digital {perversion}

Warnings for Qatari's

2007-11-18T01:16:00.000-08:00

Every country/region seems to have some problems totally unique to them. It seems that Qatari's aren't free from these sui generis problems and signs to warn against them. This was seen at the biggest mall in Doha (City Center Mall @ Doha, Qatar) and if it really is the biggest in Doha, then it definitely is the biggest in Qatar itself. I can't even begin to imagine the need for such a warning, but I guess Qatari's must be getting into brawls and shout-outs over who gets to sit on the kerb and litter!

Of delays and emergencies and Benazir

2007-11-18T01:05:00.000-08:00

I got to the airport earlier than I usually do, since I anticipated some delays because of the imposition of 'emergency' in Pakistan by the self imposed 'President' of Pakistan - Musharraf. Everything went smoothly as far as check-in and immigration was concerned, but little did I realise that my plane would be delayed several hours. All because Benazir Bhutto happened to be flying from Dubai to Karachi on the very same plane that was to take me and my wife the other way round.

It was exciting to be witness to something dramatic. Something that would be newsworthy, a clash of people's party chairman with immigration officials (I didn't expect Musharraf would have the balls to let her back into the country) and so we waited with camera settings ready - ready to become part of history.

When the plane finally did land, it was all just a blur. And believe me, in those blurry streaks of light you see, there really is Benazir Bhutto swiftly ushered into the airport so as to avoid unnecessary delays and drama. Disappointed that the hours of waiting yielded no excitement, we turned our focus to the trip to Doha via Dubai and it seemed even less exciting!

With or White?

2007-09-04T22:09:00.000-07:00

I still haven't figured what this label intends to say! Does the cheese come 'with' cumin or is it 'white' cumin?

Incoveneance

2007-09-04T04:03:00.000-07:00

This is a notice placed by CAA (the Civil Aviation Authority - the body that regulates all airlines, airline traffic and maintains all the airports). This is the sign they place in the 'international' departures area. It is so embarassing to know that we can't even get spellings right! How hard can it be to do a spell check in word? Yet we fail to do that!

CAA should be sorry!

I Scored Last Night

2007-08-20T02:04:00.000-07:00

Now this guy really has to have scored after ages to be so proud of his achievement that he simply had to have it plastered onto his car!

No details have been blurred out so that everyone can see who it really is!

Ceiling

2007-05-15T03:37:00.000-07:00

Examples of the elaborate and amazingly beautiful work done on the ceilings. Each room is as grand as the other. It's amazing the level of detail you find on the work done here.

Main Reception Room

2007-05-15T03:33:00.000-07:00

Since I was too busy taking in the sights of the beautiful and grand palace (and taking pictures of course) I got left behind by the tour so really can't fill in any details. However, this is the reception room as far as I remember. The main hall had an open layout while this could be a little more private to host meetings.

This is where the Sultan received state guests.

Main Reception Room

2007-05-15T03:29:00.000-07:00

The Chandelier

A dining table

Fireplace

Detail of fireplace

Crystal Stair Banisters

2007-05-15T03:22:00.000-07:00

This is a picture of the banister of the first stair case that I encountered on my tour of the palace. I guess this is the main staircase. And YES, the banisters are made of crystal!

Main entrance of Dolmabahçe Sarayı

2007-04-30T13:47:00.000-07:00

Clock Tower @ Dolmabahçe Sarayı

2007-04-30T09:31:00.000-07:00

Sultanahmet Camii

2007-04-29T02:52:00.000-07:00

No matter how many times I've seen it, I just love this mosque. The grand architecture and the beautiful location, the gardens in front. It's just such a superb sight, that I can't help but photograph it and then of course post it here!

Horse-drawn Carriages

2007-04-29T02:46:00.000-07:00

I saw this horse-drawn carriage at Sultanahmet. I hadn't seen these before, so I'm guessing it's a seasonal thing and only becomes available in the summers. The tourists have hit Istanbul hard this season. I see so many people despite the politically charged situation and the protests being arranged.

Not to stray from the topic, I just missed my fiance and was wondering if we'd get to visit Istanbul together and take a ride in one of these.

Picture Perfect Maldives!

2007-04-28T09:34:00.000-07:00

Saw this pic while randomly surfing the internet, and I just fell in love with the idea of visiting Maldives!

