"When you do things from your soul, you feel a river moving in you and you feel joy." -Rumi
My name is Bob Down, international gem miner/trader, entrepreneur, and sole proprietor of Afghan Village Adventures USA, a cultural glamping experience. Our destination village builds good will and reflects our deep love of Afghani culture and life ways. We are committed to retaining ancient brotherhood rituals, the Sufi-type mysticism, combined with real Afghan hospitality and uplift one should get from an authentic cultural experience.
Live like an Afghani; there is nothing quite like it. It is authentic but offers fantasy, too - an Afghanistan of the romantic imagination. Take a walk on the wild side with a return to the sights and smells of nature. In the desert, year after year, in Afghanistan, one word explains it all: "Kismet," or destiny. Welcome to Kismet Village.
MISSION STATEMENT: Our mission is to become the new fresh-air adventure-of-choice in a "been there/done that" market to improve international relations with direct contact and education. We can seek grants for the cultural awareness aspects of this project. We set a new standard with our versatile cross-cultural trends and themes that can evolve with consumer demands.
Imagine a vast landscape that joins heaven and earth. Help rebuild a bridge with the Afghan people with this innovative cultural exchange. Put aside tired stereotypes with this opportunity to talk with real people about real life while they are relaxing and just being themselves.
Avoid today's restrictive travel mandates. We solve the problem of a low-risk get away from social isolation. With all the challenges of urban life and travel limits, who wouldn't want to enjoy a crowd-free, easy get-away for an exotic and stimulating vacation that builds international good will and understanding?
Soulful and imaginative, the mythic Village even affords Afghan immigrants a chance to get back to their roots, to go back in time, and show their urban children their native ways with pride and respect. 'Children of all ages' can become heroes and warriors. Our motto is, "It’s not the destination, it’s the journey!"
Objectives The objectives of Afghan Village Adventures for the first three years of operation include:
Evoking the hospitable spirit of Afghanistan.
Designing, siting, and implementing infrastructure for an authentic native tent village.
Exceeding customer’s expectations for authentic glamping accommodations.
Maintaining an 90% occupancy rate including RV hook ups during the peak periods.
Assembling an experienced and effective staff dedicated to each guest.
A fluid marketing strategy that can changed and evolve to meet unique needs.
Introduction The long-term goal of Afghan Village Adventures is for temporary lodging, RV facilities, and cultural exchange. We are the right team for this niche market with a global network of personal friends and global contacts to support our efforts. The concept is our trademarked intellectual property, and suitable for franchises.
Our leadership team has the expertise to create a differentiated experience capitalizing on personal service, the historical ethnic nature and lifestyle, and its unique desert location near other well-traveled attractions. We plan to create an authentic environment of pampered luxury, suitable for glamping, crafting, retreats, and classes that surpasses the standard fare.
We look forward to expanding our exposure and marketing of ancillary products via the Internet, introducing people to untried, off-beat, but enriching hands-on experiences and products. Year-round occupancy of our ecological paradise park will allow us to maintain a higher than average occupancy rate and above average profits.
Location AFGHAN VILLAGE ADVENTURES can be located in the rural desert near the intersection of California, Nevada, and Arizona on the Colorado River. It is near a main thoroughfare and airports serving Las Vegas, Needles, Henderson, and Lake Mead.
The Company AFGHAN VILLAGE ADVENTURES is a well-conceived company with many Afghani and global connections already developed to help expedite and fulfill our mission requirements and supply chain. Organization and management will be as a sole corporate founder whose entrepreneurial skills have been honed and demonstrated in other fields. The required officers are President and Secretary. Most states allow one natural person to hold both offices and be the sole director of the corporation. Usually, that one person may also be the sole shareholder.
Points of sale are with bookings and products related to Kismet Village enterprises, both on site and via internet. These include but not limited to clothing, weavings, rugs, perfumes, and jewelry displayed in the Bazaar.
