Boyfriend in Afghan

catkins

*max* wrote: »

I've been wondering why people say "Afghan" for Afghanistan, the country. I keep seeing it everywhere, and I'm genuinely puzzled. I really, really don't mean to be rude by asking, only curious as to why. Is it a kind of colloquialism? English isn't my first language and despite having lived in the UK for years, I still get taken aback at times.

Sorry for highjacking your thread OP!

I didn't know anyone did. To me Afghan is a dog!

paddy's_mum

To me, it's a coat or a type of shawl, having long fringed edges.

I had a mental picture of some sixties fashion follower parading round in a white goatskin afghan when I first read the title of the thread.

Weren't the Beatles quite fond of them for a while?

Sparklebabey

I've always wanted to write to a squaddie out on a tour but I've always been unsure what you would put as it's not as if they know you.

You know, the OP will send a lovely letter but that's her b/f so they have shared interests and memories but what would you chat to a complete stranger about?!

cord123

I second flavour sauces for dried noodles... I also sent my brother protien bars (they often have then on offer in boots) cause he really got into his gym while he was out there...But letters, photos etc. Not sure if you have kids but my brother loved getting pictures 'drawn' by my son and we dressed my son up in army stuff and sent a picture to him! games are good, and random fancy dress item! He did was 21 out there so we sent him fairy wings and a 21 tiara to wear!!!!

GlynD

I agree with others on the thread. Don't send cans of coke. They can actually get those from EFI out there. MOD have a list of things which are useful on their website but as others have pointed out; dried noodles, sauces for dried noodles, sauces and spices to complement the food in the ration packs, drink sachets to add to water. Things which are practical, not too heavy and which complement the food they already get.

threemuttleys

[text removed by MSE Forum Team]

I dont think Coke would be a good idea (the pressure in the Taxi for a start, and then the weight) Blueys, magazines and more blueys are the way forward ;-)

wdyw

masonn wrote: »

Plus pressurised cans don't travel well in unpressurised aircraft holds.

wrong on so many accounts.

cottonhead

I think cans might explode. Corny but spray your perfume on the letters !

kelfen

A pair of your knickers sprayed with perfume. S'what I sent my fella and along with the blueys they went down a treat!

londonsurrey

Sounds prosaic, but a friend of mine out there really appreciated a beside rug. It was just nice to be able to step out of bed and be able to put on socks without getting sand in them!