The Last Day

We checked out of the PC Bhurban Hotel on Tuesday noon. Azhar arranged for a private driver for the day that would take us into Rawalpindi and Islamabad and see us to the airport.

Azhar had me dress in local attire so as to blend more with the locals. He had a great concern for my safety and risk of kidnapping. I must say that I was quite striking as a northern, Pakistani, tribe's man, don't you think? We drove into Rawalpindi to the Park Hotel which is owned and operated by family friends of Azhar's. We were given a room to refresh and to store our luggage. Of course we had to stay for tea.

Next we were off to the bank which was the main reason for coming to Islamabad. The branch manager remembered Azhar from 10 years ago. Of course we had to have tea and biscuits. The receptionist asked Azhar if we were the Pakistani Secret Service. Didn't I say that I was striking? Azhar did not answer, let's keep the mystery.

I needed to do some banking also from an ATM so I went outside and around the corner to the ATM. Unfortunately the ATM at that bank did not have the N.A. networks so no luck for me. Azhar was a little worried that I went out on my own but I was invisible in my local garb.

Next we were off to see a relative. This meant that we had to stop at the bakery to get something for the host. Then off to see family. The first stop was to see Azhar's aunt and cousins. The girl in the top row, second from the left is getting married on the weekend. Unfortunately we did not have enough prior warning of the date, otherwise we would be attending the event. Of course we had to have tea and sweats.

Off we went again to see another cousin and to have supper with the family. This meant that we had to stop at the bakery again.Unfortunately I did not get the whole family picture.

We had a good visit with Azhar's cousin, her 2 daughters, her husband and her father. The husband, in the picture, is completing his PhD and is presenting a paper in Vancouver on integrating wireless technologies. We thought that he was going to be on the same flight as us that evening but his Canadian VISA had not been completed. We had a glorious supper, lots of variety, colour and tastes. The hostest is a great cook.

It was around 10:00 PM when we left for our next cousin. This meant that we had to stop at the bakery again. We had another good visit with tea and sweats. Our final stop was with another cousin. This final visit was in front of his house in the dark as there was a rolling blackout. No tea involved this time.

It was very late by now and time to head back to the Park Hotel. At the hotel we quickly changed into our western clothes and headed off to the airport. Our objective of not staying in any one place too long was accomplished and I was not kidnapped. What a relief for Azhar.

The flight to Dubai and on to Toronto was uneventful. I did a little reading, watched 3 movies, had 3 short naps and eat 3 meals. Azhar found 3 empty seats and slept most of the trip.

On arrival at Toronto I had just stepped up to the immigration/customs officer when my phone rang. Of course I answered it by reflex. It was Samira, Azhar's wife. The officer gave me a mean look and suggested that I move aside while I took my call. I hung up on Samira and faced the officer. He said, "what were you thinking? Are you stupid answering the phone in front of me? Was it that important?" I immediately fell into my most humble stance and agreed that yes, I must be stupid. I was waiting for the full 3rd degree. Well he let me go and didn't even give me the dreaded code that would have both of my suitcases dumped out and searched.

Happily we left the airport, home at last.

Well we are back to Canada safe and sound. What a great experience. We hope you enjoyed our notes and observations. We appreciate the comments some of you had provided. It helped motivate us to contribute to the blog when we knew we had an audience.

If you have a moment please add a comment and tell us how you enjoyed our adventure.

Salaam.... Ralph Gault

Picture Albums for Thailand and Pakistan

I have uploaded all of my pictures from our trip. I separated the pictures into 2 albums on Picasa.

For the Thailand pictures go to http://picasaweb.google.com/rdgault/Thailand#

For the Pakistan pictures go to http://picasaweb.google.com/rdgault/Pakistan#

We hope you enjoy the pictures and videos.

