tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61703293268884943442012-01-28T16:21:23.300+05:00<i>Thoughts and observations through the eyes of an expatriate</i>Alan &amp; Wannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17057212837069649108noreply@blogger.comBlogger1941100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6170329326888494344.post-19778539467723139432012-01-28T16:21:00.001+05:002012-01-28T16:21:23.478+05:00

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Alan &amp; Wannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17057212837069649108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6170329326888494344.post-91071894825935485342009-01-24T08:55:00.006+05:002009-01-24T10:06:42.099+05:00

After 18 months in Karachi, making good friends and seeing a tiny bit of Pakistan (nowhere near enough of it) it is with a lot of good memories and regrets that we leave. Where to?.. Thailand new job, new location etc. So new Blog. Should do. I fancy writing about my daily life and pick up on the odd things, quirky stuff you know, like seeing 7 people on a motor bike, along with the family dog of

Alan &amp; Wannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17057212837069649108noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6170329326888494344.post-63354525312702407892008-07-27T22:29:00.004+06:002008-08-02T15:38:57.912+06:00

Sorry no posting but I've quite literally been at sea. Finished my assignment in Karachi on 11th of July and flew to Seychelles. Departed by sailing boat on 16th to Maldives where we are presently moored. Beautiful place.Will be adding a lot of sailing posts to my sailing blog in next few days so come back for the link and follow up.Fahim how we doing on the video?AlanPLEASE LINK TO http://

Alan &amp; Wannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17057212837069649108noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6170329326888494344.post-23401045043514029452008-07-09T15:21:00.000+06:002008-12-09T15:21:52.305+05:00

We decided to invite a lot of friends for a Thai dinner before we departed. It was our way of saying thank you to so many people and have them all together to meet each other as well. I've added a few photos from the video I took, and if your not in them and should have been, well, next time. Again thanks to you all for making our initial stay in Karachi such a fun one. See you!!

Alan &amp; Wannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17057212837069649108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6170329326888494344.post-31942523302409506452008-07-06T17:50:00.005+06:002008-12-09T15:21:53.729+05:00

Having had our day out in Clifton Beach we made a point of collecting some shells. I do not know their name but they look like the ones you see on the shell petrol station signs.We collected about 20 kilos of them straight off the beach. They were literally rolling up the beach by the wave action. Really amazing to see. (got it on video!!). Everyone watching us to see what we were doing. Everyone

Alan &amp; Wannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17057212837069649108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6170329326888494344.post-1853781060862807872008-07-06T16:07:00.006+06:002008-12-09T15:21:54.654+05:00

Amazing finally managed to make a few snaps from the movies. Clifton Beach is amazing. Thousands of people every where. Most are enjoying walking along the beach and getting their feet wet. No swimming costumes here. As you can see two ladies are in the full 'Guinness bottle kit'. Everyone who has a chance is busy selling stuff. They charge you for parking and then again for entrance to the beach

Alan &amp; Wannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17057212837069649108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6170329326888494344.post-31220683837155955972008-07-06T12:29:00.005+06:002008-07-06T13:00:28.310+06:00

Time is running short and we are due to leave Karachi this coming Friday. Lots to do before then, apart from packing, including closing out several things we promised ourselves we would do. These are last minute restaurant meals, visits to places, trips in and around Karachi, saying good bye to numerous people etc.Well times almost up, and yesterday we managed one item on our list, our last a

Alan &amp; Wannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17057212837069649108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6170329326888494344.post-7084670146499102602008-07-01T16:32:00.004+06:002008-12-09T15:21:54.816+05:00

I seem these days to be only posting about eating. During the last few days all my non working time has been taken up with sitting in restaurants and eating large quantities of superb Chinese and Pakistan food. I arrived in Karachi a year ago weighting in at 82 kilos and leave with 89 kilos. Most of it is settled comfortably around my waist and not in my suitcase. SO again last night another

Alan &amp; Wannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17057212837069649108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6170329326888494344.post-34708804799351890022008-06-29T15:30:00.005+06:002008-12-09T15:21:55.021+05:00

Having had a super lunch at Village Restautant, we followed it up with dinner by our Engineering Contractors main team. We were invited to join them at their residence and treated to some absoloutly fantastic Chinese food. A very good evening.

Alan &amp; Wannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17057212837069649108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6170329326888494344.post-36505092503483285232008-06-28T15:30:00.006+06:002008-12-09T15:21:55.439+05:00

Ian's leaving us on Monday. Hes been here about 13 months working with KICT. He has been a strong part of our team and so much so that the lads in the office decided to take him for lunch. In fact we all went. Village Restaurant is situated on the beach front on Clifton. It offers basically a buffet type range of foods. A really fantastic and amazing range of Pakistani foods. Curries, kebabs,

Alan &amp; Wannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17057212837069649108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6170329326888494344.post-66636025316554942112008-06-27T15:50:00.005+06:002008-12-09T15:21:55.835+05:00

Nearly there. We've completed the shooting including the coffee scenes for the 'before and after' the market shoots. Poor Fahim! It is now down to him to complete the editing. He is going to try and get it done this coming week. We should have one more meeting together and then hopefully close it out and submit to Dawn Newspaper. Now, I'm not to concerned if we win or just get an acknowledgement

