This Medusa’s head is the base of one of 336 marble columns in the Yerebatan cistern, constructed by Constatine. It was a pretty ingenuous engineering fete and is a pretty amazing thing to see…to dark for decent pictures though…you just have to see it. 

For those so inclined, I suggest reading this excellent article (click the title to this post)on just how much progress has been made in Afghanistan. There’s still a ways to go, but there is no question that what has been accomplished in 3 short years is amazing.

Arrgh. One thing about taking time off is getting out of the getting up and going to work routine. I haven’t shaved for a week and am I not looking forward to scraping off those wiskers, putting on the neck tie, and making that long commute to DC. Alas.

Tonight I will post some photos and comments on our trip to Istanbul. An amazing place. See you then.