Inside the Grand Bazar

2007-04-27T06:12:00.000-07:00

The Grand Bazaar (or Covered Bazaar, Kapalıçarşı in Turkish) in Istanbul is one of the largest covered markets in the world with more than 58 streets and 4000 shops, and has 250,000-400,000 visitors daily.

Technically, the correct translation of the Turkish name Kapalıçarşı is "Covered Bazaar" and not "Grand Bazaar", simply because the Turks do not call it "Grand Bazaar". In Turkish kapalı means "covered" and çarşı means "market" or "bazaar" (as in the Persian 'bazar', where the word originates from and in English we spell it as "bazaar".)

Apart from this info which a traveler can probably find on most travel and tourism websites, the real important thing to know is that bargaining is a MUST if you want to shop here. No matter how reasonable the price seems, the shop-keepers have actually come down to 1/3rd of what they initially asked me for.

After a few shops, one gets the general idea of the price ranges for certain products. My advice is to keep a price in mind, and quote a price lower than that. Some will turn you away, others will negotiate and they will NEVER accept your first offer. This is when you turn to go away from the shop, and then they will suddenly lower their prices. This is when you make your final offer, show them the cash and walk away with what you had in mind!

I did enjoy myself

2007-04-26T13:16:00.000-07:00

Need I say anything?

Minarets on the coastline

2007-04-26T13:09:00.000-07:00

There's something breath-takingly beautiful, undescribably grand and amazingly unique about the skyline of Istanbul. The minarets representing the rich history and culture of the region, seem to be an amazing sight. I never get tired of this sight, no matter how many times I see it!

Love Is In The Air ...

2007-04-26T12:53:00.000-07:00

Love is in the air
Everywhere I look around
Love is in the air
Every sight and every sound

Traditional Sailboat

2007-04-26T12:46:00.000-07:00

Ortaköy Mosque from the Bosphorus

2007-04-26T12:34:00.000-07:00

Wallpaper

2007-04-26T01:57:00.000-07:00

I guess I need to use some filters on the image to really bring out the true color, the way I saw it!

Another revision of the same images. A little tweaking to enhance the colors.

Dressed up...

2007-04-26T01:42:00.000-07:00

I took these pictures, since I was wearing the tie my fiance gave me. First time I tried it on and she wasn't here to see it, so I thought I'd just take this pic, post it up here and let her see it.

Inside the the Ortaköy Mosque

2007-04-25T06:19:00.000-07:00

Ortaköy Mosque & Bosphorus

2007-04-25T06:14:00.000-07:00

Bosphorus Cruise

2007-04-23T14:44:00.000-07:00

Feeding the pigeons at Taksim Square

2007-04-23T13:28:00.000-07:00

Classic Car at Taksim Square

2007-04-23T13:15:00.000-07:00

Taksim Square

2007-04-23T10:41:00.000-07:00

Sultanahmet Area

2007-04-23T10:36:00.000-07:00

On my way to the Taksim Area (from where I was planning to go to Beşiktaş and hence onwards to Ortaköy), I stopped over for a few mins in the Sultanahmet area. I just couldn't help but take a few pictures.

Me

2007-04-21T13:01:00.000-07:00

Back in Turkey

2007-04-20T22:52:00.000-07:00

I'm back (yet again) in Turkey. Staying in the same city (Istanbul) and the same hotel (Polat). The view is the same yet again. Despite, everything being the same as before, there are things that are different this time round. I'm engaged to be married. I was wearing my engagement ring when I took these. And I have a new camera, the Sony H5.

Holy Journey

2007-04-04T00:31:00.000-07:00

This is a banner in the international lounge of the Islamabad International Airport. I had no idea why they claimed that passing through this lounge made it into a holy journey.

After having had to wait nearly 4 hours for my delayed flight and having EXTREMELY limited things to do around the lounge, I began to pray that through some miracle of God I'd be able to take off and be on my way. Then it made sense. The mere fact that you came to the lounge resulted in prayers for on-time departures, and then it hit me, that it really is a 'holy journey'. Where else would you see so many people praying!

No middle ground

2007-04-03T22:27:00.000-07:00

I really liked this album cover. And just wondered...

Either you exist in a blaze of glory for a while, and then suffer the incongruities of life after the burnout, or remain an unlit match. To be lit and exist in a blaze of glory when the need comes.

I'm going down in a blaze of glory
Take me now but know the truth
I'm going down in a blaze of glory
~ Bon Jovi

Apology Accepted!!!