Alan &amp; Wannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17057212837069649108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6170329326888494344.post-30294762633471487942008-06-23T20:21:00.006+06:002008-12-09T15:21:55.956+05:00

Just when you think you've seen it all going back and forth to work daily on the same road seeing the same cars and the same bikes... Boring.Then out of nowhere its there, a gas powered bike. Quietly cruising by me as we are going bumper to bumper and he floats by. Ingenious. Only had a few seconds, just enough to register what I was looking at and click a single photo. All he had done was strap

Alan &amp; Wannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17057212837069649108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6170329326888494344.post-49623094861436471292008-06-18T15:55:00.005+06:002008-06-20T09:48:22.789+06:00

It's been a quiet week on the reporting front. In fact a quiet month. I did go to a music night with Khalid last Saturday, but, took such lousy photos they did not warrent posting.Today work has also been quiet, and so I took time out to sort through a few files and came across some movie clips. This one seems just so typical of Karachi.

Alan &amp; Wannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17057212837069649108noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6170329326888494344.post-84816689232848509582008-06-11T15:51:00.006+06:002008-12-09T15:21:56.588+05:00

Good day yesterday. Went to Korangi fish harbour for a look round. This was followed by the annual PGFA dinner. (Paksitan Game Fishing Association). Both were real fun.I always like fishing ports. The smells and general layout of boats and gear. There's something about them that is always facinating to see. In the case of Karangi it is however somewhat sad. A beautiful port with what seems like

Alan &amp; Wannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17057212837069649108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6170329326888494344.post-27971168040452605462008-06-08T11:57:00.018+06:002008-06-27T15:50:39.055+06:00

Becoming a bit of a series. Empress 1 through 4....Anyway Fahim, Wanna and I finally got our first day at the market and it went well. We had a good idea of what we wanted. But the usual thing, once there things seemed to be a little different. Fahim placed the first section on the uTube.Fahim does Empress MarketWanna's collection of clipsThe best part was chatting to everyone and Fahim speaking

Alan &amp; Wannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17057212837069649108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6170329326888494344.post-70666335516860156592008-06-02T14:52:00.013+06:002008-12-09T15:21:58.551+05:00

This is a longer post than most as I went away for the weekend. Lot to write about.This was my second trip to Ormara. Ahmad had decided we should make it an over night one and so give us a bit of time for a spot of fishing. Official reason for the trip was to undertake a site visit to the naval base and check on some ongoing ground improvement works. Can't tell you about that or I'll get shot!

Alan &amp; Wannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17057212837069649108noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6170329326888494344.post-51960653454718625912008-05-29T18:48:00.010+05:002008-12-09T15:21:58.906+05:00

Spent the day out with Ahmad on a trip to Hydrabad. Its a farming/industrial town about 160 kms north east of Karachi. Was a very important centre in its day but the river has meandered away over the years and so too did a lot of the commercial life.The super highway between Karachi and Hydrabad is long, flat and very dusty, the monotony broken with small restaurants and petrol stations. Going

Alan &amp; Wannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17057212837069649108noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6170329326888494344.post-36038227798820941642008-05-27T14:25:00.018+05:002008-12-09T15:22:00.599+05:00

The short video is slowly, I mean slowly moving forward. Check earlier Empress Market entries. I went down to the market this morning and took a few site shots. It was about 09.00am and things were just starting up. Fabulous array of traders and rickshaw drivers etc getting organised for the day. Here in this posting you have some fabulous shots of the good side of Empress Market. I know it is

Alan &amp; Wannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17057212837069649108noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6170329326888494344.post-20912168821942260662008-05-26T20:13:00.003+05:002008-12-09T15:22:00.914+05:00

After my strange lunch with it all being lost in translation (see last post). It was really good to have a sit down lunch with a bunch of Wanna's friends. We went round to Oi's house and together with her family and two other families had some noodles and fish with assorted veggies etc making a great meal. The mixture of nationalities was no real surprise being UK, Pakistan and Thai with the

Alan &amp; Wannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17057212837069649108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6170329326888494344.post-32117776508883879592008-05-24T14:30:00.009+05:002008-12-09T15:22:01.207+05:00

I had been planning on doing a short write up on the local fishing harbour. That's after I get round to the Empress Market story.But today I went to work as usual, realizing I needed to add a short "Alan in Karachi' feature.Well it was a usual day in the fact that I went to work but it turned out not a completely normal day. You know that feeling when you get up in the morning and you just know

Alan &amp; Wannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17057212837069649108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6170329326888494344.post-92231235004902643672008-05-21T06:23:00.004+05:002008-05-21T06:36:04.360+05:00

Just received an interesting email inviting me to add my Blog to a world map. So I've agreed and added 'Verve' as a side link. Will wait a few weeks and see what it does for me. It does show the location of Blogs around the world which in itself is interesting. However, please, when you follow the link taking you off to some exotic spots remember to come back and visit me again!!

