Afghanistan a crossroads in the Silk Route, a country where conflict seems never ending and yet the country is starkly beautiful and the people warm and receptive. Kabul, Mazar e Sharif, Balkh, Bamyan, Bande Amir lakes, Chikhchiran, Minaret of Jam, Herat and Kandahar. Bamyan and the wonderful lakes at Bande Amir, Mazar e Sharif, Kandahar, Ghazni and Herat. Desert landscapes with irrigated valley floors, snow capped mountains, ancient ruins, bustling markets, diversity of culture (Pashtun, Hazara, Turkmen, Uzbek, Tajik), green tea, carpet weaving and very friendly people.