Tomorrow is my last day of work in Afghanistan.

Last. Day. I think I've said just those two words to Billy at least twenty times today, and I only got to see him after my shift. Even if it's not our last day in country, there is something so very symbolic about that last day of work.

Today was gorgeous, amazing, sunny and clear with a good strong breeze. Billy, Sol and I took off for the uninhabited bits of the base to take pictures. The light was incredible; even the mistakes came out well. This has to be one of my favorite images of the past year.

It was perfect: we walked for miles, climbing on anything that looked halfway stable to get a picture; we talked to soldiers guarding workers and I stepped in wet concrete; we talked to Afghan children from the village outside the base through the fence, while their father squatted some distance off with his rifle across his knees, watching us. (There's an image, here, with notes; the fence kept it from being ideal, but I like the proof of the thing.)

We were briefly interrogated by the base police, who made us show them our images; we talked to Afghan guards, and took portraits. It was a wonderful, laughing way to end both the day and very nearly the tour.

 

I can't believe the internet here actually let me upload all these images. It really is a nearly- perfect day after all.