There's a divide between new city and old city in Kabul. If you notice the two walls in the top picture, between the truck and myself, you'll notice a canyon like dip. It's Kabul river. Apparently it divided two factions as late as 40 years ago. The west side of the river, where I am, is the newer part, with the administrative buildings and hotels. I haven't seen much of the old part, but it has mausoleums, gardens of king babor, who wrote poetries there, etc.
The tomb in this picture is of Timur Shah. He was made a ruler at the age of 9 by his father, and later he married the daughter or Mughal Emperor Alamghir in late 18 century. You can see the dump occupying kabul river, as the river only comes alive during spring when the snow melts.
Shah do Shamsira Mosque, or the Mosque of the King of Two Swords is my favorite landmark, as the roof is always covered by pigeons..
Pigeons also thrive right next to this 1920s style mosque, as this blurry picture suggests.
After you cross the Shah do Shamsira, further into the city, you run into this new mosque, which has fascinating detail, as the photo below shows.
The hills surrounding Kabul has buildings built on their lap, and at night, the flickering lights make this a great place to drive by.
And finally, Hotel Serena, the only 5 star hotel. It's very opulent, and very secure, as these greek entrance suggests.