We envision a minimalistic yet diverse group of amenities that reduce risk to ensure success. Being unique, it has a strong market position over 'been there-done that' services. We can cater to both luxury and high-end hippie, yuppie, and Millennial clientele, who love to go off the beaten path and commune with nature.
Afghan Village Adventures USA is a dba of [Primo Villages Corporation], owned and operated by Bob Down. He will operate the Kismet Village as a rustic spring, fall, and winter retreat resort. During the rest of the year it will operate as an educational and cultural exchange center (non-profit NGO). The museum will be opened year round and by appointment.
Our Services AFGHAN VILLAGE ADVENTURES provides a bazaar, live entertainment, authentic tent accommodations for singles, couples, and families, and eight RV sites with hook-ups. Next spring we will be adding XYZ. As the Village becomes established through the peak season, we plan to expand our services for formal or informal gatherings (e.g. wedding receptions, club meetings, spiritual retreats, classes, family reunions, environmentalists, astronomers, etc.). The camp is a place to free their minds from the mundane and open their eyes to see. Perhaps our best amenities are fresh-air and a wide-open panorama of clear sky full of more stars than most have ever seen.
The Market AFGHAN VILLAGE ADVENTURE’s target market strategy is based on becoming a destination choice for those who are looking for a place to relax or recharge that is FREE OF CONTAGIOUS CROWDS and high in low-impact eco-sustainable practices. We pursue target markets looking for a vacation destination, honeymooners, family reunions, "snow-birds", adventurers, and drop-in customers. Even fantasy-adventure LARPers would enjoy playing in the desert of our 'Dune' planet-like atmosphere.
We can book different types of tourists in different time-frames, from up-scale to budget. Our setting and facility is a natural for people or families to visit, with so many outdoor things to do. A modest projection for increased unit rental is 30% per year, since there is no competition. This projection is without any significant increase in advertising or exposure, based on the general average increase in tourism.
Our three major customer segments are tourists, immigrant Afghanis from all over the United States, and local patrons desiring facilities for various events. Alaskans or Canadians would enjoy a winter break in the sun. Subscriptions to various Web services will provide international exposure to potential customers for nominal annual fees, plus we have a website. We could hire street advertising via handbills in Las Vegas. The Kismet Village would like to see a 10% increase in customers on a yearly basis.
Financial Considerations We will rent or buy a suitable wind-sheltered locale, perhaps if possible with a safe cave, emulating Afghan terrain. We are assuming an initial capital start-up, as shown in the Start-up table, for operating expenses.We estimate average monthly fixed costs, including operating expenses and land use, as presented in the Financial Plan chapter below. Peak and off-season will have significant impact on the monthly earnings. For the first year, on-season revenues will offset off-season losses. As Afghan Village Adventures builds its market position among local patrons, we anticipate that off-season revenues will be enough to break even during that season.
Objectives The objective of the Afghan Village Adventures for the first three years of operation include:
Exceeding the customer’s expectations for rustic and luxury vacationing accommodations.
Maintaining a 90% occupancy rate each month.
Assembling an experience and effective staff dedicated to each guest.
To increase the number of clients by 10% each year.
Increase exposure and market using Internet technology and direct advertising.
Through incentives and increased exposure on the Internet, we hope to increase off-season occupancy by 30% the first year.
Increase off-season use by expanding into other uses for property (events, retreats, receptions, weddings, live-action role play games, astronomy and skywatching buffs, etc.).
The primary keys to success for Afghan Village Adventures are based on the following:
Provide a facility that is first class with attention to practical and aesthetic detail.
Give each guest a sense that they are our top priority.
Provide authentic langar-style quality meals.
Retain our guests to ensure repeat bookings and referrals.
We become the best choice for temporary lodging by expanding our exposure via the Internet (with multiple networks and links), and introducing the area to market segments that have not yet discovered such a year-round dream retreat.
We plan to be more than a great destination; we become part of the client's destiny by offering memorable and rewarding life-changing events and challenges. We plan to create an environment of conveniences that surpasses the standard fare.