Health Watch

Monday morning, our last full day in the hills. Last night was cold. We had planned to work in the gym this morning so I called Ralph. He picked up the phone and his voice sounded terrible. Ralph had caught a stomach flu and had a low grade fever. Was it the cappuccino we had last night I thought. I always pack a pharmacy when I leave on vacation so I took out my Tylenol, thermometer, gravol and went to see him. He looked very sick, so I dispensed my drugs and we agreed I would work out and have the breakfast buffet and see him latter. I went to the Male Only gym across from the Female Only gym just a few doors down from the Business Center. I was happily surprised to find the gym has all the latest equipment. I worked out for 45 minutes and then had a 45 minute massage that turned into a 1 1/2 hour massage at a cost of 950 Rupees or roughly 13 dollars. I think I will go back tonight. I had buffet breakfast alone and made sure I did not intake any carbs. I asked the chef to make some fresh chicken broth and went to check on Ralph. A bottle of coke almost empty was on his night stand - I'm not sure if that was a good idea? He was shivering so we ordered him 2 extra blankets, he drank some soup and I left him to sleep.

I walked out of the hotel and down the lane where a line of cabs awaited, I negotiated 600 rupees for a trip to the main town of Murree and back. The windy roads and lush greenery were magnificent. I went into Murree and went to the Unsani Restaurant (recommended by staff at our Hotel) for some fried fish (I should not be eating fried anything). It was the best fish I had ever eaten, I would have told the staff but the lack of attentiveness made it easy for me to stay quite. I walked down Mall Rd (the main street in Murree). Small shops and small restaurants adorned the sides of the street. I picked up a traditional hat for Ralph to complete his local attire for our trip to Rawalpindi tomorrow (walking with a white boy in Rawalpindi not so safe). I got a call from my dad's friend and we have arranged a car for the all day trip to Rawalpindi/Airport tomorrow for 5000 Rupees ($80). I drove back to our Hotel and picked up a handful of very sweet grapes on the way.

Ralph was feeling better now and joined me outside for a sit in the sun. We went to the cafe so I could finish my cigar and both had fresh grape juice. Very sweet - don't know or want to know what made it creamy. Ralph went back to his room with hiccups - not a good sign. We ordered more soup for him to be ready at 8pm for our supper. Ralph went back to sleep and I came down to blog. Feeling tired myself I may take a nap now and await Sir Ralph to wake.

Passport - ahh what Passport?

We packed up quickly and left the PC Lahore hotel on Saturday noon. It was hard saying good bye to such a top notch hotel; I can’t wait to get back. We rented a driver (Shabir) and car for 8,000 rupees ($115) for our 6 hour trip to the PC Bhurban hotel at 8000 feet overlooking the Kashmir Valley. The new six lane Motorway was smooth and the trip rather uneventful, other than the 2 speeding tickets. We arrived at 7:30pm to check in.

The young man behind the counter asked for my passport. No problem and I went into my bag. And it is when the shock hit me – I did not empty out the room safe in Lahore!!!! My passport, credit card, money lay now in someone else’s room. Quickly I asked the staff to call Lahore PC. Lahore staff told me that they would empty the content and could courier it, however since tomorrow would be a holiday it would not go out till Monday and may – MAY arrive Tuesday (the day we depart). Should I stress leaving it there and would I enjoy the holidays thinking about what could possibly go wrong. Anxiety filled me up and I called the driver back (good thing I had his cell number). He would take me back and bring me here AGAIN for another 8,000. Ralph stayed behind so at least one of us would enjoy the evening. We left at 8pm and took turns driving while one slept and arrived at Lahore at 2:30am. I was back in PC Lahore as I wished. This all felt as if I was in a dream. I got my things from the Duty Manager and off we went back towards the capital Islamabad and then to the PC Bhurban. It was now 18 hours of constant driving and we were approaching Islamabad, now the drive was getting exhausting! It was now 7am and we had 2 hours up the mountain to go when we got pulled over by the police.

