I think "geekiness" is taking hold of me!

It's 0730ish on a Friday morning. 2 days away from leaving Kabul and the start of the long and winding road back home.

I would lie to you if I said I wasn't so excited to seeing the Balkans again.

But there is a sense of sadness in leaving some great people behind. You know, when I was a serving soldier I knew that people you met on posting or on tour were just acquaintances, not really friends. Friends are those who you don't see for years and when you finally meet again the atmosphere is like you were never apart. But acquaintances are cool people too.

There's been lots of new experiences for me here in Kabul.

I have learned a lot.

Been so disappointed in seeing that NATO can't or won't learn from it's previous mistakes (I blame institutionalised arrogance of the worst order).

Observed a totally failed state struggling to regain self esteem and continually struggling.

And have felt more tolerant than ever in my life.

Ummmm.

Deep things for early morning.

Well all I have left in my containerised room (which had less in it that Ratko Mladic has in the Hague),are my techy day sack and my normal pack which will carry the few clothes I have left (which are in the laundry as I write).

My boxes departed via DHL two days ago. The one shipped to Bosnia took just 36 hours! I am still in shock over that. Let's see how long the other takes to London?

Off for a farewell brunch with colleagues later.

Hopefully a few images to share with you soon.