A quick stop in Pindi

Trip Start Aug 10, 2008
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Trip End Ongoing


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Where I stayed
AL. Azam Hotel
(Rawalpindi hotels)

Flag of Pakistan  ,
Monday, January 19, 2009

Our first stop was Rawlpindi - a travel hub where you can get buses to most places in the country. We traveled by train and we experienced some amazing hospitality from people sharing food and buying food for us - I was to learn that this is a typical custom here - no matter if we've spoken just a few words, the locals were our hosts and we were their guests - they seemed delighted to do things for us. From our own society this was difficult to accept, but it was offence to refuse. 

We spent a couple of days in 'Pindi', looking at the beautifully decorated Suzuki people carriers, and at the shops and stalls selling all kinds of things. We got prepared for the cold weather and brought simple army thermal tops and a small gas heater - for around £7 this gas bottle and heating element would be invaluable in the North! The only not so nice experience was that V and I were interrogated by a man at the mosque, demanding to know who we were and why we were there. He wasn't threatening but just demanding in his questions. We satisfied him with answers and left but afterwards we were mad at ourselves for not asserting ourselves more. We'd just been surprised because everyone else has been so friendly. 

The hotel itself was pretty dire but it was one of few that accepted foreigners - especially as this part is a Cantt area. Another person from the Regale Internet Inn was staying here so we spent some time with her and one of the guys that worked there. It was also great to travel as 4 because there are few hostel here - just twin rooms so it's much cheaper to share with someone. R became my room buddy, and we got on really well.  
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