Alan &amp; Wannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17057212837069649108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6170329326888494344.post-69184909438739074822008-05-20T18:50:00.006+05:002008-12-09T15:22:01.960+05:00

We had a walk round the side streets of Saddar Market today looking for furniture etc. Plenty to see and an amazing display of ingenuity by a lot of industrious workers. Amazing because walking on the main road you would never suspect that behind a little entrance was a labyrinth of alleyways and hundreds of tiny shops all making a living. The products range from office chairs being recovered to

Alan &amp; Wannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17057212837069649108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6170329326888494344.post-1166428361482336662008-05-17T19:57:00.015+05:002008-12-09T15:22:03.288+05:00

Went out for a drive and came across a charcoal maker. Not a fun job. seems they are a few young boys employed to cut wood and stack it up for either selling as fuel or making charcoal. Not much evidence of the charcoal but the stacking was interesting. Notice in the pictures the plain almost lack of colours. That's how it is. Very bland, somewhat dark even with the sun full out. I walked into

Alan &amp; Wannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17057212837069649108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6170329326888494344.post-23737042687319601092008-05-17T13:49:00.003+05:002008-12-09T15:22:03.846+05:00

I've been putting off completing a script for the short video we are doing. Lazy ? No just trying to get it down at the right moment. Should be ready Monday/Tuesday. So have been keeping a low profile with all concerned. In the mean time, Wanna and I went out for a coffee and ended up at the Pearl Continental Hotel in the middle of town. Nothing to exciting but made a change to just going between

Alan &amp; Wannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17057212837069649108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6170329326888494344.post-83537936561833391152008-05-16T13:12:00.009+05:002008-05-21T06:29:32.595+05:00

I've been away and having only got back last Sunday seem now to have woken up. Now its Friday and I've done nothing. Nothing towards the Video project, or writing any Blog entries. Could be I've been asleep for 3 days. Bit like going on a heavy whiskey diet and loosing 3 days! I now know what it feels like without the hangover... Well today I was off around town catching up on a few things.

Alan &amp; Wannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17057212837069649108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6170329326888494344.post-81691846491962110402008-05-11T16:34:00.001+05:002008-05-27T18:10:57.846+05:00

Just got back to Karachi this afternoon. Will get onto the video/documentary starting tomorrow.

Alan &amp; Wannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17057212837069649108noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6170329326888494344.post-50919681376342414242008-04-30T16:18:00.004+05:002008-05-27T18:12:38.921+05:00

Fahim and I are planning to do a short documentary on Empress Market. By coincidence there is a mini documentary film competition sponsored by Dawn Newspaper. Entries by 21st May. So we have some work to do. Fahim if you're reading this......

Alan &amp; Wannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17057212837069649108noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6170329326888494344.post-79475109700322418022008-04-28T10:54:00.005+05:002008-12-09T15:22:04.664+05:00

Had a really super Sunday afternoon at the British Deputy High Commission in Karachi. We had the use of the staff facilities, swimming pool, grass lawn for Croquet and the indoor bar and amenities. The idea was to have a get together for the members and guests. We did well with about 40 persons turning up. Everyone brought with them some snacks and their own drinks. We had a few games of croquet

Alan &amp; Wannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17057212837069649108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6170329326888494344.post-36877528050014705182008-04-27T13:21:00.003+05:002008-12-09T15:22:04.938+05:00

There has been a Thai Expo on at the PC Hotel in Karachi for the last 3 days. We visited on the opening day and again this morning. Its a small affair with about 45 exhibitors mainly in the fruit juice and perfume industries. Most seemed to be looking for local agents. In addition there were a few plastic and mechanical companies. Ejaz our friend fell into the latter category. He runs a company

Alan &amp; Wannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17057212837069649108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6170329326888494344.post-74772408842105564422008-04-26T20:43:00.003+05:002008-12-09T15:22:05.024+05:00

Caught up with Fahim and Wana this morning. (Fahim's Wana not my Wanna!!!!) We had arranged to go for breakfast. Fahim had located a place in Defence Housing Authority. Really good place with a wide menu to get you set up for the day. I plumed for the steak and scrambled eggs. Fahim and Wana went for eggs and we all washed it down with some good tea and coffee. The little fella chose cake!!!! The

Alan &amp; Wannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17057212837069649108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6170329326888494344.post-27802560573159661792008-04-21T16:21:00.004+05:002008-12-09T15:22:05.252+05:00

Had a wonderful evening watching Twenty 20 Cricket with Pakistan and Bangladesh. Pakistan were showing within the first over why they are so much better then their neighbours. We were in the main stand next to the pavilion and possibly had the best views. The most famous of Pakistan Cricket supporters Chacha "Uncle' Cricket as he is known, was on hand to cheer everyone on. In fact when not

Alan &amp; Wannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17057212837069649108noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6170329326888494344.post-83581694817841116002008-04-20T13:46:00.003+05:002008-12-09T15:22:05.875+05:00

We decided to have a lazy Sunday and went to the Marriott Hotel for Brunch. They offer a wide range of foods, usual European and some excellent Pakistan dishes. Neither if us were too hungry having had the last evening with our work colleagues at the local french restaurant. So pretty full before we arrived.However we did have some good eggs and toast. Very English!!!We need the calories as

Alan &amp; Wannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17057212837069649108noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6170329326888494344.post-25976602341716326532008-04-14T12:21:00.015+05:002008-12-09T15:22:06.278+05:00

Our Engineers and staff team decided on a day out and organised for . Cosy Water Park It's about 45 minutes out of Karachi, so I was told. Easy, so we set off to join everyone. 2 hours later we finally found it!!! Miles out of Karachi, in what can only be described as desert/shrub land. Not one road sign indicating where is was all the way along the 30 kilometers of Super highway! (Photos from

