In the UK being a good neighbour generally means keeping the noise down, keeping your nose out and keeping your garden tidy. If you are an exceptionally good neighbour you might help your elderly neighbours mow the lawn or put the bins out but generally keeping yourself to yourself.
Actually to be honest much is the same as a foreigner in Kabul. I nod politely to my neighbours, but only if they acknowledge me first. I maintain my modesty by not speaking to the men and always keep my head covered in public. I don't allow men to visit my house without another female in tow.
Today as I walked home from work I saw a man on crutches, one leg in plaster and covered in a plastic bag, struggling to walk down the pot-holed mud road. I caught myself thinking if I was in the west I might offer him a ride (if I am honest with myself though I probably wouldn't), but here where I have no car and I can't even say hi to this guy I feel impotent to do anything. So I just walked past, praying silently that the man would make it to wherever he was going in one piece and before dark.
It is something I continually struggle with here - how to be a good neighbour, how to help those in need and balance that with being a culturally appropriate western woman.
