it as. Thank you for sharing your experience there :)

[@mohammadbinmahbub9160]

Thank you fr sharing the beauty of Afganistan. The best on Afganistan I have seen yet.

[@Cricrithezar]

I really liked the style of this video, especially small details of everyday life that make a place unique. Regardless of the politics, those snippets of life are still really interesting.

[@aims_]

“It’s like carrot with sugar.” Barbs: You’re so Russian 💅🏼😂

[@GeographyNow]

🤣🤣

[@ilana]

To be fair she really did have that trademark Russian "unimpressed, what did you expect" moment there.

[@ffineful]

Funnily enough, shredded carrot with sugar is called "Korean carrot"

[@sila_v_malenkih_shagah293]

@@ffineful Interestingly, in Russia "Korean carrot" is on the contrary spicy. And the carrot with sugar is a popular "dessert" when people do not have anything else.

[@close_all_tabs]

@@ffineful Yeah. Noth Korea and Russia are such good friends. So alike! We know....

[@amehak1922]

Your mom is endearing 🥰

[@GeographyNow]

She knows me by now

[@cope2217]

Instead of song: ,,Just don't tell my mom im in Chechnya" Should be: ,,Just don't tell my mom im in Afghanistan

[@Yahoolius]

That song actually exists btw. Just thought I'd let you know ;)

[@cope2217]

​@@Yahoolius yep, i know it exist Is the reason why i wrote comment, thanks anyways

[@SoybeanAK]

Pretty sure the song was originally Afghanistan, then adapted to Chechnya, now there's the Ukraine version. A sad statement about forever wars.

[@NotiBoii-c6l]

islamic emirates of Afghanistan is my dream country i wish i could migrate there 😔but i am from indian occupied kashmir

[@chadd498]

Just don't tell my mom im in Afghanistan is older than chechnya one

[@whitefriday2585]

Turns out Afghanistan is pretty much like any other country in the world: go there, respect their laws and culture (even if you disagree with them) and nothing bad will happen to you.

[@Expatnema]

Mainstream media are able to twist facts to make us hate people we shouldnt and embrace people who are unnoticingly harming us like US politicians

[@zxh]

it's the power of propaganda to make you think otherwise. it's what the Germans were subjected to during the second Reich to make them dehumanize jews.

[@epicsouththeoduskiangamer]

ive noticed every single country on earth is like that, no matter what their and our governments say about each other.

[@glennbarrow8325]

Remember when the angels proclaimed, “O Mary! Allah gives you good news of a Word from Him, his name will be the Messiah, Jesus, son of Mary; honoured in this world and the Hereafter, and he will be one of those nearest to Allah. [Qur’an 3:45] Indeed, We have sent revelation to you [O Muhammad!] as We sent revelation to Noah and the prophets after him. We also sent revelation to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, and his descendants, as well as Jesus, Job, Jonah, Aaron, and Solomon. And to David We gave the Psalms. [Qur’an 4:163] Indeed, those who say, “Allah is the Messiah, son of Mary,” have fallen into disbelief. Say, O Muhammad, “Who has the power to prevent Allah if He chose to destroy the Messiah, son of Mary, his mother, and everyone in the world all together?” To Allah alone belongs the kingdom of the heavens and the earth and everything in between. He creates whatever He wills. And Allah is Most Capable of everything. [Qur’an 5:17] O People of the Book! Do not go to extremes regarding your faith; say nothing about Allah except the truth. The Messiah, Jesus, son of Mary, was no more than a messenger of Allah and the fulfilment of His Word through Mary and a spirit created by a command from Him. So believe in Allah and His messengers and do not say, “Trinity.” Stop!-for your own good. Allah is only One God. Glory be to Him! He is far above having a son! To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. And Allah is sufficient as a Trustee of Affairs. [Qur’an 4:171] Then in the footsteps of the prophets, We sent Jesus, son of Mary, confirming the Torah revealed before him. And We gave him the Gospel containing guidance and light and confirming what was revealed in the Torah-a guide and a lesson to the God-fearing. [Qur’an 5:46] The Messiah, son of Mary, was no more than a messenger. ˹Many˺ messengers had ˹come and˺ gone before him. His mother was a woman of truth. They both ate food. See how We make the signs clear to them, yet see how they are deluded from the truth! [Qur’an 5:75] …and for boasting, “We killed the Messiah, Jesus, son of Mary, the messenger of Allah.” But they neither killed nor crucified him-it was only made to appear so. Even those who argue for this crucifixion are in doubt. They have no knowledge whatsoever-only making assumptions. They certainly did not kill him. [Qur’an 4:157]

[@glennbarrow8325]