2007-03-07T11:40:00.000-08:00

Pictures are worth a thousand words, but some words are worth a thousand pictures!

Basilica Cisterns

2007-03-01T00:58:00.000-08:00

The Basilica Cistern, also called the Yerebatan Sarayı or Yerebatan Sarnıcı, is the largest of several hundred ancient cisterns that still lie beneath the city of Istanbul, former Constantinople, Turkey.

The weeping pillar

Medusa Head at the base of one pillar

Medusa Head at the base of another pillar

Into the depths of the cistern!

Sultanahmet Camii in the backdrop

2007-03-01T00:45:00.000-08:00

Sultanahmet Camii in the backdrop

Hagia Sofia (Ayasofia) in the back drop

2007-03-01T00:41:00.000-08:00

Inside Sultanahmet Camii

2007-03-01T00:39:00.000-08:00

Inside Sultanahmet Camii

Sultanahmet Camii

2007-03-01T00:35:00.000-08:00

At the Sultanahmet Camii again.

Facts

2007-02-26T00:03:00.001-08:00

Recycled paper takes about 60% less energy and water to make than new paper.

How selling a product actually works...

2007-01-10T06:17:00.000-08:00

I have sinned

2007-01-04T13:08:00.000-08:00

In 1843, a British general conquered Sindh without express authority. His telegram notifying London of the news purportedly read, 'Peccavi', Latin for 'I have sinned' - a pun on Sindh.

Egyptian Obelisks

2007-01-02T03:46:00.000-08:00

Sultanahmet Mosque

2006-12-28T11:17:00.000-08:00

The mosque from afar.

The view of the mosque through the trees near the metro line that runs right in front of the mosque.

Approaching the mosque.

Different view.

Outside the mosque.

The view of the dome through the main entrance while climbing the stairs that lead inside.

Right outside the door.

Inside the perimeter of the mosque.

In the main courtyard.

A closer look.

One of the six minarets.

Approaching the Sultanahmet Mosque (Side facing Hagia Sophia)

2006-12-28T10:55:00.000-08:00

The grand Sultanahmet Mosque visible over a fountain.

Approaching the Sultanahmet mosque from the side. Hagia Sophia is exactly opposite this side.

Closer still.

That's me outside the mosque. Picture taken by a Chinese tourist. There were loads of them around.

Just outside the side entrance.

That's me outside the side entrance. Picture taken by a woman (origin unknown)!

Sultanahmet Camii (pronounced 'jami').

The door to the mosque.

The side of the mosque.

The Sultanahmet Mosque

2006-12-28T10:32:00.000-08:00

The inscription on top of the main door

Facing towards the front of the mosque. You immediately notice the huge and elaborate chandelier in the middle of the praying area.

A closer look at the chandelier.

From the side, the front of the mosque. Notice the elaborate windows!

Another view.

The stairs from where the imam gives his sermon.

The imam's domain!

A view of the domed ceiling.

The windows.

This is to the side of the mosque. People can sit here and read the Quran.

Same area.

A History of the Hagia Sophia (Ayasofia)

2006-12-25T04:38:00.001-08:00

Hagia Sophia or Holy Wisdom is the mother church of all Eastern Christians of the Byzantine liturgical tradition both Orthodox and Greek Catholic. Early accounts suggest that the site of this, the grandest church in Christendom, in the first millennium had been the site of a pagan temple appropriated for the service of the new religion. The first church on the site was built by the Eastern Roman Emperor Constantius, son of Emperor Constantine, who had liberated the Christian faith from centuries of persecution. Constantius' church was consecrated in 360 AD. At first it was known as the Great Church because it was the largest at the time. Later it became known as Holy Wisdom, a name attributed to Christ by theologians of the 4th century.

In 404 AD the church was destroyed by mobs set into action when Emperor Arcadius sent Archbishop John Chrysostom into exile for his criticism of the Empress. In 415 AD Emperor Theodosius II rebuilt the church. It too fell victim to a rampaging mob at the time of Monophysite heretics in 532 AD. The new Emperor Justinian, firm defender of orthodoxy, made short work of the howling heretics and ordered that construction begin on a new basilica such as had never been seen before. The construction work lasted from 532 to 537; the new church was consecrated by Patriarch Menas on December 27, 537.