Pulled Over! What else could go wrong ? One officer (Mazher) left his superior sitting in the police car and came over to my driver Shabir and asked for the paper work for the new 2008 Toyota Corolla we were driving. What a surprise - the paper work was INVALID and NOT up-to-date!!! He was going to seize the car. Ohhh when was I arriving to relax in PC Bhurban now – would I need to find a cab? Then Officer Mazher turned to me and asked me if I was renting the vehicle, not knowing I honestly answered ‘Yes!’. Shabir gave me look that sunk my heart. The officer asked for the rental agreement. What Agreement? Now I was going to be ticketed for 500 rupees, money I did not have. I may have to go to holding the officer said if I don’t pay on the spot. Holding where and for how long, when was I going to PC Bhurban now. We tried pleading our case that we were on a trade mission. He started walking to his boss to write up the ticket. I got 100 rupees from Shabir and with the 20 rupees in my pocket I walked over the officers in the car. I told the lead officer that we had a 9:30am breakfast meeting with the Minister in PC Bhurbon ( a few white lies ). I offered the bundle of small bills to officer Mazher as a down payment on the fine, he did not count them thank God and hurrying he advised his boss to let us go. Mazher counted it with disgust and handed it to his boss saying it’s only 120. The boss now frustrated gave me my paperwork back and said ok we will not ticket or seize the vehicle, but it seemed as if the wanted compensation. He then said its not enough - take this money back as well! This was good I thought. Latter Shabir explained Pakistani / Indian culture: what the officer was saying was that the amount was an insult and I in shame should offer more to win his favor. Not knowing the custom I grabbed the money asked his full name and advised him that the Minister would be hearing about this 0and started to walk towards Shabir. Shabir recounted that the officers did not know what just took place – they were looking dumbfounded. The 120 was enough for breakfast and even that was taken way. They started to argue about the mismanagement of that transaction. Thank God some good luck! We arrived in Bhurban at 9:30 – I met Ralph at the buffet Breakfast and went to see my room. I have a corner unit with huge corner windows overlooking the valley.

Up all night and now its time to see the sights, I'm going to sleep well tonight. From 38 degrees in Karachi and 32 in Lahore it’s cool up here and a good thing a packed a light jacket.

Cultural Observations

There are a number of things that have caught my eye usually because they are different from Canada. For example, going through airport security I am patted down not scanned with a hand held device. There is still the metal detector doorway frame. The women are not patted down in public. They go into a screened box where there is a security women who closes the curtain and I assume, pats them down.

Motorcycle Helmets:
Helmets are optional and very, very few riders wear them. In Karachi there are 3,000,000 cars and 9,000,000 motorcycles. The population of Karachi is around 20,000,000. The population of Lahore is around 10,000,000. It is not uncommon to see 3 riders on a motorcycle and I have seen 4, all without helmets. I saw a family of 4 on a motorcycle without helmets. The father was driving with the wife riding side saddle on the back, a young child infront of the father and a very young child on the handle bars. And they were in 7 lane traffic where every vehicle appears to have the right of way. Scary.

Vehicles:
It is common to see cars, busses, motorcycles, bicycles, donkey carts and horse carriages on the road at the same time. I passed a donkey cart in the middle lane of a 6 lane roadway with cars travelling at 80 km/hr.

Buses:



Buses are privately owned. To run a bus you get a vehicle and apply for a route. The buses demonstrate their owners pride of ownership through the paint jobs. It is almost like the cable cars in San Francisco, that is you just jump on and hang on, inside, on the side or on the top. There is a ticket guy at each end of the bus who checks for tickets. I don't know how they check on the passengers riding on top of the bus.

Animals:
In downtown Karachi and Lahore I have seen cows wandering across the street. In Karachi I passed through a Hindu community where the cows are allowed to roam free. In other neighbourhoods the cows are allowed to graze freely. The water buffulo are too big and are keep of road. More than once we had to slow down to pass cows in 3 lane traffic.

What about goats you ask? Well there are a lot of those wandering the streets also. I didn't see too many cats or dogs, surprisingly.


Schools:
There is no public school system. If you want your child educated then you have to send them to private. That means that the majority of people in Pakistan do not know how to read and write. This also means that you cannot hand a written address to the common man on the street and ask for directions. Most if not all educated Pakistanis can speak English as they study that in school and watch English TV.

