When we received approval through SMS messages that we could start crossing through Kabul after being on lock down due to suicide bombers at three ministries, I requested a stop at Flower Street to pick up a few items before the continuation of the lock down.

First I went to an International Market called A1 Super Foods where I grabbed some quick eats for tonight: A halal prepared cup of noodles from Singapore, some cheese from France, crackers from Pakistan, and plastic bags to make Valentines.

Then onto the search for some type of decorative paper. I found red heart and rose paper at a flower shop. Outside were several carts of different fruits, eggs, and nuts. I stopped for a few oranges imported from Pakistan, seven for 30 AFS ($0.60).

When I arrived back at my guest house, I turned on the satellite TV and flipped between AFN Spectrum, BBC, and one of the Northern Afghanistan War Lord stations. I stuffed the plastic bags from A1 with Kirkland chocolates, a heart cut from the paper, and a business card to complete my Valentines bags. Kabul is quite the American Psycho town when it comes to cards, they are worth their weight in gold. I added boiling water to the noodles which were surprisingly good and the oranges spectacular.

I also found out Le Bistro, the restaurant that serves my favorite cake and soup, burned down two months ago. Rumor has it they will reopen in another month.

However, this could just be another Churchill’s story.