The Kismet Village guests will have every need met to ensure their comfort. For special occasions, catered meals, chilled wine, ethnic delights, etc. can be provided for an additional fee. During the weekends, guests will return to the Kismet Village in the evening for fine entertainment before turning in. Independent entertainers can be outsourced via 1099s.
Funding Request After securing an EIN number for the new business, comparing land prices and regulations, the search for a suitable site and purchase of land begins, ideally with adequate shelter from desert wind conditions. This includes talking to city and county officials about weather, local regulations, incentives, taxing, and desirability in the community.
Legal fees. assessments, and taxes will be incurred along the way, and may also require keeping a lawyer and accountant on retainer. Advance and ongoing PR costs will include promotional film production where we can show not just tell, printed materials, and web services with IT support. Financial projections, include salaries for management and operational staffing for booking, sales, and client services.
The overarching goal is to establish rapport with city fathers and vendors for favorable reviews. When the land is near closing, insulated tents will need to be designed, purchased and manufactured, probably in Afghanistan or perhaps in Mexico.
A Las Vegas interior designer could dress the tents in line with today's luxury tastes, which also shows off some of our available products suitable for home and office. Sanitary facilities such as trailer lavatories and showers can be rented and tended to by their respective companies.
Between 5-8 initial RV hookups extend accommodations for rentals and visitor convenience. So how much does it cost to install RV hookups? The true answer is that the cost can vary wildly, but is investment of anywhere from $200–$300 for a DIY job, to a few thousand dollars for a professional to do the work. Electricity will require a high-capacity generator. Holding tanks can be emptied at a remote locale after leaving the park.
A small orchard of Pomegranate trees will be planted for color, fruit, and shelter. Water for these plants will come from fairly inexpensive water boxes that pull moisture via condensation from the air. This water source may also be used to water livestock like camels, donkeys, goats, sheep, and horses.
Corrals and animal shelters will be provided by the Village, whereas stock may be outsourced from independent contractors. Large shade shelters are available for assembly on site. Other independent contractors will be contacted to set up supply chains for food production. Once the practicalities are addressed, work can begin on the cultural museum.
Rather than a lump sum, investors will be asked to provide some up-front operational monies, and to cover major costs like land and tents as they arise. In part, the museum might be funded by grants or a 'go fund me' type outreach, especially looking toward the immigrant Afghani population, in particular that of Fremont, California. https://www.city-journal.org/html/afghans-fremont-13329.html
This multiple revenue scheme offers some security to lenders over a single payout. Funds will be allocated to buy equipment or materials, pay salaries, or cover specific bills until revenue increases. It is possible at many strategic points that the whole venture could be sold to pay off the debt, most probably to Afghani-friendly buyers keen to perpetuate the good will that the cultural center and museum generates.
outline funding requirements. clearly explain how much funding you’ll need over the next five years and what you'll use it for. Specify whether you want debt or equity, the terms you'd like applied, and the length of time your request will cover. Give a detailed description of how you'll use your funds. include a description of your future strategic financial plans, like paying off debt or selling your business.
Financial projections financial projections, including management and operational staffing for booking and client services. Your goal is to convince the reader that your business is stable and will be a financial success. Provide a prospective financial outlook for the next five years. Include forecasted income statements, balance sheets, cash flow statements, and capital expenditure budgets. For the first year, be even more specific and use quarterly — or even monthly — projections. Make sure to clearly explain your projections, and match them to your funding requests. use graphs and charts to tell the financial story of your business.
Appendix 1 THE CONCEPT OF AFGHAN VILLAGE ADVENTURES USA
Escape to a Timeless Century at Afghan Village Adventures, USA
How many of us have fallen in love with a foreign culture on our global adventures? Now that foreign travel is restricted are you looking for a domestic adventure with all the exotic and erotic features of the hinterlands, that is romance and family-friendly?