Changing of the Guard

About 45 minutes west of Lahore is the border between Pakistan and India. For those that do not know, Pakistan was created by severing a western section of India in 1947. Pakistan was created as an Islam state and all muslims from over India migrated to Pakistan and all Hindus left. There have been wars fought between India and Pakistan, the latest being around 1962 and maybe in the 70s (I can't know everything).

At the border crossing there is a nightly ritual of lowering the flags on both sides of the border. There are viewing stands set up on both sides of the border where each side tries to out cheer the opposition. This is a picture looking over to the Indians from the Pakistan side of the border.





This is a picture of the Pakistan cheering sections. Note that there are viewing stands on both sides of the road. Men and women in Pakistan do not sit together. Note that all the people in the stands are men. The VIPs and foreigners can be mixed and get a front row seat. You will note that the Indian side have co-ed seating and play loud rock music while the Pakistani side plays traditional music and chants Islam cheers.

The Pakistani honor guard march down into the centre of the roadway between the viewing stands. There is a lot of marching up to the gates with a lot of pomp and show with heavy stomping feet. This is to intimidate the opposition and to challenge. This goes on a few times then the gates are opened. Now the guards from both sides march up to the gate and stomp their feet and give each other the evil eye.






Check out the videos.

Oxygen mask may drop at any time?

Our flight to Lahore, Pakistan started out normally with a ride to the airport. We took a bit of a detour because road blocks were set up on the airport road with security checks. Apparently someone important was coming or going. We made good time by taking an alternate route and only went through security entering the airport.

We were early so we sat down in the outside lobby ( I don't know how else to describe it as the outside wall was missing to allow the breeze to keep the area cool. ) We got a drink and lit our cigars. Very relaxing with a view on McDonald's across the street. Security was ever present, walking around, carrying serious rifles. Azhar spoke to them and we got a photo shoot going with the guards and McDonalds in the background. (The photo is back lit and the white van stopped in front of McDonald's. Trust me, there is a McDonald's there.) The senior guard asked me how I liked Pakistan.
I don't believe he thought that foreigners could like his country but I agreed that Pakistan was wonderful, so far.

Well, through check-in where Azhar had to pay C$12 because of overweight bags. I of course was okay. Anyway, on to the air plain.

The flights time to Lahore from Karachi is 1 hour 16 minutes. We were flying at 38,000 feet about 45 minutes out of Karachi when this announcement came over the PA system.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we are experiencing a rapid decompression in the airplane, please distinguish any cigarettes and return to your seats and fasten your seat belt. The oxygen masks may drop at any moment, Please place them on your face and tighten...." You probably know the rest of the message but the first part was new to me!

There were a few surprised faces around me as we waited for the "action". You know? The nose of the plane heading perilously towards earth at a harrowing speed with the deafening roar of straining jet turbines. Well, nothing happened. We just continued on our way with no change in altitude and no further comments over the PA.

We arrived unscathed in Lahore. Got our bags and made our way to the hotel shuttle van.

While we were checking in at the hotel a flight crew arrived and were also checking in. Azhar asked the pilot if he was on the Karachi to Lahore route. He was and continued interrogation by Azhar resulted in the following information.

The announcement heard was a recorded message that was initiated mistakenly.

Day Seven

Today was the big meeting with the provincial Minister of Information Technology here in Karachi. We had biscuits and tea. We informed the Minister of our business attentions and the Minister gave us a presentation of his challenges and opportunities.

In the afternoon I am getting a guided tour of the city while Azhar does some shopping for his family back home. (Pictures to follow)

Last night I had a short tour of a local market and the tomb of the founder of Pakistan. Pakistan was created on August 14, 1947 by taking a western part from India. Bangladesh was created at the same time by taking a bit of the eastern part of India.

Day Five

We arrived in Karachi Monday morning at 6:00 AM. Were met by a company representative who walked us through the immigration process. Our contact, Naqi met us outside of the restricted area and drove us to his place.

Naqi is a Canadian contact working in Karachi at a IT Development company. His family is in Mississauga and he is here alone so he invited us to stay at his house. Of course the first thing we do is have a cigar on his upstairs patio. We followed this with breakfast of fried egg over biryani rice. We had a short nap with extended into a long nap so we were late for out business meeting.

