Known as one of the most beautiful regions in Afghanistan, the Bamiyan valley is home to several hundred families living in caves that were carved into sandstone cliffs by Buddhist monks in the fifth century. But since the Taliban takeover, the community -- one of the poorest in the country -- has seen their hardship exacerbated with international aid cut off, food prices rising and unemployment spiking. "We are tired of hearing the kids asking for food," says Zahra, a resident in the caves. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES