Parata and eggs

There was me a few days ago in Bangkok and arriving back in Karachi wondering why was I back......

Well without thinking I came to the office as usual this morning and without thinking ordered a Parata and fried egg for my breakfast. The Parata is a flat bread that originated in the subcontinent. It is usually made with whole wheat flour, pan fried in ghee / cooking oil, and often stuffed with vegetables, especially boiled potatoes, radish or cauliflower. Me I have mine as oil free as possible and plain. Might move over to fillings in due course, and a fried egg cooked in minimal fat. Washed down with a strong cup of Liptons!! Good start to the day. I must be far more settled here than I realised.

Bangkok

Hi, Just got back from Bangkok. Left last Friday evening and got back on Monday evening. Spent most of the time with Wanna and together on the Monday went and sorted out her visa for Pakistan. So all in all successful. I needed it and when I got back to Karachi I felt so refreshed. Adopted a new approach to work. Well trying to slow down a bit and take things one at a time. Seems to have worked including coming home early at 5.30 instead of the usual 6.30.

We've got Ramadan next month so I expect to see some changes in the office hours. Might get a bit of fishing in. Yes I've been promised a trip on Sunday so photos to follow.

Sometimes it's not what you know but who....

Sure you have heard that expression before just as had I. But over the last few months I've been looking to get my boat over to Karachi.

Local Agent said it was to difficult so what to do?

What to do? Go to the top. Go to the man at the top. That's right. Went to the Chairman of the Port of Karachi.

The history to this is simple. Last week the Karachi Port suffered some structural damage to a couple of Wharfs and my company was called in, and calling of such a group was yours truly. During the visit I had cause to meet the Chairman of the Karachi Port Trust. It does not get much bigger than that in Karachi. Talk about who you know.....

Later after several days of soul searching wondering how to move this project forward I decided to go to the top. Ask the Chairman. So Lloyd go give him a call. I did and spoke to the Secretary. Got an appointment for lunchtime today.

Got there and had the meeting. Explained I had met him before 10 days ago. 'Yes I remember how can I help you?'

So...Big breath. (he's an ex Vice Admiral so knows a thing or two about boats). Sir I am working here in the Port and would like to bring my boat to Pakistan for the duration. I then explained the story starting from buying Prinos to the whole idea, my background research,the Agent I had spoken to and the visit to the Marina Club.

He listened the pronounced 'Happy to help'.....that was the response. And what a response it was too.

He picked up the phone to his deputy and said "I am sending Alan Lloyd to see you about bringing his boat in. Please help as I want it to happen". Wow!!!! Parting words were "if you later still have problems come back to me".

Off I went and met his deputy. Again so helpful. Almost unbelievable. Seems all the emphasis is now back on me to get the Seychelles side sorted. This Blog for the next few weeks is going to be busy to keep you all posted on progress.

Sailing into Karachi

Life seems to have flown by with little or real news for you all. Well today I am off to see the Chairman of the Karachi Port Trust to find out how I get my boat into Karachi for the remaining duration of my stay. Should be interesting because as far as I can make out there is no reason why not but this afternoon will tell.

Then tomorrow I am off to Bangkok for the weekend. Will keep you posted. Is that a pun?

60’s Classics

Its been 11 days since I wrote in my Blog. I am sure you all want to know how the typing lesions are going. As a matter of fact not to bad. Just wish I had done it ages ago.

I came home early tonight planning on finding something to write about. Had no idea what. Realized that 11 days have passed since my last Blog. I know it was way too long and had in the back of my mind been looking round for a story.

Had considered telling you all about the Pakistan Game Fishing site I’ve come across as not much else was happening.

Then on the way home I spotted or rather I was over taken by a lovely old car. Sort of glided by in full grace and seemed to miss all the bumps in the road. Made my evening and of course gave me something to write about.

It glided by and as you know Elvis has been in the news recently so it has turned out to be a good choice, by default I know. Fishing will have to wait till next time. With luck that may choose to be an interesting topic and will fill this weekends addition to the Blog.

Nothing to write this week Typo lessons only

I thought writing a blog was supposed to be easy. Well there seems to be little to report this week.

What I did do was buy a Teach yourself typing CD. Driving me nuts but I've promised myself I'll get through it some how.

Apart from work, and straining all my fingers on the lap top key board I've been busy with planning on getting Prinos up to Karachi. Its a long way. But I've decided to look on it in a positive way.

Set sail for 10 days between Seychelles and Karachi and I'll have plenty of time to learn my typing skills. But then once mastered and adrift on the high seas the question may still be what to write....?

That's about the sum of. Learnt to type now nothing to say!!! Hope next week is a bit more fun and I have something interesting to say to you.