Pakistan People

21/09/16 14:12 Filed in: Pakistan

So, I’m in Pakistan and so far the landscape is awesome. But the people are even better. So friendly, so welcoming. And everywhere I go I have to come in for a tea. Just a few small stories:

Near Janabad on the roadside beside the glacier breeze I meet the Australian couple again (somehow we are so far a the same speed, even if they are on cycles). We were invited for a tea by some local road workers. Everyone happy, smiling faces everywhere and of course some questions about where are your from, what are your doing first time in Pakistan.

Just before however I a weird event - I was standing on the roadside talking to local guides as suddenly a convoy arrived. About three to four Land Cruiser guided by „special forces“ in front and the back. Next, everyone was on the street - forces fully armed with machine guns protecting the road in front and back. In between me and now some tourist form Europe and USA. And then the guide had to introduce me to everyone as he was so suppriced that I was alone traveling by car all the way from Germany. Everyone asking questions and wising all the best for the rest of the journey. 10 minutes later this was over....

Next I’ve been on the „Glacier Breeze“ - the track up to the glacier. The last incline was a bit step so it took me a bit to get on. But on top I was greeted by workers building a water connection for the village sourced by the glacier. Before I could say anything I was invited straight away. They not only offered me tea, no, they gave me a full Pakistan meal (spiced rice with some chicken pieces and vegetables) and then the questions started: Where are your from, what is your profession, are your alone, about my travels. But as they know my civil engineering background they went on talking about their work. And this all at about 3000m with a glories views across the glacier and mountains.

Or when I was in Gulmit on my way up to the fort. First on the way up on of the lokal childs jumped on my rear ladder for lift up to the upper village. When I went on the track to the fort I was greeted by many locals, was offered some fresh apples etc. And on my way back from the fort I was invited for a tea by one of the local workers and his mother. He explained a bit about the community and then of course asked about my travels etc. Of course he had to mention that the Germans have a very good reputation in Pakistan (in general on journey as a whole, but thats a different story). When I was alone with the mother she couldn’t speak any english but tried to communicate, always with a smile on the face. She was complaining about pains she has, especially in joints, limbs and the back - so I left here one of my Kyta ointments.

On my we back I passed a sawmill. But this was a really old-style one. Sawing machines from the 1950s or earlier. So I had to take some photos and as the old owner heard that I’m also a trained carpenter he was smiling all over the face and hugged me. He was the last carpenter of the village and next I was introduced to his family and again I was offered tea and some cake. And of cource everyone wanted to know where I’m from, about my travels and on and on.

So, if this continues I have to say the Pakistan people as the friendliest and welcoming by a country mile!!