Alan &amp; Wannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17057212837069649108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6170329326888494344.post-74029205263352634362008-04-11T11:09:00.003+05:002008-12-09T15:22:06.876+05:00

With only a few months to go I realise I must make a real effort and make sure I cover as much as possible. We, again me and my main man Khalid! visited the Mosque Masjid-E-Tooba. Its an enormous building built between 1993 and 1996, not old but well worth the visit. From an engineering point of view it is impressive as it is a 'shell structure' with a span of over 212 foot. Believe me once

Alan &amp; Wannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17057212837069649108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6170329326888494344.post-56603066151659913972008-04-10T10:44:00.004+05:002008-12-09T15:22:08.064+05:00

Mohammed Ali Jinnah is a universally revered figure in Pakistan. You will see his image everywhere on buildings and in pictures. He is credited as having secured the existence of Pakistan. Jinnah is know affectionally as "Quaid-i-Azam" or the Quaid (Leader of the people or Leader).I'm sure you'll all remember him from the film's Ghandi also Jinnah ? Well I decided to have a look around town and

Alan &amp; Wannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17057212837069649108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6170329326888494344.post-35437960898176074222008-04-09T18:53:00.004+05:002008-04-10T07:17:02.739+05:00

Just had a text message from a 'connected' friend.---------------=Karachi 9 Apr. Security Update. Situation tense in the city after the clashes amongst lawyers. Voilence spreading throughout the city. UN Offices advised to close immedieately. All to avoid main roads.----------------Will see what developes tomorrow.

Alan &amp; Wannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17057212837069649108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6170329326888494344.post-77953705930966050942008-04-09T16:54:00.003+05:002008-04-09T17:09:48.476+05:00

Sitting quietly in the office when suddenly the whole staff team started to stand around the TV. Clearly not good news, but all in Urdu. I asked what is was all about, only to be told about burning of buses in Karachi. Its still on the TV. Virtual fighting is something difficult to get used to. Bit like reality TV and Big Brother etc. We can watch other people getting hurt and injured but sit at

Alan &amp; Wannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17057212837069649108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6170329326888494344.post-63662672926245399112008-04-06T14:34:00.010+05:002008-12-09T15:22:08.466+05:00

Went to work for a few hours and then decided to visit St Patricks Church. It was build in 1878 according to the plaque on the outside wall. Now a Sindh Government Protected Heritage Protected Building. However for all that, it was closed! Well it was 1.30 pm when I got there so I suppose, Mass having been held at 6.00am, 8.30 am and scheduled again for the evening it has probably been open

Alan &amp; Wannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17057212837069649108noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6170329326888494344.post-69463321669056232912008-04-05T18:00:00.007+05:002008-12-09T15:22:08.672+05:00

Just got home from work to see lots of cars outside our condo block. And lots of Ladies, great or what?!!!! All descending on to the Art College next to my Condo. Looks like a big dance is about to happen. It's great to watch from up in the Condo. From the rear bedroom, I can see into the College gardens and just watch the activities. Normally you are not able to see these parties (no pun

Alan &amp; Wannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17057212837069649108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6170329326888494344.post-66106662560171882122008-03-31T14:52:00.002+05:002008-04-01T15:02:41.551+05:00

What a week. Its flown by and I’ve missed out on the annual vintage car show and the Sindh show. Catch them again next year?This week however has had a couple of high points. I’ve had 2 emails from people I’ve never met. These emails are directly as a result of my Blog.The first email was from a guy in Faisalabad, who told me that on searching the Internet for “Thai’s in Karachi” my Blog got

Alan &amp; Wannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17057212837069649108noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6170329326888494344.post-4347626588653410122008-03-23T12:29:00.004+05:002008-12-09T15:22:08.926+05:00

Its that special time of the year for Church followed by eating East Eggs, often in the shape of Bunnies. (Why Bunnie shaped I have no idea). Well for me Easter Sunday in Karachi it was a bit different. I started off by going to work! But on arrival I was presented with a Easter Cake. Lovely chocolate one and wished a very Happy Easter. I mentioned earlier in my last post how Good Friday was also

Alan &amp; Wannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17057212837069649108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6170329326888494344.post-44728793825759787532008-03-22T23:18:00.006+05:002008-12-09T15:22:09.136+05:00

I just got this email. You've read about me fishing here in Karachi. Well read below if interested in the sport. It's nice to see something I've been following, and involved with, actually getting some 'Google' recognition. That feels good. There's a link to the Association at the side of this page.----------------------------------------------------Dear members,We feel proud to announce yet

Alan &amp; Wannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17057212837069649108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6170329326888494344.post-73106045518042821182008-03-21T16:37:00.010+05:002008-12-09T15:22:09.363+05:00

Today is Good Friday and it is also The Prophet Mohammeds Birthday. Lovey coincidence to have two such important events occuring on the same day.Pity we do not have more coincidences like this. Sure to make the world a better place. It is also a public holiday here in Pakistan. That should generally mean no work and it's true. Our port was closed and so are all Government Offices and 99% of all

Alan &amp; Wannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17057212837069649108noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6170329326888494344.post-67426752515198975632008-03-09T17:47:00.011+05:002008-12-09T15:22:10.177+05:00