Hagia Sophia (Aya Sofia)

2006-12-25T03:53:00.000-08:00

I had heard a lot about the Hagia Sofia (Aya Sofia) and was really excited to see it. However, the building somehow loses to the grand image people have built up. But then you realise that it's not a modern building but a structure made in the year 537. The old basilica was made in 404 over the remains of which the new one was constructed. Just to be walking on the same stones that people 1500 years ago walked on just gives you a sensation of the deep history. Your spine tingles. I'm pretty sure that doesn't happen when you look at the pics I've posted. Mine still does!

This church was the biggest church in all of christiandom when it was completed in 537 until the St. Peters Church in Rome - more than a THOUSAND years later.

Spoonmaker's Diamond

2006-12-21T02:03:00.000-08:00

The Spoonmaker's Diamond, kept in Topkapı Palace, is the world's fifth biggest diamond. It got its name when someone found it on a rubbish heap, thought it was a fake, and swapped it for three spoons.

I plan to check out the Topkapı Palace on the coming weekend. Let's hope I get time and get to see the diamond!

Belly Dancing!

2006-12-20T14:55:00.000-08:00

Finally I get to see the much-hyped belly dance of Turkey!

Sunset on the Marmara

2006-12-18T02:06:00.000-08:00

Sunsets on the sea are always beautiful! And so was this. However, when the coastline silhouette has the grand minars of the Ottoman-era mosques of Istanbul, it makes a completely new experience. This was one of the most unforgettable moments for me!

The hospitable Turks

2006-10-15T07:50:00.000-07:00

Sunday’s are always a lazy day. I got up at 0800 even though I’d gone to sleep at 0430. Had to force myself to go back to sleep. When I woke up I had missed breakfast, which wasn’t such a big issue since I didn’t feel too hungry.

The weather is simply awesome today. It’s a bit windy and chilly. Most of the locals I see around the area are wearing windbreakers and jackets. I, however, didn’t realize the weather would be like this and didn’t bring any warm clothing. So as usual I set out in my cotton shirt, attracting quite a bit of attention since I was the only one dressed that way.

I walked as far as Yesilyurt. The hotel I’m in is in Yesilkoy. Yesilkoy is to my knowledge the ocean side area of the larger area called Yesilyurt. The local public transport I took last night to get back from Istiklal Street (Taksim Square) dropped me off at the Yesilyurt stop. There is a small market there, and I thought it would be nice to drop in a little store and grab a few snacks. So I walked all the way over, but somehow didn’t feel like getting anything when I entered one of the markets. After strolling around for a while, I thought I’d grab some lunch but it was hardly noon by that time. However, I did stop at a small café and looked around to see if I could find anything interesting to eat. The proprietor was a friendly sort and even though I had decided not to stay, he still handed me a menu to take with me just in case I changed my mind. And so I headed back to the hotel. I went to my room and grabbed my laptop to check my emails.

It was around 1500 when I realized I really needed to eat something. So I walked back to the market in Yesilyurt. I went straight to that nice little café I had found and ordered the tawuk sis. It’s basically grilled chicken, served with french fries, paprika and tomatoes. I ordered some bread as well, since Pakistani diet without bread isn’t complete.

The man seemed really friendly and apologized for his English but I found it to be far better than the average English speaking skills of Istanbulites. The meal was delicious when it finally arrived. I felt that it wouldn’t be enough for me since I thought I was really hungry, but surprisingly the helping that seemed to be meager was filling enough. I started chatting up with Faris Ali (the proprietor) and he told me he knew quite a bit of German since he had lived there for 8 years. Sadly I have totally forgotten any German that I had learned. The paprika was especially delicious and I asked for one more, however I got a whole plateful. The Turks, as far as I’ve found them, are extremely courteous, friendly and generous people. Faris even got me another serving of bread even though I explained that I was almost done and wouldn’t need any more.

My colleague called, he’d just woken up, and told me that our travel plans for today stood cancelled since he needed to catch up on work. So I told him, I’d walk back to the hotel and catch up on my work too. I was planning on asking for the bill, when Faris offered or rather insisted that I try the traditional Turkish halwa. And so I did. It was delicious, reminded me of the home made halwa my mother used to make with puris. As I was digging into halwa, a cup of tea was also placed in front of me. I asked him which should I try first, the halwa or the tea and in his poor understanding of English he misunderstood me and kept repeating that it was all complimentary. Later he did understand and told me to go with the halwa first and then for the tea. His suggestion worked. The heaviness of the halwa disappeared with the first few sips of the tea.

