Kabul in general can easily be termed as the most well connected city in Afghanistan.
Also keep in mind, Afghanistan can be more expensive than Paris or Tokyo if you are looking for globally standard services like running hot water, a breakfast with coffee and porridge and a fruit salad.
Security situation is grim in most parts and more than the Taliban, as a westerner it is your capability to automatically piss off a practicing Muslim which is a threat. As an infidel you have lost a lot of brownie points from the outright start and moving further - Looking at women - you can get killed , forget about drinking - even the notion or mention of drinking is frowned upon. However, expat bars in Kabul do sell beer and alcohol at a steep premium though. A can of beer is $8 last time I checked.
As a carnivore you will find excellent food, great Kebabs and a fantastic locally made bread called Naan. Vegetarians can find the food offerings ranging from none to negligible - Vegetarianism as a concept doesn't exist in most countries around central Asia.
Accommodation can range from $15 a night on a mattress in a local tea shop to $500 a night in one of the few 'secure western friendly' Hotels and guest houses. Most foreigners who come to work here have company/government/military accommodation so the whole hotel industry doesn't really have a big market.
The city of Herat is by far the greenest, easy going and least polluted - It boasts of a magnificent big fort, general people who defy hardline Islamic laws and a fine restaurant on a hillock which has nice views from its terrace seats. The Herati culture is similar to Iran ( as its on the Iranian border) and is primarily Shia - which means people are less aggresive and less anal about Sharia , which they feel is more of a Sunni thing. Not to miss The main mosque of Herat , a beautiful calm and soul soothing place, avoid the rush during prayer times.
The city of Mazar e Sharif is best known for its Blue Mosque/Shrine and is in the north next to Uzbekistan. Although it was relatively safe in Mazar till a couple of years ago, things are heating up and the last incident in 2011 involved a bunch of rioters beheading a female UN Norwegian worker in cold blood.
The city in general is interesting, The mosque is an excellent work of Art but as a person of western descent ( visible white/black skin) I would suggest not entering the premises.
The Panjshir Valley has BEAUTIFUL untouched landscape and is called the land of the brave. The Lion of Panjshir was Ahmad Shah Massoud and he is revered in this country. The valley is a 2-3 hour drive from Kabul and is highly recommended. Great drive and some awesome food stalls on the way. The valley is littered with remains of Russian Tanks, Jeeps, armored vehicles - all hardware that points to the fall of the soviet empire.
The city of Kandahar is the worst when it comes to security and also the fiercest when it comes to imposing the Sharia. No women in the streets, whatsoever. Kidnappings, Taliban attacks and road bombs are common. In general there is intense hostility towards foreigners, the region is well off ( thanks to the drug money flowing in) and people tend to be a little more rude and aggressive. Also this is the hottest region of the country with camels and deserts and that might have something to do with people being so pissed off. ( Honestly, in general I think its the sexual frustration in most cases across the world). Avoid the city, unless there is a fat cheque or promise of an impeccable virgin waiting for you in Kandahar.
The people in the country are generally hospitable, freindship-honor-pride-religion come before money and economics. Illiteracy is rampant and do not try to argue or present logic to people in simple things, especially religion related. If someone washes his feet with drain water to clean them before prayers, smile-wave and move along - don't even think of bringing up the sanitation logic.
Entertainment avenues are improving - Kabul now boasts of a bowling club and a couple of nice world class gymnasiums and party houses. But don't expect a local to know it, these are all underground and work on a strict 'need to know' basis for expats.
You need to understand that any Afghan who had money or education moved to a western country and now has western citizenship - The remaining lot is poor,uneducated and sick of the violence. The rich ones are the politicians, warlords and business tycoons who exploit the others and are total sharks ( and assholes).
To summarize - Dangerous place with nice people, strict Islamic laws but the Persians in general are lot less crazier with Islam compared to the Arabs. Avoid the south of the country. The country has been truly blessed by god when it comes to natural beauty and picture perfect landscape.
While Travelling - Average daily expense - $120-$150.
Must visit places - Qargha Lake, Panjshir, Herat, Bamiyan
If you would like to have more information, contact me.
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