We plan to create an Afghanistan Village vacation adventure-type business right here in the USA. The concept could be extended to other locales, and even franchised or include other Afghan-related business projects with incredible ROIs.
KISMET VILLAGE Experiencing the warmth and hospitality of exotic lands can create a life-long love affair with a culture and their unique lifestyle. That is just what happened to the prospective founders of the "Afghan Village" project. We wondered, "What if the best of that experience was available to connoisseurs in the US with all the comforts of home?"
Make this adventure part of your Las Vegas, Colorado River, Grand Canyon, Arizona tour, or nostalgic drive along historic Route 66. Broadway Street, Needles' main street, is the gateway to Route 66 in California.
The AFGHAN VILLAGE ADVENTURE will be in a remote yet accessible location where tourists can come and experience all aspects of rural Afghani village life and more. That includes camel and horse rides and sleeping in upscale fantasy Kuchi nomad desert tents. The nomadic and semi-nomadic Kuchi in Afghanistan mostly keep sheep and goats.
The produce of the animals (meat, dairy products, hair and wool) is exchanged or sold in order to purchase grain, vegetables, fruit and other products of settled life. In this way an extensive network of exchange has developed along the main routes annually followed by the nomads. The merchant Powindah (Ghilji) [or Ghilzai] Pashtuns used to move annually from the Afghanistan mountains to the valley of the Indus. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kochi_people
At the AFGHAN VILLAGE you can eat traditional Afghani food and desserts, and be entertained by a nightly authentic music and dance show. Get into the world beat. Follow the imaginal footsteps of Alexander the Great. See what beauty he found in the historic lands of Khorasan.
Relive the pleasures of the Silk Road, virtually in your own backyard with no visas, no language-barrier, and no fear of foreign mishaps or complications. Caravan to other nearby attractions with our amiable guides or on your own golden path of discovery.
Want to feel like a sheikh or queen, and be treated like one in a luxury glamping setting? Our 'Afghanistan of the imagination' may be just the thing for you. Both tours and self-guided adventures are available in the area, using the village as base camp. Savor the flavors, delight in the fragrances, and otherworldly sounds. Enjoy the poetry. You may find you want to return again and again.
Enjoy a bit of wilderness pleasure. Recreated near Las Vegas, Nevada, the Afghani village provides a unique and memorable outing for couples and families and the attractions of the Colorado River, Grand Canyon, and Hoover Dam. But this is not a superficial Disneyland. This living community is as authentic as possible, right here on the mainland.
A Modern Vision Quest Pashtunwali (Pashto: پښتونوالی) is the traditional lifestyle of the Pashtun people, also called the Pathan people. Scholars widely have interpreted it as being "the way of the indigenous Pashtuns" or "the code of life."
Pashtunwali is widely practiced by Pashtuns in the Pashtun regions of Afghanistan and Pakistan. Pashtuns embrace an ancient traditional, spiritual, and communal identity. The code dates back to pre-Islamic times, perhaps 1500 BCE. Other aspects are bravery, loyalty, pride, courage, honor, and respect for the environment.
Melmastia (hospitality) is showing hospitality and profound respect to all visitors, regardless of race, religion, national affiliation or economic status and doing so without any hope of remuneration or favor. Pashtuns will go to great lengths to show their hospitality.
This mythical Afghanistan of the mind will take you back in time, four or five thousand years, but it is a lifestyle that still exists today much as it always did. There are peaceful provinces in Afghanistan. This is the homeland of the beloved mystic poet Rumi, known as the poet of peace.Rumi’s poems are part of daily life in Afghanistan as wise proverbs, jokes and sayings. Rumi’s stories have been shared and conveyed for centuries, through word of mouth – and through word of heart.
Rumi and Afghans not only share the same soil and language, there is a religious connection too in Rumi’s search to fall in love and become one with God. According to Rumi, God can be experienced in anything and everything. So in Rumi’s cosmos, each animal, blade of grass and small chickpea is tasked with teaching you something about God.