Now was the time for the bill. Fearing that something else might be served, I quickly asked for the bill. When it arrived, I again asked why the halwa and tea weren’t on it. And the gracious Turk he was, Faris explained that it was on him. I left him a 33% tip for that. Maybe it would cover the tea and halwa to some extent.

Took a walk back to the hotel and decided to catch up on work. It wasn’t as much as I feared it would be so here I am writing this experience.

What I do in the evening would probably show up at the blog tomorrow. Let’s see if it does.

Martina Hingis look-alike at the Galleria

2006-10-15T04:50:00.000-07:00

I snapped this picture, without the girl knowing. I'm hoping she wouldn't mind if I posted this here. She looked awfully like Martina Hingis, so I just took this picture on impulse.

Let me know if you agree or disagree.

Morning walk at the Bosphorus

2006-10-14T02:02:00.000-07:00

Breakfast on the Hotel Terrace

2006-10-14T01:49:00.000-07:00

That's the view from the hotel terrace. I am in the last room in the block you see in the picture, so my room affords a breath-takingly beautiful view. I could stay here for a loooooong time

And this is me

My room in Turkey

2006-10-13T01:42:00.000-07:00

I am in Turkey today. Here for official work and I'm staying at the Çinar Hotel Istanbul.

As you can guess from the text above, I'm a bit tired. Flew from Karachi at 0300 (and I left home around 2330 to be there by 0000). The flight time is 5 hours and 40 minutes. Since Turkey is 2 hours behind Pakistan, I got here by 0640 local time. After going through passport control and customs, I took a cab (who ranted all the way to the hotel for God knows what - I can imagine that the trip being small didn't get him enough fare).

Checked into the hotel and here's a pic of my room.

The room doesn't give much to talk about. However, the view is to die for. I'm sure you'll be expecting pictures. Low quality yet again, since they're all taken from the cell phone cam. Will post pictures from a good camera soon.

Dubai Trip

2006-09-26T02:32:00.000-07:00

I took yet another trip to Dubai, but my camera had just died on me before I left so I was unable to take any good pictures. I took just a few from my cellphone camera, and the usable ones will be posted here shortly.

Weather Report Isloo - GREAT!!!

2006-06-05T00:34:00.000-07:00

The weather was amazing yesterday, and I had been cooped up inside watching a movie (V for Vendetta). Anyways, I saw the weather outside after I had seen the movie, and I just had to get out. All I had on me was my cell phone cam, so took some pics.

Mercato Mall - Dubai

2006-06-01T03:20:00.000-07:00

"Mercato" is italian for market. Since this mall has been constructed with exquisite italian stylings inside, the name is pretty apt. Mercato Mall is one of the expensivist malls in Dubai (at least that's what I was told).

The italian style interior is simply amazing and a sight to behold.

Interior of the Mercato Mall - Dubai

2006-05-31T08:42:00.000-07:00

As you enter the mall:

When you turn back to look:

An overhead walkway:

Interior details:

Coffee from Starbucks - Mercato Mall - Dubai

2006-05-31T08:12:00.000-07:00

The entrance:

The coffee shop:

Ordering coffee:

Bunnies on the counter:

Maserati outside the Mercato Mall

2006-05-31T06:48:00.000-07:00

I look like a bloated jellyfish in these pics! This is the weirdest t-shirt I own. Goes into the dumpster right now! I didn't wanna upload the pics because of that but it's a Maserati.

Burj al-Arab

2006-05-30T05:44:00.000-07:00

Probably the most famous building in the world, the only 7-star hotel (or so it claims to be) in the world, so I'll just skip the information/introduction section.

And at night:

Some facts:
Towering to a massive height of 321 mt, the Burj-al-Arab's the tallest hotel in the world, and also lays claim to the world's tallest atrium. It stands off the shore of the Persian Gulf, on a manmade island- a distinctive sail-shaped structure, made from Teflon-coated fibreglass. The world's most luxurious hotel- or so it aims to be.

Helicopters and Rolls Royces transfer guests from the mainland; a team of 40 highly-trained butlers offer their services; and an array of facilities spread across the hotel.

Each of the 202 suites of the hotel spreads over two floors (the smallest suite is only 169 sq mt!), and has all the works- rare Brazilian granite floors; floor-to-ceiling windows; laptop computers; 42" TV screens; faxes and more.

Guests can travel on a special submarine to the below-sea level restaurant which offers diners a peek onto the coral reef outside, a cigar lounge, a clutch of restaurants and a bar offer a range of cuisines to choose from, and guests can go golfing, swimming, or dancing.