​@@epicsouththeoduskiangamerHave you read the Qur'an?? Let me give you a glimpse of it.. 🌹1.Don't insult (Q49:11) 🌹2.Speak kindly (Q2:83) 🌹3.Speak gently (Q17:28) 🌹4.Don't backbite (Q49:12) 🌹5.Speak the Truth (Q3:17) 🌹6.Keep your oaths (Q5:89) 🌹7.Do not be arrogant (Q7:13) 🌹8.Restrain your anger (Q3:134) 🌹9.Think good of others (Q24:12) 🌹10.Don't be rude to parents (Q17:23) 🌹11.Don't make fun of others (Q49:11) 🌹12.Turn away from ill speech (Q23:3) 🌹13.Walk in a humble manner (Q25:63) 🌹14.Keep your trusts & promises (Q23:8) 🌹15.Don't claim yourself to be pure (Q53:32) 🌹16.Do not even approach adultery (Q17:32) 🌹17.Don't call others with bad names (Q49:11) 🌹18.Remember Allah and be thankful (Q2:152) 🌹19.Speak nicely, even to the ignorant (Q25:63) 🌹20.Don't ask for repayment for favours (Q76:9) 🌹21.If enemy wants peace, then accept it (Q8:61) 🌹22.Salute the Prophet (saw), do salawats (Q33:56) 🌹23.Call ˹all˺ people to the pilgrimage (hajj) (Q22:27) 🌹24.Give charity /spend (in the way of Allah) (Q2:254) 🌹25.Don’t criticize small donation/charity of others (9:79) 🌹26.Be mindful of Allah and be with the truthful (Q9:119) 🌹27.Do not consume one another’s wealth unjustly (Q2:188) 🌹28.Stand firm for justice even if it is against yourselves(Q4:135) 🌹29.Don't remind others of the favours you done to them (Q2:264) 🌹30.Return a greeting in a better manner or at least the same (Q4:86) 🌹31.Do not be excessive, extravagant, don't spend wastefully (Q17:26) 🌹32 Life of this world is no more than the delusion of enjoyment (Q3:185) 🌹33.Performing prayers (salat/namaz) is a duty on the believers (Q4:103) 🌹34.Turn away from trash talk like gossip, slandering people etc.(Q28:55) 🌹35.Fasting is prescribed for you-as it was for those before you (Q2:183) 🌹36.Don't Bribe authorities in order to devour a portion of others’ property(Q2:188) 🌹37.Establish prayer (salat/namaz) and donate from what was provided (Q8:3) 🌹38.Establish prayer (salat/namaz) and donate from what was provided (Q14:31) 🌹39.Establish prayer (salat/namaz), pay alms-tax, and bow down with those who bow down (Q2:43) 🌹🕋40.Know that this worldly life is no more than play, amusement, luxury, mutual boasting, and competition in wealth and children.(Q57:20)🕋🌹 ✍Explanation: 💚Please note these are not the complete ayats, but I took keywords from each ayat. If you would like to read the full ayat, then check the reference. 💬For example take a look the first statement: 🌹Don't insult (Q49:11), when you google Quran 49:11, then you will see the complete surah’s English translation and you will see following: ☝️🕋O believers! Do not let some ˹men˺ ridicule others, they may be better than them, nor let ˹some˺ women ridicule other women, they may be better than them. Do not defame one another, nor call each other by offensive nicknames. How evil it is to act rebelliously after having faith! And whoever does not repent, it is they who are the ˹true˺ wrongdoers.☝️🕋 🤲🌻ALWAYS REMEMBER🌻🤲: ✍Allah is the most merciful and forgiving, no matter how much you have been sinning, run towards Allah , turn to Allah and repent , ask for forgiveness. Some references from the Quran: 🌺🌺🌺🕋Quran 39:53🕋🌺🌺🌺 Say, ˹O Prophet, that Allah says,˺ “O My servants who have exceeded the limits against their souls! Do not lose hope in Allah’s mercy, for Allah certainly forgives all sins. He is indeed the All-Forgiving, Most Merciful. 🌺🌺🌺🕋Quran 25:70🕋🌺🌺🌺 As for those who repent, believe, and do good deeds, they are the ones whose evil deeds Allah will change into good deeds. For Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

[@Catsface99]

Love your video, it's fantastic to see Afghanistan. I never knew that there are so many sights to see. I enjoyed and was pleasantly surprised to see how friendly and happy the Afghan people are towards foreigners. So sorry your apartment was broken into, although it was 6 months ago. I have had my house broken into when I lived in LA. It gave me this feeling that I had been violated. I laughed when the little boy said he lived in Turlock, Ca for 8 years because that is the area in which I live. That proves how small this world really is. Keep making these videos. I believe if people see others across the world they will get to know other the peoples culture and maybe then they will understand that we are all people trying to live and breath in this world.