Like Rumi did centuries ago, young Afghans are fleeing violence and try to make their way to the West. Because of this this sombre parallel, Rumi has become an adventurous role-model for young Afghans. He now plays the part of the Afghan refugee who achieved world fame, with admirers and recognition all over the world.
Come for a vacation or even a spiritual retreat in the desert. Accommodations are available for your groups and classes or movie locale. Read Rumi's poetry. Tell your friends. Find your vision; touch ancient wisdom; hear timeless knowledge.
This love of a culture is exactly what happened to thousands of young travelers who took the Hippie Trail to Afghanistan in the 1960's on their adventure of a lifetime. Their children now yearn for such experiences with indigenous cultures. Of course, they came for the world-class adventure but wound up staying to enjoy the friendly people and brotherly atmosphere of village and nomadic life.
Afghani Arts
A village is a small clustered human settlement or community, larger than a hamlet but smaller than a town, with a population typically ranging from a few hundred to a few thousand. Our representative adventure village would be a microcosm of this traditional life style with its arts and culture, providing first-hand experience for visitors.
The Afghanis love sharing their lifestyle and expertise with the world. Afghani markets are famous as a source of lapis lazuli, other brilliant stones, and fine, handcrafted jewelry, which can be purchased through the on-site / online store. Also see our fine carpets, camel saddle stools, sandals, small tables, tablas, other musical instruments and books such as Rumi's poetry and Mullah Nasruddin's jokes.
Afghani fragrances and essential oils are sought around the world, including Noble Rose, Orange Blossom, Oud, Musk, and Tcharas, an inebriating fragrance composed in memory of the famous aromatic resins cultivated on the Hindu Kush mountains of Afghanistan.
Black Afghan perfume evokes the dark side of musk with midnight-black velvet layers of oud-tinged mystery with fiery spice lurking beneath the surface. It is the result of a quest to arouse the effects of temporary bliss.
Get into the spirit of the place with fine Afghan clothing, herbal delights, astonishing edibles, the art of the people in the streets, and a chance to learn a bit of language or cooking tips. Visitors will be welcome, entertained, and feted with exotic delights.
Among the arts represented and demonstrated at the Peace Village are world-reknown Afghani weaving of rugs and other items, comfortable traditional clothing, farming, cooking, etc. Such aesthetic appreciation expresses an understanding of a lifestyle, expertise, work of art, a poem, performance, or piece of literature.
Buzkashi is the national sport and a "passion" in Afghanistan. This traditional game is played on horseback, similar to polo, but instead of a ball, it's a headless goat carcass that players are maneuvering. It is a game of unity.
Buzkashi, which translates roughly as “goat pulling,” has been played for centuries across Central Asia and is one of the most enduring and iconic symbols of Afghanistan. It is a sport which is often violent, but designed to showcase the riders’ horsemanship and warrior spirit.
The camaraderie and hospitality shared in the village are guaranteed to make lasting memories, with top-flight amenities, orientation and tours, camel and horse rides, luxurious glamping facilities, and elegant tents. We plan a cultural museum, bath house, store, and restaurant, as well as interpretive demonstrations. Our approach encourages hands-on participation, engagement, and stimulation of the senses, including imagination in an integrated experience.
The interpretive demonstration is a type of illustrated program which is fundamentally different from a formal interpretive talk. It relies on the successful integration of interpretive narrative and a specific demonstrated activity or skill from living history. It creates opportunities for the audience to form intellectual and emotional connections with the resource.Imagine a presentational style similar to Colonial Williamsburg mixed with the thick perfume of Amsterdam coffeehouse culture.
A common tea served in Afghanistan is called Kahwah. It is a combination of green tea, cardamom pods, cinnamon bark, and saffron strands. It may also include peppercorns, ginger and almonds. Much like the traditional Masala Chai Tea from India or Kashmiri Tea from neighboring Pakistan, each family has their own recipe. https://heated.medium.com/cafe-culture-in-kabul-shows-how-afghanistan-is-transforming-689fbd4283ef