Such luxury, obviously, comes for a price- the Burj-al-Arab's cheapest suite costs around $900 a night and tariffs go as high as $15,000 a night. But for a hotel like the Burj-al-Arab, even that is worth it.

Palm Tree

2006-05-30T05:33:00.000-07:00

Dubai's soil and weather allow the Palm Tree to flourish and you find scores of them dotting the city! I was told the these trees are grown and planted is an art form by itself.

In the infancy stage when the branches are growing, the trees are wrapped around. Water and other growth related stuff (:P) is then added into it from the top. Since it's wrapped tightly, the branches grow upwards. After a certain period, the wrapping is taken off and the branches fan out like the one above. If the tree isn't wrapped or unwrapped at the right time, the branches either sag too low or they remain pointing straight up.

Emirates Towers

2006-05-30T05:03:00.000-07:00

I'd opened up the curtains at night so that the early sun would help me wake up early and in time for the interview. I woke up and saw the towers looking maginificiently regal! Had to snap away!

Inviting!

2006-05-30T04:57:00.000-07:00

The pool looks so inviting! This is from the window of my hotel room! I was preparing for my MS interview and decided to give the pool a try the next day!

Islamabad International Airport

2006-05-30T04:49:00.000-07:00

Somehow with the soft lighting, the lounge looks really welcoming. Take my word when I say that the lounge sucks.

Storm in Isloo

2006-05-16T08:07:00.000-07:00

After the lightning has struck!!!

Playing around with the focus

2006-05-13T02:30:00.000-07:00

Ice cream with Nadia

2006-05-01T03:12:00.000-07:00

Ice cream! wow! People get so happy and excited to be having ice cream when summer hits Lahore. It was an amazingly hot day, and the ice cream was bliss!

From the Space Shuttle

2006-05-01T03:00:00.000-07:00

This one I took when I went into lower orbit in a NASA Space Shuttle. This is our approach around the moon, before we went into the "dark spot" (where no radio contact is possible with Earth).

This is the lunar surface visible here.

:P

Camera Stolen

2006-04-11T23:40:00.000-07:00

My camera was stolen from my car outside Hot Shots in Islamabad F-9 Park. I don't know if the creep will burn in hell or not, but I sure wish and pray that he burns alive in a car accident or something.

Anyways, until I save enough to buy another camera, I don't think there are going to be many posts here. I may post a couple of pics from the ones I have already taken.

Until then, happy waiting! :P

Karachi: Coastal Lights

2006-03-16T21:53:00.000-08:00

Gilgit: Local House

2006-03-15T02:54:00.000-08:00

Appropriate Activities!!!

2006-02-27T02:17:00.000-08:00

Amazing weather at Bhurban! Raining! Clouds hanging low! To make the best of the weather and the beautiful surroundings, we decided to stay indoors and play table tennis!

Well I did intend to roam about and take in the view and the fresh air, but the surprise activity planned by the trip planners was a 3 HOUR long movie - King Kong. More time cooped up in a dark room with a pathetic print and even more pathetic sound quality to ruin my experience of a movie I had been looking forward to watching.

And to give you some idea of the quality. Atleast of the video if not the audio...

Bhurban

2006-02-27T01:45:00.000-08:00

Spew Away!!!

2006-02-23T09:30:00.000-08:00

This brick oven or whatever it's called (it's known as a bhatthi in urdu) spewing away a thick black cloud of God knows what! That sure is one sore sight for eyes!

Dusk!!!

2006-02-23T09:21:00.000-08:00

Dusk! On the way back from Pindi Bhattian today I saw this beautiful dusk. I snapped away from a moving car, because I was too short of time to stop and take in the beauty and snap away to my heart's delight. Pindi Bhattian is around 250+ kms from Islamabad (if you take the motorway M2). We left Islamabad around noon and had to be back by 8pm. It was a loooooong drive and very tiring.

Nice boat...

2006-01-16T05:50:00.000-08:00

Setting sun...

2006-01-16T05:45:00.000-08:00

The beauty of this scene needs no words....

Sunset: Islamabad, Pakistan

2006-01-03T01:11:00.000-08:00

The Skull

2006-01-03T01:02:00.000-08:00

First Monday of 2006

2006-01-02T05:04:00.000-08:00

The rains have started! This is a beautiful morning for the first Monday of 2006! Monday's aren't supposed to be this good! Maybe this is the only one for 2006!