Azhar and I put on our Thailand suits complete with ties and then went into Naqi's office. We were a bit over dressed but first impressions are important. Although the 30+ temperature does have an impact.

We had a short introductory meeting to establish contact then were were given a tour of the facilities. One of the operations is a radio station http://www.radioactive96.fm and were were introduced to the RJ (Radio Jockey) and the studios. This is an English language rock station targeting the educated 13 to 20 year olds.

This evening were are going out to a barbecue restaurant which has an excellent reputation. I am looking forward to an early night, I really need my sleep to function properly.

So far the country and architecture reminds me of Mexico. I am very comfortable here. We are limiting our visit to Islamabad and substituting a side trip to Lahore.

"No Durian Allowed" - hotel lobby sign

The streets around Nano Plaza were congested, the street vendors (BBQ everything - fruits - stir frys - etc.) on the sidewalk take up more spaces than the crowds hustling about. Great place for a pickpocket. We came across a fruit vendor selling many many fruits - already peeled and in in plastic bags - perfect - what do you know I came across one of my favorite fruit the Durian and it was already in peeled and in plastic. I bought some along with a mango and 4 Sidafir fruit. The thing about Durian is that it tastes wonderful ( cross a banana / garlic / old white Cheddar cheese) however the smell is foul. SO FOUL that our Hotel had a sign in the hallway that said "No Durian Allowed". We walked across the street and looking for a cab. We found a cab driver that lied about knowing where our Hotel was located and took us 10 minutes in the wrong direction. Latter we found out that he could not read the Hotel's direction card I had gave him. We jumped out of the cab without paying and were left under a dark bridge in some God forsaken road. Other cabs came up and as we learning from our first mistake tried to to make sure that the new cabi knew where our hotel was, other cabs would line up behind him waiting failure and then there chance. We failed the 2nd and then the 3rd. Eventually the fourth cab driver knew. Thank God! We were happy that we was turning around in going in the right direction. And then it happened. He noticed the smell of the Durian coming thru two pastic bags. He started to gasp while opening the windows and scream Durian in disgust. He wanted us out. No way we argued and I relented to keep my hand outside the cab holding the plastic bags. I was starting to get upset. We finally got home, and the cabi sped off grumbling. I had to eat my wonderful find outside the hotel, I offered Ralph some and he found it mushy and sweet "like rice pudding without the rice". The hotel staff outside the hotel now were chanting "Durian" as the pungent smell wafted over to them. Could I not eat this thing in peace? I finished , licked my fingers and went inside the Hotel. I went to the desk to get my key - Ralph was already there talking to women behind the desk. The young women that had been so sweet to me - now smelling the Durian on my fingers, said in a harsh voice "NO DURIAN ALLOWED" - I snapped - I should not have but I had enough of people talking about a fruit loved and hated by millions. "I don't have any Durian!" showing here my bags, I yelled back. "If you would have given me my key rather than talking to him I could go and wash my hands" I snapped back.
Rule 2: Don't hang with Durian.

Day Four

National Park Tour:
Water stop
Town market
Ox Cart








Waterfall








Monkeys








Lunch was at the elephant site. Again the food servings were small so we asked for an extra platter of cashew chicken. Surprisingly enough they consented. It's nice feeling full after a mean.

Then it was time for the elephant ride. You approach the elephant from a high platform so that you just step on. (Pictures will be available later.) Azhar and I sat on the bench while the driver sat on the elephant's neck. The elephant walks very slowly and when we went down a hill we were thankful that we were wearing seat belts because we were rolling and leaning forward. After a short walk down to the river the driver pulled up next to the river bank and jumped off. He asked for my camera and I thought, great a picture of us on the elephant. Then he asked me to move down onto the elephant's neck. Great I thought, a better picture. Then off he walks commanding the elephant to continue.

So there we were, me on the elephant's back with Azhar on the bench. There was no way I could get off. I stayed on the elephant all the way back. The driver must have taken 100 pictures. Anyway it was a fun ride.

A refreshing shower and change was very welcomed. So off we went for a little shopping. Azhar bought a dress shirt for our upcoming business meetings in Karachi. We both bought dress shoes at the Bata store.

