Finished work early on Saturday and decided together with Wanna to visit the Impress Market. Sells everything or so we were told. To get
there is easy, (take your driver!!!). Seriously just go to Saddar Market and there it is.
Set in old colonial buildings and outer squares it really has a beautiful setting. Looking round it is easy to imagine how it must have been all those years ago. Now it is all somewhat faded and in a state of decay but don't take anything away from it, for it has a fabulous atmosphere.
Having driven from work to the market we had to pass through street after street of shops full of traders all plying their wears. It was a bustle of activity with sellers, buyers, bystanders and onlookers everywhere. Dust and plastic bags seemed to follow them all the way. Thus on arriving in Impress Market it was like hitting an oasis. Great.
No sooner do you step out of the car then you realise you are in a different world. Stalls selling nuts, fruits, vegetables and all
sorts of cooking utensils. Not only selling but all beautifully laid out so you become immediately attracted in each direction you look. Which path to take? Yet more decisions when all we wanted was a relaxing trip out for half an hour or so.
First stop on the way in was at a small stall where a chap was grinding coconuts for oil. No electrical machine for him. He had the mortar and pestle our and it was attached to his waist. He then walked round the pestle grinding the coconuts to make oil. Amazing. And he was so happy to have his picture taken. Of course we bought some coconut oil....
We ambled along from stall to stall,
through alleyway to alleyway. No hassle, in fact no one was interested in us at all. And we did not get lost. I suppose really it is not that big a market just that the first time you are always a bit concerned as to where exactly you entered and just where you are going to exit!!
We had to buy something else so it seemed appropriate I bought some nuts!!! Interestingly 1 kilo of pistachio were 440 rupees. Last time I bought some near a local shop they were 700 rupees. Makes for another to like Impress Market.
We carried on wandering through
the market and the range of products was great with such a wide variety of colours and smells. Colours were all bright and dazzling. The smells, well they covered the whole range of spices and fresh fruit and veg. Could not even name more that a handful of the spices.
But most noticeable were the flies. Everywhere they seemed to be in the way but no one seemed to notice or care. Everybody going about their business in a very calm and relaxed manner. I did not see anyone rushing. Shopping was made so easy. No supermarket trolleys but lots of people offering to carry your product and follow you from stall to stall and back to the car!!!!
We stayed for a while and decided we could easily come again and
sit down taking in the atmosphere. I made a mental note to come back and find a quiet corner where I could sit take photos. Surely I will be able to capture come the vibrant colours to let you feel the sense the life and soul of Impress Market.
It was only on the drive home stuck in traffic that we felt we were of any interest to passers by. Stopped in traffic where a 'Tuk Tuk' driver was stationary and just stared at us. Not sure he even blinked. So we got a snap shot of him for the Blog as well.
Went to work again on a Sunday as Wanna had left for Thailand yesterday evening. Phone went about 3.30pm. My friend Shahzad asking me out for a sail on his friends boat. Another MacGregor. Lovely vessel. We had a few hours around the creek and came in. Lovely way to close out the day. Shahzad's friend Zia did the steering and much to my enjoyment we relaxed and watched the world go by. We also passed a few fishermen out catching their evening meal. 
occasion and bring good luck. Simply make a sacrifice. Three goats were brought to site and slaughtered. Not a pretty sight but clearly for all concerned the way to go. Seems for both Chinese and Pakistanies this is quite a tradition. First to go was the Chinese Project Manager followed by yours truly. When all the blood letting was over the pile driving commenced. Went very well so maybe the Gods were smiling on us. Time will tell. For those interested, the goats were eaten so nothing was wasted. My next posting will be on a happier note.
Night life is not one of Karachi's strong points. Socializing tends to focus on restaurants or going round to peoples houses and even that not so often. But there are several compensations including having friends round for a few drinks and dinner.
on the outskirts of Karachi. There are so we are told simply thousands upon thousands of important graves that have to be seen. And of course lakes and mosques and sights of life along the way.
mystery tour. I say that it was magical as we only know the names of places where we were going but no idea where they were. In fact having been there we still don't know!!! All in all about a 200 kilometer trip.
This was measured by the size of the tomb. Several were impressive. But just the art work was good. We were asked by the custodian Ali Doni to fill in the guest book. Surprise, only 2 days earlier there have been a Thai visitor. So Wanna entered some comments in Thai. Never did get an explanation of what exactly she wrote.
some caged Marsh Crocodiles and then left. Not much to hold your interest to be fair. So off again.
there is easy, (take your driver!!!). Seriously just go to Saddar Market and there it is.
sorts of cooking utensils. Not only selling but all beautifully laid out so you become immediately attracted in each direction you look. Which path to take? Yet more decisions when all we wanted was a relaxing trip out for half an hour or so.
through alleyway to alleyway. No hassle, in fact no one was interested in us at all. And we did not get lost. I suppose really it is not that big a market just that the first time you are always a bit concerned as to where exactly you entered and just where you are going to exit!!
the market and the range of products was great with such a wide variety of colours and smells. Colours were all bright and dazzling. The smells, well they covered the whole range of spices and fresh fruit and veg. Could not even name more that a handful of the spices. 
sit down taking in the atmosphere. I made a mental note to come back and find a quiet corner where I could sit take photos. Surely I will be able to capture come the vibrant colours to let you feel the sense the life and soul of Impress Market.
Khalid for a really good Byrannii. (Spelling?...) Outside the restaurant there were snake charmers. I decided I would come back on Saturday and show Wanna. So got home and having a beer on the veranda we looked down. Would you believe it a snake charmer. Stop the beer and jump into the lift. Down we rushed to the ground floor to take a few photos. 
The snake guy seemed really relaxed and even more surprising was the kid with him. After the 2 minute show the little kid just picked up the snake and played with him like a puppy.
seem to be waiting for the time to board so you can get on the plane and sleep.
No rush for completion as I am not sure how we are going to pay when its ready!!!
Prathan. Had our usual fried rice and cold tea. It was good to catch up and hear the news. After that we needed to go to the Pakistan Embassy to get Wanna's visa. By now I'm getting tired. Sort of jet lag of lack of sleep. So get the visa and then off to do some quick shopping. We bought some 'crocs' shoes. Sort of plastic clogs. Verrrry comfortable. About 20 pounds a pair.