It's that time of year again. Winter is over and the Summer is coming. And the Clifton flower festival is here again. This the 57th Annual show. Well, I went to the 56th and again to this last one. (see one of my earliest postings cira March 2007?) Both shows were interesting but sadly to be very honest nothing new in this one. Same stalls, in the same places, with the same flowers (some looked

Alan &amp; Wannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17057212837069649108noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6170329326888494344.post-64993883063346326782008-03-09T14:44:00.002+05:002008-12-09T15:22:10.310+05:00

Want to gather some mussels from the Defence area rocks early this morning. Hardly anyone about. Wide roads and few cars. But sadly we came across two cars that had obviously had a head on collision. How they even managed to collide is beyond me. In UK you would put it down to probably drink driving but here in Karachi I very much doubt it. It was however a sobering thought for the day. (Oh yes

Alan &amp; Wannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17057212837069649108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6170329326888494344.post-46333457203987098432008-03-03T16:23:00.011+05:002008-12-09T15:22:12.226+05:00

Friday morning Shahzad sent me a text message asking if I was interested in an overnight fishing/sailing trip. Silly question really "of course" was the returning text message! So that was agreed. "Great, We'll pick you up Saturday afternoon from your apartment".We went in 2 boats. They are both MacGregor 26's and are well adapted for both power and sail. The idea was to get to Chuna Island about

Alan &amp; Wannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17057212837069649108noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6170329326888494344.post-67951482581244068012008-03-03T16:10:00.004+05:002008-12-09T15:22:12.440+05:00

We keep finding things to see and do in Karachi. Saturday morning and it was a trip with Khalid to the above mentioned exhibition. Small displays of concrete paving blocks and other construction items. About 60 stands. What was noticable was that there were 3 displays offering swimming pool plumbing and equipment. This is an interesting indication that the Karachi middle classes are looking to

Alan &amp; Wannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17057212837069649108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6170329326888494344.post-17679912555449917292008-03-01T13:10:00.007+05:002008-12-09T15:22:13.515+05:00

Hi, For those of you who don't already know yesterday was my birthday. Those of you who already knew, many thanks for all the good wishes. We went to dinner at Lal quila last night. We've been before and I've mentioned it here as well. Beautiful spot set in medieval surroundings.We had a wonderful night. Copious amounts of food (think I had three helpings of everything!) and very good company.

Alan &amp; Wannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17057212837069649108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6170329326888494344.post-80324397489440528952008-02-29T18:18:00.005+05:002008-12-09T15:22:13.993+05:00

Was wondering round town today and took a few snaps of daily life.

Alan &amp; Wannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17057212837069649108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6170329326888494344.post-66206420985015288802008-02-29T18:13:00.003+05:002008-03-26T07:29:53.781+05:00

I came back to the office late this afternoon to find a new email, see text below.HiArif Begaumi, who has recently joined up with our firm, suggested I check out your blog. While I've seen just the two most recent entries, it was your profile that interested me more, as there are several common areas.I'm a 58 year old male civil engineer, also Pisces, and was with Scott Wilson (and Kirkpatrick,

Alan &amp; Wannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17057212837069649108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6170329326888494344.post-72494336685202003662008-02-25T19:11:00.004+05:002008-12-09T15:22:14.161+05:00

I did not have a driver today and so decided to take my time going home and capture some of the flavour of rush hour traffic. For some reason we hit a really calm period. No worries. Its interseting to see the donkeys and also the old men struggling with heavy loads. I say old as I am told a lot of the very old looking chaps are in their 40's. Tough life. Me I'm at home writing this while they

Alan &amp; Wannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17057212837069649108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6170329326888494344.post-25754250975402102122008-02-24T17:38:00.012+05:002008-12-09T15:22:16.918+05:00

(That was by the Small faces?, What was ?.. The title to this posting!!!)We did not wake up till noon today. Must be the jet lag but most unusual. Still tired. We decided to get out of the apartment and have drive. Half way to the Hawks Bay area we turned back having decided we needed to get things from the market. Going along we passed a small nursery which seemed to be teeming with colourful

Alan &amp; Wannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17057212837069649108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6170329326888494344.post-41637169791259226712008-02-20T20:43:00.005+05:002008-03-29T15:01:45.725+05:00

Having spend a small fortune on a model helicopter whilst in UK and managed to get it safely back to Karachi I decided to give it a bash outside our Condo to see if it really worked. Hand carried it in my brief case no less. That's enthuasism for you. On the way out I had expected to be stopped at Heathrow. We were including scanner, then a take your shoes off job. Never ending... Given all

Alan &amp; Wannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17057212837069649108noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6170329326888494344.post-61187850714798358962008-02-19T14:00:00.001+05:002008-02-25T17:33:42.130+05:00

Back after a good time in UK. Seems the usual thing, us in Karachi and suitcases in Dubai! They arrived late yesterday evening. Things here are calm and it seems the election went well for the people. Not sure the existing Authorities feel the same way! On a much milder item. I bought a model helicopter whilst in UK. You will be seeing pictures of it soon enough!!

