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