Satpara Lake

2005-12-23T23:50:00.000-08:00

Satpara Lake:
This lake is the main (and only) water source for Skardu. The water is transmitted to the houses as is. There is no filtration or processing plant. There are signs around that tell the tourists to avoid littering in and around the lake. It surely is beautiful and we should try to keep it that way.

Rakaposhi Peak

2005-12-20T01:03:00.000-08:00

The view of the Rakaposhi peak from the trail leading to the Tagafari Base Camp:

The Tagafari Base Camp:

Race Course Park - Lahore, Pakistan

2005-12-15T01:58:00.000-08:00

Experiments with Light

2005-12-10T05:11:00.000-08:00

Sunset @ Skardu

2005-12-01T23:25:00.000-08:00

Sunset @ Hapakun

2005-12-01T23:20:00.000-08:00

Sunset at Hapakun:
Hapakun was a camping site on the trail to the Tagafari base camp on the steep slopes of the Rakaposhi Mountains. After a couple of hours of trekking up the mountain we made camp at Hapakun. There we had this marvelous view of the sunset.

Rakaposhi Peak - Pakistan

2005-11-24T02:02:00.000-08:00

The Peak:

Avalanche:

Cuckoo's Nest - Lahore, Pakistan

2005-11-23T05:21:00.000-08:00

A posh eaterie in the red light district of the busy metropolis of Lahore has Hindu religious symbols in the name of cultural heritage/diversity. My personal opinion is kind of mixed regarding the use of these symbols. Nice food though!

Fisherman

2005-11-23T05:16:00.000-08:00

The fishermen on the coast of Karachi:

Old man Crow goes down to the river
He's gonna fish himself a full day's work
He's been fishing the same old pond nearly all his life
He's got his name engraved right there in the dirt

He's gonna take his catch down to market
He's gonna bring that money back home
He's putting bread on the table
He's doing his job

Old man's buddy comes down to the river
He's gonna talk himself a full day's work
He's been fishing for the love of the pond nearly all his life
He don't mind at all getting down in the dirt
His wife calls at the end of the day
His child stumbles downtown to play
He's gonna sit in the yard for awhile
He's feeling no pain

The river bed man has seen some changes
Going from paddle boats to gasoline
He don't mind at all about no dirty water
As long the sun comes up and those fish get cleaned

He don't need no millionaire's daughter
Don't need no millionaire's wife
He's got that millionaire's money
Notched in the pole of the fisherman's life

~ James Ingram

Set Sail

2005-11-23T05:10:00.000-08:00

Sailing aficianado off the Marina Club, Karachi, Pakistan:

Set sail off, we going to the world
Living in no fear, so hold on to your girl
Lovely in naps, I got no time for curls
Cause’, nothing can stop this like duke of ear

Sunset

2005-11-23T05:06:00.000-08:00

Sunset on the coast of Karachi, Pakistan:

The City that never Sleeps - Karachi

2005-11-23T01:53:00.000-08:00

Mohd Ali Jinnah's - Rolls Royce Silver Spirit

2005-11-16T00:19:00.000-08:00

Mohd. Ali Jinnah's Rolls Royce Silver Spirit

Badshahi Mosque - Lahore, Pakistan

2005-11-16T00:10:00.000-08:00

Badshahi Mosque - Lahore, Pakistan

This picture was taken from the rooftop of Cuckoo's Cafe of the Badshahi Mosque at night, in full splendor, with the lighting.

Morris Minor - 1960

2005-11-15T06:20:00.000-08:00

A 1960 Morris Minor! That is one car I would buy and customise! Make it into a monster of a car! A hyper-power-packed V12. Turbo. And the works!

Love in the Rain

2005-11-15T06:09:00.000-08:00

Making love in the rain, I can't believe the joy it brings me
And when I'm all alone, I hear the rain on my window

It's just a little thing, but it means so much to me
Our bodies together, while the rain plays a melody

Every raindrop makes me think of you
(Wishing you were close to me)
There is nothing that I'd rather do

Making love in the rain, I can't believe the joy it brings me
And when I'm all alone, I hear the rain on my window

When it's stormy outside, it's calm in my heart, with you in my arms
And when you're away from me, I wish it would rain 'cause it's always the same

Every raindrop makes me think of you
(Wishing you were close to me)
There is nothing that I'd rather do

Plant

2005-11-15T06:04:00.000-08:00