Date:	Mon, 24 Apr 1995 18:46:30 -1000
From:	harris@bhc.com (Bob Harris)
Message-Id: <3nhur6$5g7@miwok.nbn.com>
Organization: North Bay Network, Inc. news server - not responsible for content
Subject: Afghani Fighter kite gathering in SF Bay area

Several weeks ago there was a posting about a local gathering on
weekends
of Afgani's who were into fighting kites with glass cutting lines. I
asked around and tried to connect but unexpectedly I met someone at the
Lee Toy fly who knew all about it. He showed up at the Lee Toy to play
volleyball and saw all the kites, so he put up a fighter and it was out
so far on the line you couldn't find out who was controlling it. So my
friend, who I will call X invited me to the gathering last weekend. 

Well it was a trip. It was all men. Starting at about 2-3 pm on
weekends
at Garin Park in Hayward (off Mission st) (there are others who fly at
Elizabeth park in Fremont) they assemble. Paper kites are used that are
made in Afghanistan (and cost about $5 each). The cutting line is about
$20 but if you try to buy it as an outsider you might be charged as
much
as $50 or $60 a spool. The glass impregnated line, called Manjha comes
in
various colors on spools with wood handles, similar to the Indian ones.
The kites are among the largest fighter kites I have seen and the fly
them at rather long distances. I saw one fight where two whole spools
of
line were let out in sequence. Children are up on the hills collecting
the free kites that are cut down.

The whole affair is very male oriented and an extremely tight clickish
circle. Do not expect to learn a great deal or carry on a whole lot of
discussion about kites. It is a taste of an ethnic flavor and I suppose
if you came regularly, you might be accepted somewhat. But prepare to
be
an outsider and just watch the battles.

As many as 100-130 people show up. Shish KaBob is made and can be
purchased as well as chick pea dishes. All in all it was entertaining
and
quite interesting.

Bob Harris    harris@bhc.com
       
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