Shopping done, we dropped our purchases off at the hotel and walked next door to a canal-side seafood restaurant. We were just walking in the door when the sky opened up with a downpour. Fortunately the rain abated by the time we finished the green Curry prawns.

Our friend Joe had recommended that we go to Nana Plaza to the colourful bar scene. We flagged down a taxi and off we went. The Plaza turned out to be a district not a shopping mall as I had expected. The area was essentially a short lane-way with bars on three sides and 3 floors high. The upstairs levels had an outside balcony where you could sit along the outside edge and have a beverage. After doing all three levels and not picking a bar, we stopped on level two and had a beverage and a cigar. People watching was entertaining enough with all of the different characters walking by looking for just the right bar.

It was approaching midnight and we had to get up early to meet our driver who would take us to the river to meet up with the Long Boat for our canal tour so I suggested we leave. I really need my sleep.

Day Three

We agreed to meet at 8:00 AM to return the motor bikes. It was tough but we did it a litter bleary eyed. Well the bike guy wasn't there so we split up for a little while so that Joe could finish packing and book his seat for his home trip that afternoon. Azhar and I went to the Internet cafe. We only had an hour because we were supposed to pick up our suits at 9:00 AM.

We couldn't find Joe so Azhar and I went over to the tailor's. Joe was already there. Azhar and I tried on our suits. The final decision was that the suits were okay but not as great as we had expected but for the price they are fantastic and we can afford to get them altered at home.

But what about breakfast? We were on a time line. We had booked a taxi for 10:30 AM and it was already 10 past 10:00 and I had to pack. Oh well, food first. Azhar and I decided to get the hotel buffet which wasn't the greatest but again, okay. Azhar had some mussels and curry for breakfast. That kept him busy for awhile afterwards...what was he thinking??

Anyway, before Joe got back to us I had a chance to get my stuff packed up. Off we went to Bangkok.

As soon as we arrived Joe dragged us off to the malls. Our first stop was the IT plaza. Five levels of electronics. This is where azhar and I bought telephones and a local SIM card. Next we walked over to the Sky Train which is an elevated subway. We took that to the MBG Plaza. This was more our North American style with anchor stores and shops between on many levels. This is an extremely large facility. We picked up lunch here which was Joe's breakfast. Joe missed breakfast because we had so much to get done in the morning and he ran out of time. Maybe that is way he is so skinny.

We returned to the hotel so Joe could head out to the airport. After seeing him off I walked over to the nearest canal where there was a restaurant and I could have a beer while waiting for Azhar. Where was Azhar you say? Well Azhar was having a reflexology foot massage.

It was a great spot next to the canal. Big long commuter boats would pull up to the dock and crew at booth ends would jump off, wrap there ropes around the thing that they tie up to (can't think of the name of that post.) Anyway they were fast, three quick loops and a tug to hold it in place while the 100 or so people crawled out and more jumped in. They were in and out in 30 seconds or less. The boats were about 30 seconds apart. All very fast.

Azhar caught up with me at the restaurant.

Massage
End of day cigar

Day Two

Activities:

Azhar called me at 7:30 AM to go for a swim with him. I declined because I was still so tired from the travelling.

We were supposed to meet Joe in the lobby at 9:00 to go to a special place where they have an excellent buffet. But, since I was up already I met up with Azhar around 8:30 AM and talked him into walking down the street with me to an Internet cafe where I uploaded pictures from my camera and started blogging the day before. I was still typing at 9:15 AM and Joe was at the door calling me to go. He had arranged to meet up with his buddy with whom he went to Cambodia at 9:00 AM and I was late. So I stopped mid stream and hopped on the back of Azhar's motor bike. He dropped me off at the hotel parking garage where I picked up my bike and we were then off to the Lek Hotel for a great breakfast.

The buffet was substantial and only cost 120 bhat (about C$3.00) Jimmy, Joe's friend is a great guy. He is a retired teacher who taught math at John Abbot College in Montreal. This is Tanya's old school but Jimmy was gone when Tanya was there.

