"Land of Connections" a Pakistan Travel Page by Fudge

2004:
When I found out I had to disc my Aussie (Birdsville Track enroute from Perth to Sydney by road) plans in August, this year, I was furious and disappointed within. But i knew family ties mattered and this was one of those decisions I just had to make.
So I headed to pakistan in the month I love the most and in one that i've never been to Pak to, since I left my country in the summer of '78.

It was with a surprising joy that i experienced my August in Pakistan this year. A lot of the excitement was induced by fellow VTer leonik (Andy) who met me a few times and gave me maps and tips and other inspirationsal words that always left a smile on my face :) Thanks Andy!

A lot of help also came from numerous travellers to Pakistan and residents in Pakistan. Thanks Najam (VT), Salman (VT, now sadly departed), Amir (LP), Olga (LP) and many kind souls on LP forums that offered their itineraries and tips/advice with no hesitation. Thank you ALL!

Update: 2007
I have spent 4 months in Pakistan, which were a mixed bag of feelings, from frustration to mango-madness, to indulgent holidays to awesome hiking right down to the crux of the poverty challenge.

A time for community was a theme I had chosen early this year, when an emotional slap in the face came in the form of an unexpected breakup. I missed family. So a 2 month plan turned into a 4 month 'away from home' attempt. In this time, i've connected with cousins, family, have gotten used to water & electricity not being there all the time, learnt to deal with 40 deg temperatures without complaining, volunteered up in the mountains and trekked many hills wherever opportunity arose.

I have gotten familiar with karachi's beaches, camels, street vendors, cafes (and their overly polite waiters), with the Mansehra bus-drivers on dangerous mountain road bends, with men who want to do everything for women, with children who are thirsty for love and care and airport officials who are ruthless with chance/standby seat aspirants.

It always helps to have a friend in a land away from home :) Sometimes we dont realise the warmth of friends comes from the people of the land - who we do not even know.

Here is Ahlina who went to great lengths to show me the wondrous lil things that make our mountains and trees a wonderful place to be in :)

Joy to the world!

I think i found him!

This Osama bin Laden lookalike caught my eye for a long while. He sweetly obliged for a closeup.

This gentleman is one of MANY affected by the recent Pakistan earthquake in the outskirts of Muzaffarabad. he had walked an hour or more to get rations for his suriviving family members who were managing on the other side of the hill.

For Full Quake Volunteering experience check out Muzaffarabad page (updating soon)