Alan &amp; Wannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17057212837069649108noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6170329326888494344.post-57586749232810904132008-02-18T08:30:00.000+05:002008-12-09T15:22:17.439+05:00

Alan &amp; Wannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17057212837069649108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6170329326888494344.post-83616518188351149402008-02-15T13:16:00.002+05:002008-12-09T15:22:17.830+05:00

We had a super day out in Norwich with Owen, Charles, Linnie and Wanna. Picked everyone up and then went first to Linnie's shop 'Second Hand Rose'. Its closing down end of Feb due to various reasons, not least of which is lack of customers due to the economy etc. Met her business partner Jane (?). She's the blond one sitting in the middle of the photo, not the bald head (thats Charlie) on the

Alan &amp; Wannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17057212837069649108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6170329326888494344.post-44675693560624817602008-02-11T12:47:00.010+05:002008-12-09T15:22:18.871+05:00

After the excitement of Ipswich Football club it was back to Thetford and a trip to MacDonald's. That was via hte Thetford Museum. Both the museum and MacDonnalds are experiences not to be undertaken to often. We had a takeaway at Mums house and Wanna got to see some family photos. Why is it parents always seem to keep pictures of us when we were little kids?...This afternoon was spent helping

Alan &amp; Wannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17057212837069649108noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6170329326888494344.post-90169021680574783722008-02-10T20:17:00.001+05:002008-12-09T15:22:19.204+05:00

Owen has a great location in Thetford which is made even better as he has some really good neighbours. We've met 3 of them. Two brothers Paul and Andy (Twins!) living in separate houses. Well Paul tells me he is 15 minutes youngere than Andy! Also Doreen. Seems a really good street.Paul owns a Lotus Lotus 'ESPRIT' V8 SE and he took Wanna for a spin. 150 miles per hour down one of the country

Alan &amp; Wannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17057212837069649108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6170329326888494344.post-68592244458317765282008-02-09T21:40:00.005+05:002008-12-09T15:22:20.052+05:00

Owen had organized tickets for us to go and see Ipswich Town Football Club. ITFC !! . They were playing Watford at home. This was a Championship match. So great excitement. We, Owen, Charlie, Wanna and I to Ipswich. After parking we bought the obligatory hot dogs and paid a visit to the 'shop' (Planet blue…) where we purchased wooly ITFC hats. Then we looked the part, real supporters. The ground

Alan &amp; Wannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17057212837069649108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6170329326888494344.post-10380748356949854402008-02-08T20:08:00.000+05:002008-12-09T15:22:20.705+05:00

One very interesting thing was getting a haircut at the mobile barbers. It seems some old chap has set himself up in business running a barbers shop. What differs from the competition is that he set it up on the road side. That's right. He has a truck parked on the road side. Seems he has fitted the bus/coach with a gas heater for warmth and an inverter on the battery to supply 240 volts. All you

Alan &amp; Wannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17057212837069649108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6170329326888494344.post-7621266758679555502008-02-08T19:43:00.002+05:002008-12-09T15:22:21.646+05:00

We made it up to Norfolk by tube, rail and car to get to stay with Owen. Well worth the journey. We caught up with Mother and then had a wander around Thetford followed by an excellent dinner with Charlie and Linnie. Paul joined us as well as Owens son Andrew. Charlie was a bag of nerves making some excellent Thai food and waiting for Wanna's approval. Talk about a cat on hot bricks. Which I am

Alan &amp; Wannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17057212837069649108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6170329326888494344.post-47552974236879515742008-02-07T21:58:00.001+05:002008-12-09T15:22:22.781+05:00

After a good breakfast/lunch with Wanna it was off to the Angle to meet Sarah et al. We decided to walk and see a bit of the sights. Well it was cold and we had an hour to spare so we stopped in an east end pub. Had a quick beer and used the loo. (Amazing how much you need the loo in a clod windy climate!!). The folks in there were great and advised us to get a double decker route master bus to

Alan &amp; Wannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17057212837069649108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6170329326888494344.post-53421883842028344152008-02-07T21:42:00.000+05:002008-12-09T15:22:23.482+05:00

Arrived in London. Cold or what?.... About +6 Degree C. So we decided, for a bit of fun to take the train and tube into town and catch up with Sarah. Well the 15 minutes train to Paddington took 45 minutes and the 10 stop tube ride took another hour. Terrible. After that we droppped our bags at the long stay place in Liverpool Street Station. That part of London life clearly had not improved.Next

Alan &amp; Wannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17057212837069649108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6170329326888494344.post-16456686458092695892008-02-06T17:32:00.002+05:002008-02-26T19:08:25.089+05:00

Its cold and windy in Karachi. About 10 Degrees C. Shivering more like. Anyway we are off to London tonight.I understand it is warmer there!!! Global warming or whatever. Will be missing the elections as we get back on 19th and they are being held on the 18th. Good planning. More importantly the 40th day or mourign for the death of Benazir Bhutto is also something we will be missing. That's

Alan &amp; Wannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17057212837069649108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6170329326888494344.post-49584566896989994352008-02-03T14:31:00.003+05:002008-03-29T11:05:54.831+05:00

I'm sending this by email to my Blog. Just to see if it works. Will make Blogging while travelling a lot easier.Alan--------+92 334 3859378http://alan-in-karachi.blogspot.com/http://ourislandhome.googlepages.com/http://www.sailblogs.com/member/lloyd/

