Light Afflictions

In the summer, we would occasionally lose electrical power. Food in the refrigerator might spoil. As the weather got colder, we get less and less power. After Thanksgiving, we were down to about four hours of electricity, every other night.

So we adjusted. We bought and connected a generator that will run most of our appliances, though none but the smallest of heaters. But the noise (and expense) of the generator really bothers Hamroz. So we have wood stoves and lanterns. Hot water for showers is available from the pipes every two days (unless someone has to wash clothes in hot water), but you can always bring up some boiled water from the kitchen and pour it over yourself. We would generally run the generator for guests, but wait for, “city power” for our own enjoyment. Recently, we missed, “city power night” every night for two weeks. Finally, last night, we declined going to an ISK staff party at the Director’s house to stay home and enjoy electricity.

I found the refrigerator door wide opened the other day. I left it opened, thinking that perhaps someone was cooling the food with room temperature instead of waiting for electricity.

They are constructing a power line, coming down from energy-rich Khazakstan through Tajikistan, Afghanistan and Pakistan and on into the lucrative energy market in India. Some day. It will provide 24 hour/7 day per week power to Kabul. Some day.

Last night we invited a guest over (one of my friends) to enjoy the electricity with us. We even watched a movie. At ten o’clock, as usual, the power was cut. Then it came back!! It stayed all night!!! It was still on this afternoon!! I got a hot shower this morning, and can get one again tomorrow!! And the clothes are washed!! And ironed!!

Some say it is the legendary power line, finally in place. Some say it is a three day gift from the government to celebrate the upcoming holiday of Eid-al-Qurban. Only time will tell.

I told Hamroz that it made national news when a few states in the US lost power for a few hours, back in 2003. They called it a blackout. There is no translation for the word, “Blackout” in the Dari language. Yet.