Chirtal

You may have forgotten about Chitral, neighbor to China, the Nuristani in Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and, now, a part of Pakistan, but I haven't forgotten that beautiful land and brave people which our wars and others have affected.

Lift goes on.  Dawn, perhaps Pakistan's leading English language newspaper, reports that Chitrali youth

In benighted Muslim countries --  which Chiral nominally is -- 

and in The Castro,

it is normal for men to 

dance with men.

have invented a machine for predicting the advent of an avalanche, so important in a land surrounded by snowy mountains.  Excellent!  Bravo!  Celebrate!

Here are some other images from Chitral to refresh your memory if you have forgotten, from he fine Nooru's Blog, . . .

Polo is the favored sport

. . . . which has this to say about Chitral's history:

The valley has seen invasions of the horse ridden Greeks, the Persians , the British, and sturdy Afghans and many other hordes of attackers including the Muslims. Having seen and experienced many invaders, the  Chitralvadis  through their spirit  never allowed the other dynasty to fully sway over their affairs, which is why the loam of this area has engrossed the aroma of different civilizations and the culture of various bordering nations but retained its distinct identity.

The people of Chitral

show traces of Persian and Turkish ancestry. They are known for their peaceful, uncomplicated character and unique cultural.  It’s the place of simple trustworthy people whose friendship remains with visitor for a long time. They  have no greed ,they respect their guests and despise cheating anyone. 

Well, perhaps gentleness is a little too stressed, given they have never been conquered for long, after 3,000 years of trying by some very formidable foes.  Or perhaps gentleness is a virtue we should all cultivate, for our own protection.  Don't suppose that idea would meet with great acceptance in Republican primaries.

For a gratuitous Degas painting of nude guys,