Ah yes its been a long time since I posted something here. Almost 7 months and during that time I was just going along with my routine stuff, but the silver lining is that I am done with my MBA (final transcript obtained) and no I have no plans to apply for the degree yet, for every student its a dream to go out with a bang and yes my dream is to be able to attend the convocation and leave University with a smile and in the way as we all dream of.
However that is something for some other time but for now I just wanted to post my experience of travelling up north solo. No no I didn't go hiking all by myself (it ain't too safe you now) but on the whole I really really had a great time, although it was hardly a week but still if one makes every day count then still alot can be done in a limited time.
To start off I was scheduled to take a flight to Lahore on 19 march Wednesday morning to Lahore, yes this was the first time in like 13 years that I was travelling by plane and that too solo, but thankfully it all went smoothly and the journey was also pleasant, kudos to Shaheen Airline.
Airport Selfie View from the Top
My Uncle was there to pick me up at the airport and we drove over to his house where I took a breather and spend some time with my chachi and the kids. Later in the evening we visited the Lawrence park.
A bit of Lahore
It was a good experience to also see the greenery of Lahore and the fact that at times it resembled a city that is not a part of Pakistan, it is only till you see the traffic movement that you realize that you are still in Pakistan lol. Also the fact that the people seem to be in their own world, as in they do not give a damn about any stress or any other business related stuff (at least that is what I saw) at the park, there were quite a few senior citizens playing tennis as-well, some youngsters playing cricket, others jogging on the tracks. It was indeed a great experience to see what life can be outside Karachi.
The next day I got on the Intercity bus en route to Islamabad and I was really looking forward to this trip to be honest, because I enjoy the scenery along the way, especially if it involves passing through the Kalar Kahar mountains.
Thankfully the journey was pleasant and enjoyable (perks of travelling solo) and my uncle was there at the station to pick me up and then we drove over to his house. Later in the day after I had lunch and a much needed snooze, me and him took to the roads of the Nation's Capital and went to the Faisal Masjid, saidpur village (which I found very well maintained) and then up towards the Margalla hills.
Shah Faisal Masjid, Saidpur Village, Daaman e Koh and Monal Restaurant
It was indeed a wonderful and a cool evening especially with all that greenery everywhere, also the fact that it seemed all so peaceful unlike here in Karachi where all the time it looks like 'every man for himself'. I was really moved with such difference in the environment and the fact that how easily one can take time out daily in the evening and go up the Margalla Hills where they also have them jogging tracks that run between the forest. Surely enough an ideal hangout place for all those that wish to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
The next day was Friday and after having breakfast at home, me and my Uncle took off for the 2nd phase of my tour i.e towards Murree. It was a chilly and a cloudy morning, there was forecast of rain up there but that tempted me more to be up there somehow today. Last time I visited Murree was way back in the summer of 2001 (enough said). The scenes while driving on the expressway were beautiful, simply beautiful, (Looks like Heaven) and the more we climbed, the more it became such. After almost an hour's drive we made it to Patriata, from there it was all about parking the car away and taking the chair and the cable cars further up.
Highlight of the day was that for the first time in my 26 years and 6 months of existence on this planet, I finally saw the "SNOW" in person, up closely and personally. Now here is one might say (now I can die in peace) *wink*. It really is a totally different world, something we the Karachiites will find very appealing, same is the case for locals because of all the news they hear about Karachi, believe you me I was quite a few times asked about Karachi. I assured them that its a huge city, the really disturbed areas are the ones that are outside the metropolis, Lyari being the unlucky one for more tragic things that happen there.
Any-ways I came back to Lahore by bus and in time to catch my evening flight back to Karachi, even that was a one of a kind journey. My cousin dropped me off at the airport of a bike when that day it was raining in Lahore. And of course the new airport is located away from the city and quite near to DHA Lahore. Overall it was an enjoyable trip (wish I had been given a few more days) I definitely would have pushed towards visiting Nathiagali and/or Bhurban but sadly that is for some other time.
Any-ways I came back to Lahore by bus and in time to catch my evening flight back to Karachi, even that was a one of a kind journey. My cousin dropped me off at the airport of a bike when that day it was raining in Lahore. And of course the new airport is located away from the city and quite near to DHA Lahore. Overall it was an enjoyable trip (wish I had been given a few more days) I definitely would have pushed towards visiting Nathiagali and/or Bhurban but sadly that is for some other time.
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