Alan &amp; Wannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17057212837069649108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6170329326888494344.post-68179880174121498622008-02-02T23:49:00.001+05:002008-12-09T15:22:24.284+05:00

UKAP?.. That's the United Kingdom Association of Pakistan for those of you who don't already know. Basically it's an Association for UK Expats in Pakistan. It was originally formed for support reasons back in the pre Independence era. Helping distressed Expats etc. More recently it declined with so many Expats departing etc. so it almost became almost defunct. However in the last 18 months it is

Alan &amp; Wannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17057212837069649108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6170329326888494344.post-5072463559490578362008-01-31T19:07:00.002+05:002008-12-09T15:22:24.551+05:00

Had a day trip to Port Qassim. Reason being to look at a damaged jetty. PQ is about 45 minutes east of Karachi and is set in the delta. Have just been to Keti Bandar only a week ago and this seems a similar trip. Difference is it has deep water hence the very successful port development. It handles about 35% of Pakistan sea imports. So impressive yes. Its got a lot of jetties and quays all spread

Alan &amp; Wannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17057212837069649108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6170329326888494344.post-344842512785650612008-01-30T07:06:00.002+05:002008-03-29T14:55:27.072+05:00

Up to now I've avoided making much comment on the politice here in Pakistan. But yesterday things related to the "War on terror' just got a little closer to home. There has been some violence in Karachi just like any other city but this event of yesterday makes me think things are getting closer. See newpaper article below.Five terrorists, two cops killed in Karachi gun battle KARACHI, Jan 29 (

Alan &amp; Wannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17057212837069649108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6170329326888494344.post-58286244684144076462008-01-28T13:32:00.000+05:002008-12-09T15:22:24.687+05:00

Today is cold. I got up and went to work with a real Monday morning feeling. Visiting the construction works I noticed a navy vessel leaving port. Photos of navy ships are not really allowed and if anything frowned upon. However in this case the picture is so poor I doubt it counts in any way as a security risk! What it does do, is show you, the morning sea mist and if you look closely at the

Alan &amp; Wannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17057212837069649108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6170329326888494344.post-56464012981408957602008-01-26T10:35:00.002+05:002008-12-09T15:22:26.497+05:00

Keti Bandar is a small fishing village situated about 150 kilometers east of Karachi. It is nestled in one of the many thousands of creeks, rivers and dykes which make up the mouth of the Indus River. The area is low and sparse. Sparse in all ways, by which I mean little to no vegetation due to the saline waters, few people due to the simple fact there is nothing there to sustain them except

Alan &amp; Wannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17057212837069649108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6170329326888494344.post-50680211239683057152008-01-23T13:51:00.000+05:002008-01-23T16:27:44.747+05:00

Thank you all very much for reading my Blog. I've reached 3000 hits. Well not really. Let me be honest. I started the counter on 1952 so even at that it is well over 1000. since last Feb. I've been going since 1st Feb 2007. So 360 days. 3 hits per day.The Blog had initially been written to keep my Family, particularly my Dad, informed of bits of my life in and and around Karachi. Other friends

Alan &amp; Wannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17057212837069649108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6170329326888494344.post-61062369983133819452008-01-19T18:51:00.002+05:002008-03-29T14:54:51.515+05:00

No work this weekend and no going out. Religious festival. See todays news in The Dawn. Thats why I stay home.Karachi police say avert bomb, cyanide disaster KARACHI, Jan 19 (Reuters) Pakistani police said Saturday they had averted a disaster with the arrests in Karachi late Friday of five militants planning to attack religious processions with cyanide and suicide bombs. “Their arrest has averted

Alan &amp; Wannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17057212837069649108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6170329326888494344.post-32798295810602642132008-01-13T19:15:00.001+05:002008-02-26T19:11:42.938+05:00

Just went down to the coast to get some mussels from the rocks. On the way down through the new Defence area there is a half completed dual carriageway. Packed out with street motor bikes. Loads of local lads out performing each other with wheelies running circles and all sorts of stunts. Make for some good watching. Good watching indeed. Even stopped an old chap on his delipated bike. Had

Alan &amp; Wannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17057212837069649108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6170329326888494344.post-69571900494130141512008-01-13T14:07:00.001+05:002008-12-09T15:22:26.904+05:00

I'm not one for shopping but the Defence Area near our house has a weekly Sunday and Tuesday Market. Whats for sale? Everything except meat and livestock. Even found someone selling secondhand laptops. The main things for sale are fruit and vegetables and kitchen stuff and loads of cloth and garments. Not so different to the larger town markets of UK in places in Norwich etc. Well quite a

Alan &amp; Wannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17057212837069649108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6170329326888494344.post-8150264053438024982008-01-10T20:02:00.002+05:002008-12-09T15:22:27.021+05:00

Had a really good morning. Ahmad gave me a call and asked me to come round for a Byranai lunch. Great. He explained they had cooked 10 kilos of rice and 15 kilos of lamb plus all the usual extras including potatoes. Well it was fantastic. So good I had three helping. this was all washed down with 7up!!! All followed by some more rice. In Pakistan they make a very clever desert using rice cooked

Alan &amp; Wannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17057212837069649108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6170329326888494344.post-59895580441612233562008-01-09T13:06:00.001+05:002008-03-29T14:53:23.749+05:00

