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Travellers' Advisories, Safety and Security on the Road Recent News, political or military events, which may affect trip plans or routes. Personal and vehicle security, tips and questions.
Photo by Alessio Corradini, on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia, of two locals

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Alessio Corradini,
on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia,
of two locals



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  #1  
Old 16 Apr 2003
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Location: Genova, Italy - Kabul, Afghanistan
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afghanistan
A week ago an italian motorbiker, Orfeo Bartolini, travelling alone in Afghanistan, has been killed by a group of taliban.

I point out this fact to advice any traveller to avoid Afghanistan and to commemorate the memory of this unlucky guy.

I think it's a very sad moment for our community

Pietro
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  #2  
Old 16 Apr 2003
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Pietro, thanks for letting us know about this.
It's a sad day indeed.

Do you have any more information, news
reports etc?

To all: That area of the world is probably NOT recommended at this time. Pakistan and Iran seem ok, but only ok. Most people are very friendly, but a few others are not, and it only takes one person to cause a major problem.

There are lots of much safer areas to see - save this part of the world for another time. Remember always that our best advice as solo or small groups travellers is to avoid conflict, don't go looking for it.

Take care.



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Grant Johnson

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  #3  
Old 24 Apr 2003
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sad day

i wanted to go there when i was in pak in march 2003
a very nice brit, ian, is taking care of the pak hubb community, he works for the british council; a french un worker, pierre, is also riding there with a swiss embassy worker, roni

ted simon asked me info about it
i totally agree with you grant
i had everything to go to afghan : visa, un convoy, good friends waiting for me in kabul
good info from backpackers who had been there recently
but as you say grant, there are other places safer ...
everyone s choice

safe travels
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  #4  
Old 7 Nov 2003
usl usl is offline
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Hi ;

Last week a turkish engineer working in Kabul-Kandahar road project was kidnapped.

He is still held hostage while the driver of the car was left with a letter asking for the return of at least six Taliban guerrillas.

Unfortunately turkish authorities has none in hand and therefore its believed, someone else was intended, probably an US or GB citizen.

For Information....

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  #5  
Old 8 Nov 2003
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While most of the people in that reigon are friendly, a few of the locals ie the Taliban, look at any non muslim as an enemy. Some of these folks look at this fight as another crusaid, is the christians have come to invade the holey land and wipe out muslims. We know that this is not the case, but these people truly believe this. Add to this the traditional tribal culture and various other factors, and it is very dangerious for any stranger to pass through this area. Lets not forget that the American troops may look at you with suspicion as well. Most of these are 18-20 year old kids armed with alot of firepower. These kids are probably scared to death and want to go home in one piece. The idea that someone would go through for a vacation would seem a bit suspicious to them as well. IMHO I would wait.Thre is a war going on there still. Lets hope peace reigns in the reigon soon.

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[This message has been edited by ekaphoto (edited 11 November 2003).]
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Old 12 Nov 2003
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Someone sent me an e-mail and pointed out that my last reply could be construed as patronizing. I did not mean it that way, and want to apoligize to anyone I offended. I have edited the posting. I was trying to stress the point that a war is going on in Afganistan, and may not be the best place to travel at the moment. Unfortunatally I came across as a bit of an ass. Please accept my apology.

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  #7  
Old 1 May 2008
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Thumbs up 4-5 years on
Quote:
Originally Posted by ekaphoto View Post
Someone sent me an e-mail and pointed out that my last reply could be construed as patronizing. I did not mean it that way, and want to apoligize to anyone I offended. I have edited the posting. I was trying to stress the point that a war is going on in Afganistan, and may not be the best place to travel at the moment. Unfortunatally I came across as a bit of an ass. Please accept my apology.

------------------
John
Ekaphoto,
I can't see what your apology is for, unless you are referring to the US forces who are doing a difficult and demanding job in defending your own nation and the hangers-on, who ring their hands and weep in the margins without ever stepping up to the plate.
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  #8  
Old 2 May 2008
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Hi Pietro,

Very sad news you bring to the HUBB. Do you have any further details?

I was lucky enough to visit when the Taliban were handing out tourist visas and enjoyed some incredible times with some of these guys - most were regular guys. Afghanistan gets into your soul and it's a place I'll never forget. I'll be back but it's not safe yet.

RIP Orfeo.
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  #9  
Old 2 May 2008
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bit late Matt .. Pietros' post was almost 5 years ago.
So what are you drinking?
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  #10  
Old 2 May 2008
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Oh yes! It is five years on. Guess that's what happens when an old thread makes a reappearance. Did anyone get to learn of the circumstances and location?

Five years on the sentiment remains the same. I'll drink to Orfeo.
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