At Massoud's funeral, his 13 year old son declared his father a martyr for Afghanistan, and vowed vengeance. Today, if the world acts within reason and allows the Afghan's their own self-determination, Massoud's dream of an independent, moderate nation may come true.

Huvishka Mustamandy adds, "A lot of these Taliban were former Mujahidin; we need to work from the inside, assisting the Pashtuns. Even though I'm against war, I am against the Taliban because of their oppression of women, and giving Islam a bad name…they are demented warmongers." He says that before continued invasions from the outside, Afghanistan was a "nation of elaborate mosques, beautiful architecture, well-paved road connecting every village."

When Huvishka's mother passed away, she was developing a temporary Afghan museum in Switzerland to hold and display the relics until Afghanistan ended its civil wars. She was recognized as a great fighter for Afghanistan's cultural heritage. Zahir Shah, the deposed king, called Huvishka to offer condolensces. "My dad had this watch from Zahir Shah, with an engraved dedication to him…they were hunting buddies. The king had great respect for my parents."

About the Site About Home The Notes from the Road story, about Erik Gauger, his equipment and approach. Worthwhile Sites A list of travel websites, science websites, outdoor websites, adventure websites, art and photography websites that have maintained an independent and unique spirit. Reviews Reviews, press clippings, criticism and more of Notes from the Road. Lost Sons of Afghanistan The first of two articles I wrote in the San Fernando Valley in 2001. A Museum for Kabul The follow-up to A Museum for Kabul. Birds A collection of birds I have identified while on the road. I always keep an eye out for new birds and this is one of the greatest pleasures of travel. Count: 675 Fishes A collection of fish species I've counted in the wild over the course of my life. Count: 149 Mammals A collection of every mammal I have positively identified over the course of my life. Count: 77 Reptiles & Amphibians A collection of reptiles and amphibians I have managed to identify positively. Count: 55 Butterflies A collection of butterflies I have managed to identify. Count: 54 Seashore Creatures Tidepooling and snorkeling is one of the greatest joys of independent travel. This is my collection of seashore creatures I have identified during my Notes from the Road years. Count: 67 Dragonflies & Damselflies A list of all my dragonfly and damselfly identifications. Count: 6