[@tangyproductions5817]

Interesting episode, glad your back barbs!

[@shrey.theholyswan]

Hey Paul! It's so great to see you in Afghanistan, It's such a beautiful place and especially the people there are so generous and welcoming! I'd love to visit Afghanistan one day! Lots of love for both you and Afghanistan from Odisha also you do look quite afghan in that outfit :P

[@PROVOCATEURSK]

Don´t you know what they do to "sinners"?

[@shrey.theholyswan]

@@PROVOCATEURSK I know, just didn't want to touch that point

[@zepquin]

@@PROVOCATEURSK what do they do

[@chaotify_]

18:40 that landscape is amazing! my jaw literally dropped

[@ChickenpoxMalaria]

You inspire me constantly. Thank you for being resilient, and for doing this. I will finally go and do as I have been told I must by myself a million times. This was the straw that broke the camels back.

[@michaln6035]

Really like the small details you mention, regular street life, drone shots. One can really feel like we're there. All that without the pretentious manner that makes you feel like you are missing out. I wish it was more informative, so it doesn't blend in with other travelling channels..

[@dinolil1474]

One of my favourite videos! Thanks for showing us Afghanistan!

[@iBalushi]

21:46 this is why I love your barbs. You let the locals speak about their country, despite researching well and visiting it. We need more of this coverage on mainstream media that justifies wars and occupations by giving voice to "experts" who studied, but never lived, in those regions.

[@Saskajohn]

Man I turned this on as a cleaning the kitchen type video and stopped after 3 minutes. This one is brilliant and beautiful and requires my full attention. Well done 👍 thanks for the hard work

[@meganw6007]

Hahaha, I love Sardar's response at 4:55 to your mom's "Can I trust you guys?" saying "You have no choice, he's already with me." 😂🤣😂🤣 Absolutely brilliant, Sardar lol

[@dragos_serghie]

Nobody can rob you of your memories mate! Keep up the good work and keep on traveling. You rock! 🤘

[@Jane-qh2yd]

The problem with politics is that they are true at their core. Yes, Afghanistan is an autocratic impoverished country with an extreme lack of freedom, high instability and oppressive laws. However, knowing how to separate the government from the people is highly important. The culture and everyday life is often very different from the political talking points. Both are true, but also distinct from one another

[@Vic-ek1fv]

Most men and some women in Afghanistan support the govt...

[@Windows11Official]

​@@Vic-ek1fvI doubt that. Many may not care and just want to have a good life

[@juisss]

@@Vic-ek1fv Exactly, westerners cannot fathom people supporting social restrictions, for them "freedom" is the best thing even if evidently it comes with a lot of inherent problems . We Muslims trust Allah's wisdom in his law, and we know that his restrictions are a good for us and his law is perfect because of him being the god, it's not human made law. The afghan gov is just upholding it, not inventing it and "oppressing" the people

[@brazzb761]

@@juisss except the afghan gov is not the sole interpretation of the word of Allah, numerous religious governments exist in the muslim world, and none of them have the same laws as Afghanistan. If it's about trusting the word of Allah, then it is about not inventing new interpretations, which the Taliban have been known to do, as they prefer a religiously and socially conservative and repressive form of the word of Allah.

[@mr5064]

@@brazzb761 which new interpretation of laws have they made?

[@MnSakib007]

Maaan, these videos are soooo well made! Thank you so much Berb!

[@robbedeboer2728]

This was an amazing video, really great that you got to experience that!

[@reza310]

Wow i never knew afghanistan had such a beautiful nature. I knew the food was good , i am iranian and i have afghan friends so i tasted the food before but never had the chance to visit

[@GeographyNow]

I mean the Hindu Kush mountains are…🤯🤯🤯👏👏👏

[@OnToMysterytown]

1:12 tyler oliveira moment

[@nizam5568]

It's a shame that nowadays a lot more of travel KZbin is just that, 'hey let's just go to some place with poor people and talk about how they deserve it while filming them without their consent even if they say no', we could use more wholesome type of travel content whether people go to some rough neighborhood in America or a struggling country abroad

[@v_zach]

I don't know that name, and something tells me that's fine.

[@nataliegrant3215]

​@@v_zach he's actually a really good KZbin finding out about different issues and aspects around the US which is interesting for me a New Zealander however sometimes he does push people too much when they do not want to talk or be filmed so....but actually good

[@picachuface]

Also the accent he made😂. I know which group owns it🤣