After breakfast we were back on the bikes and off for our pant fitting at the tailor's. Only minor adjustments were required. We made a jacket fitting appointment for 11:00 PM that night.

Back on the bikes and down to the water front. We drove out onto the long wharf for a great view back onto the city.

Still on the bikes, we drove up the mountain to see the Buddha statue. I have some great pictures which I'll load later. It is a very pretty and spiritual spot.

Then off to the beach. We rented beach chairs and ordered Coca Colas all around. We were accosted by every wandering vendor on the beach. I bought a clear pair of glasses for night riding. Azhar ordered up a foot massage so I followed suit.
I also ordered a pedicure which resulted in me lying back with my coke and a cigar while two girls pampered my feet. It was a bit opulent but what the hey, I'm on vacation.

After the beach Joe agreed to let me blog some more. While I was doing that Azhar went for a hair cut. Obviously I was taking too long on the blog because both Azhar and Joe dragged me out of there. So back on the bikes and off to Joe's buddy Mike's place across town.

Mike has a condo on the beach with a great view and swimming pool. Mike has a Thai girlfriend who is very quiet. Maybe it's the language but she didn't speak enough to determine. A lovely girl anyway.

Off we went again. Back to the tailor for the suit jacket fitting. After the fitting Joe took us to the Big C shopping mall. Joe loves shopping malls. Shopping is big here with a 10 million plus population. I finally had the opportunity to buy some guitar picks for my Scouting buddy Robin.

I have 3 shopping requests. Buy guitar picks, souvenir spoons and post cards for a Cub.

We had supper at a local Thai restaurant. The food is great but the servings are small.

Azhar was going for a massage and Joe wanted to do some personal errands so I agreed to join Azhar at the shop next to the hotel. There are more massage shops than internet shops. Well, I only wanted an upper back and neck massage so when I was instructed to take of my pants I reiterated that I only wanted from the waist up worked on. I was very suspicios of her motives. Anyway we proceeded as best we could with her broken English and my reservations. Azhar was 2 mats over from me and was getting the Thai massage with no problems at all. Every now and then he would ask whether or not I was okay. Well after 45 minutes I requested that she stop. I think she was doing more damage to my neck than good. Azhar was disappointed that he didn't get the last 15 minutes. He is such a massage sl%t! I was happy just to get out of there.

We met up with Joe for drinks across the street from the hotel at a street bar. This gives the wandering streeyt vendors easy access to us. We were kept busy ignoring the sales pitches. AFter an hour or so Azhar was missing his massage so he went off looking for a more upscale establishment. That was Azhar's 4th massage since arriving.

Joe and I continued with our beers until close to 3:00 AM.

The Arrival/Day One

Whoa! It was a 25 hour trip to Bangkok, Thailand. The first leg to Dubai was okay. We got seats by an exit so we had plenty of leg room. They surely over feed you on Emirates Airline.

Dubai airport was the long wait. The plane from Kuwait was late coming in so we had a 6 hour wait.


The flight to Bangkok was non-eventful. We slept a lot on that leg. So, we left Toronto at 10:00 PM on Monday and arrived Tuesday at 10:00 PM (Toronto time) in Bangkok which was 10:00 AM, Wednesday. Azhar and I took a Taxi from the airport to Pattaya where we were to meet our buddy Joe.

Inside the airport they were quoting 3,000 Bhat (Thai currency which is 3 to 1 C$) for a taxi. We passed on that because Joe had told us that we could get a taxi for 1500 bhat. Outside of the airport we got a taxi for 1500 bhat. The taxi driver gave us the sob story that he had to pay 200 bhat as a service charge. We agreed because he was smiling so much. After the 1.r hour drive to Pattaya I even gave him a 100 bhat tip as he was still smiling and had his hand out for more. I didn't mind since the whole trip was only C$60.

Joe was waiting in the hotel lobby for us, It was noon and we were 2 hours past the expected time of arrival. After checking in we went up to the roof-top bar and pool where we had a swim, drink and a cigar.

