"Pakistani Travels" Pakistan Travelogue by Laurina

Pakistan Travel Guide: 4,557 reviews and 7,624 photos

Quetta truckstand

I visited this truck stand in Quetta. Truckers in South Asia, including India and Pakistan, are considered "high risk groups" in terms of HIV/AIDS. Often they are away from their families for months at a time, engaging in unsafe sex. (Of course, many Pakistanis are in denial: "We are good Muslims here in Pakistan; we don't behave 'immorally'.")

<center><hr size=1 width=65%></center>

The cleaning boys

These boys work on the trucks that criss-cross Pakistan. They are used to clean/maintain the trucks but also serve as "companions" to the truckers who often don't see their families for months at a time. Sometimes, the truckers even "switch" the boys in order to "try something new"...Of course, it doesn't happen to everyone but it is quite often the norm.

<center><hr size=1 width=65%></center>

Me and truckers

I got to speak to these truckers in Quetta. They have no access to health care and this is their greatest need.

<center><hr size=1 width=65%></center>

Women in Karachi slum

Here I am with a group of women who take part in a community program to educate other women and families about basic hygiene and reproductive health. They may be poor but they are full of spirit and motivation (not to mention hospitality!)

<center><hr size=1 width=65%></center>

Children of Swat

When I went skiing up in the Swat Valley, we bought some tea from the father of these kids. Five minutes after I'd asked for their picture a truck full of young Pathans (ethnic group from NWFP area) stopped and one guy asked, all giggly, if he could take OUR picture. At first I hesitated thinking, argh, I don't want to be their foreign trophy...but then I realized, hey, didn't I just use these kids as a trophy, in a way? I put the shoe on the other foot and willingly acquisced to being photographed! :) :) :)

<center><hr size=1 width=65%></center>

Polo!

I think polo and cricket rule Pakistan! This match took place in Rawalpindi, a 15 minute drive from Islamabad. Most of the time, I couldn't really follow what was going on in the game except for when they came up close like in this shot.

<center><hr size=1 width=65%></center>

After skiing...

It was like being on top of the world!

<center><hr size=1 width=65%></center>

Friends...

Here I am with a friend from Islamabad - she's English, not Pakistani ;o)

<center><hr size=1 width=65%></center>

Knackered!

Last picture taken after a weekend of attempting to ski down Pakistan's only certified ski slope and after an afternoon of antique furniture shopping. Go to the <a href="http://www.tribalmax.com/yurtfurnishings/swatfurniture.html">Tribal Max</a> site for examples of much sought after furniture from the Swat Valley! ("Sought after" at least from the perspective of ex-pats in Pakistan...Pakistanis usually buy the newer versions, but of course us foreigners: the more ethnic and authentic, the better!) Anyway, I'm going off on a tangent...

Page Written Sep 5, 2002
Add to Trip Planner (?)
Report Abuse

More Travelogues (3)

1 - 3 of 3

Comments (84)

marvelous_girl May 5, 2009 at 8:46 AM Report Abuse

hi its mahreen i really wish some day whole world realise what u hav realise about pakistan.i really likd ur comments.pakistan z really a place 2 liv in
Fudge Nov 7, 2007 at 8:52 AM Report Abuse

hi Laurina, Glad to read of your exp in pakistan. I too enjoy travelling in the northern areas. There seems to be steady stream of VTers who love travel to pakistan. I shd compile them! :)
NasirMahmood Feb 12, 2005 at 1:28 AM Report Abuse

Thank you for your comments--they were very nice and appreciated! I like your pages as well--I'll definitely have to return back here and read them more carefully.-Nasir... Happy Traveling in Pakistan)
dsantosh Dec 29, 2004 at 9:36 PM Report Abuse

Many many happy returns of the day. Wishing you a happy birthday and great and happy New Year . May this new year bring you wonderful travels as well as happiness. Greetings from India.
primoz015 Aug 17, 2004 at 12:59 AM Report Abuse

Nice travels what that nice girl doing in Pakistan, cheers from Slovenia
Guantanamera Jun 24, 2004 at 7:08 PM Report Abuse

There is a certain fabulous flamboyance to the aesthetic of those trucks...
j-san Jun 24, 2004 at 9:44 AM Report Abuse

hi! All is well indeed! Am just somewhat sleeeepy from the humid rainy season.......
mfc10 May 25, 2004 at 6:12 PM Report Abuse

Hey there Laurina! I very much liked your page!! G R E A T photos!
BorderHopper Feb 12, 2004 at 11:32 AM Report Abuse

Wow! Your 'Pawns of War' travelouge gave me shivers. Politicians can be very tacky...even here in the States they do things that make us cringe. You obvioulsy are leading a very fascinating life. Enjoy your travels!
rich77 Jan 7, 2004 at 8:02 PM Report Abuse

It seems to be very, very interesting...