Ryan, how safe are you in Afghanistan—for real.

I get ONE reaction from people who find out I’m in Afghanistan—utter and complete shock. I’m the last person you’d think would show up here. Like the last.

And usually after the shock settles, people ask, “How safe is it out there?”

I’d have to say my safety varies. I travel from base to base and right now I’m at a base called Khilagay (pronounced-KILL-A-GUY….no joke.)

I’d say since I’ve been in Afghanistan, I have not worried about my safety about 95% of the time. I mean, I don’t feel safe like I’m at an In-N-Out in California, eating a double-double, with grilled onions only.

But there have been times, random times, where this place sneaks up on you, like turning your back on the ocean. And then, I’m reminded that I’m in a warzone.

It’s weird to hear about Afghanistan on shows like This American Life where Ira Glass talks about Afghanistan, the soldiers and the war. I think, I’m there. I’m here….in this war. But I never  go outside the base, I’m only on military bases. I rarely have to run from danger and head to a bunker. My planes are safe and I’m surrounded by US soldiers who have plenty of weapons.

I’m as safe as safe can be, as a person can be in Afghanistan. We still want to come home.