Our second stop was to get Ralph sandals. Beside the sandal shop which was in a little street side market there was a tailor shop, Azhar struck up a conversation with the guys there who were originally from Pakistan. So of course we had to buy a suit. Joe got a suit, Azhar got a suit and Ralph got 2 suits, 2 shirts with matching ties. This turned out to be an event with all of the measuring and style details such as, single back pleat, 2 button or 3 button, surgeon cuffs, inside pockets and which designer lining. The material selected was a silk, cashmear blend with Armani lining. The pants were either double pleat or flat and no cuffs. Ralph's shirts were french cuff and initials on the cuff. We arranged for a first fitting at 8:00 PM that night. Fortunately they work until 2:00 AM so we were insured that delivery would be by Friday morning.

Next we were off to get the motor scooters.

We barrelled around town dangerously with the millions of other bikers keeping in mind that this was left lane country. I was thinking that this was going to be a lot more dangerous than Pakistan.

We went to a shopping mall and strolled through Wal-mart.
The store must of had twice the number of products than a Toronto store complete with grocery and fresh fish sections. We splurged and bought a Coke and rain ponchos.



Then we were off to see Mike, a friend of Joe's who lives here permanently. He has a great condo overlooking the bay. Mike and his girlfriend hopped on their scooter and we were all off to supper. Mike lead the way. He is a very agressive driver. It was a dangerous but exciting drive. The restaurant was a Thai style restaurant. I was so tired by that time that I am sure that I was sleeping at the table with my eyes open. At least my mind shut down from time to time.

After supper we said our farewels to Mike and returned to the hotel to leave our bikes then off again we went. We caught the local bus which is a pickup truck with side benches in the back. There are little door style buttons in the bach to use when you want to get off. We went to the "walking street". This street is pedestrian only in the evening. There are many bars, loud music, restaurants and Go-Go bars all along the street.

We strolled down and back watching the street action. Afterwards we dropped in to a warf side restaurant where we had an other cigar and drinks. Azhar supplemented the evening with a fantastic foot massage, We walked back to the hotel along the water front.

I had a quick shower and was asleep within seconds. It was a world-wind day for sure.

Happy Birthday

Yes its my Birthday and what a day it was, I got some very nice gifts and gave myself a bad cold. I'm filling myself with Vitiamin C and soup and should knock this off before work in the morning. Thank God I'm a bit more proactive than Ralph and have already packed.

I've already adjusted my watch to Thailand time so its now 5am there and I'm getting very sleepy - nothing to do with the cold medicine. Last night sleep on my bed - should I take my pillow with me?

Pre Holiday, Holiday

To get me into the holiday spirit my wife and I are at a cottage resort in Prince Edward County, Ontario, Canada. We are staying in a small cottage named the 'Tree House'.

This is at the Lake On The Mountain which is what it is, literally. The lake is above Lake Ontario.

Maybe I should be home packing but I want to spend some quality time with my wife before heading off to Thailand.

Am I Packed?

Well, here it is, only 3 more sleeps before we are off and I haven’t opened my suitcase yet. This morning I packed a weekend bag for my get-a-way with my wife. We are off to a cottage resort in beautiful Prince Edward County by the shore of Lake Ontario. This means that I will have to pack for the Thailand/Pakistan trip on Monday morning. I wonder what I’ll forget. The key thing to remember is to pack half as much clothes and twice as much money. I should be okay.

A Pakistan Wedding Invitation

There will be a family wedding in Islamabad on October 24, however we are returning to Toronto on October 22nd. It was suggested that we extend our stay in Islamabad and that Ralph attend a Pakistani wedding and keep cool.

To attend I should purchase Pakistani dress and roam round the event with no fear - "he has to stay quite and talk to you (Azhar) and us only".

Staying indoor and holding private meetings is OK and no security problem. These terrorists know their target and these are buildings where US marines and other personnel used to stay. So there is no danger if you stay away from such buildings.

Security is a relative term. Now with the Marriott gone up in smoke courtesy of American friends, most visitors stay in guest houses - private small hotels which have 10-14 rooms. These are safe and unnoticed by even local people. Quite a few in Islamabad.