I've been back 4 days. Seems like I was never away. Time in flying by. Karachi is quiet and there are no signs of any unrest. Driving round things seem normal. No signs of burned cars, demolished homes or shops. Well only a few burned out shops. Nothing like when I was in Jakarta many years ago at the time of the deposing of Sutauto. It is only in talking to people and asking around that you

Alan &amp; Wannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17057212837069649108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6170329326888494344.post-22079656769103279722008-01-06T12:51:00.001+05:002008-03-29T14:52:49.588+05:00

We got back this morning. Flight was on time and we got through Passport control very quickly. Then we waited for the baggage. And waited somemore. Well it did not arrive. Hopefully later today or tomorrow.Driving from the airport to the Condo was a breeze, little traffic and somehow things looked calmer and cleaner that I ever expected. Will get the full lowdown tomorrow on political status etc.

Alan &amp; Wannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17057212837069649108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6170329326888494344.post-62311994782456631132008-01-04T10:02:00.002+05:002008-03-29T14:51:54.569+05:00

Just a quick note. I've been following the news in Pakistan and Karachi in particular. All sounds a bit like a powder keg. Will be returning on Sunday and back to work on the Monday. So check this space. Either I'll be organising to go fishing or packing up to leave!!!!!!

Alan &amp; Wannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17057212837069649108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6170329326888494344.post-40252069926600604632007-12-27T21:45:00.001+05:002008-03-29T14:50:22.186+05:00

Just logged on to read the news on BBC before going off to bed. Benazer Bhutto blown up. Along with 15-20 other sad souls.BBC front page:----Last Updated: Thursday, 27 December 2007, 16:34 GMTBenazir Bhutto assassinated Pakistan's former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto is killed in a suicide attack at an election rally in the garrison city of Rawalpindi.International reaction Your comments Latest

Alan &amp; Wannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17057212837069649108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6170329326888494344.post-35925962949868896662007-12-21T04:25:00.000+05:002007-12-21T04:39:10.419+05:00

Leaving Karachi for the Christmas break. On the way to Seychelles for a holiday. Strange mixed feelings as I had and still have so much to do at work and Wanna has started to make quite a few friends. To go or not to go?.... But the travelling has meant that I had to buy a few presents etc for friends and family. So had a very interesting afternoon running round Karachi. Its great when you need

Alan &amp; Wannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17057212837069649108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6170329326888494344.post-69619352230359599962007-12-19T16:56:00.001+05:002008-03-26T07:21:38.914+05:00

Found this in The Independent. I checked. Same train I was suppopsed to be on last Friday!!!! Someone up there is looking after me very well.By James MacintyrePublished: 19 December 2007An express train packed with holidaymakers derailed in southern Pakistan early this morning killing at least 50 people and injuring many more, officials said.The train was said to be travelling from Karachi to

Alan &amp; Wannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17057212837069649108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6170329326888494344.post-27056966761980820932007-12-18T09:16:00.000+05:002007-12-21T09:33:23.977+05:00

Town planning Karachi style... worth the wait for it to upload

Alan &amp; Wannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17057212837069649108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6170329326888494344.post-88391398929357014422007-12-14T14:38:00.001+05:002008-12-09T15:22:27.335+05:00

We were due to go to Lahore last night. Were due to take the overnight train from Karachi to Lahore. Even had a complimentary pair of tickets. And beautiful tickets they were too!!Had an early meal and then packed a few bits. Remembered the passports, money and something to wear. Even organised a bag of cold beers to consume on the train on the way up there. Then the phone went. Khalid called to

Alan &amp; Wannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17057212837069649108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6170329326888494344.post-46239316837960438372007-12-09T13:40:00.001+05:002008-12-09T15:22:27.613+05:00

Had a lazy Saturday. Went to work for the morning and fortunately Wanna dragged me out at about 3.00pm. Good thing as otherwise I would have been there forever. We then went off to visit a Thai friend, Her husband is a fanatical model plane flyer. I say models these things are 2 meters long!! And he's got hundreds of them. I'm been invited to join him at the flying club when I get back from

Alan &amp; Wannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17057212837069649108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6170329326888494344.post-53891084822541353152007-12-07T13:38:00.001+05:002008-12-09T15:22:27.877+05:00

We had a really great evening with Khalid and his wife, joined by Ian and Aldo. We started out by all meeting up at Khalid's house. Sat ourselves down and started chatting away. Before long Aldo and Khalids son had got the guitars out and were starting a jamming session. Finally we dragged Aldo away and we went to the very well know Restaurant http://www.lalqila.com/ on Shisa Faisal. Its

Alan &amp; Wannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17057212837069649108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6170329326888494344.post-13641346721223105112007-12-06T08:33:00.001+05:002008-12-09T15:22:28.410+05:00

Very good evening at the pearl Continental Hotel to Celebrate the King of Thailand's 80th Birthday. Probably over 300 people there mainly foreign Embassy and Consulate types but quite a few business people as well. Obviously on this occasion also the Thai community residing in Karachi. And there seem to be a lot of them.The evening started at 7.30 pm and consisted of meeting other people and

Alan &amp; Wannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17057212837069649108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6170329326888494344.post-85229553012932833812007-12-03T13:31:00.000+05:002008-12-09T15:22:28.657+05:00

I had been taken by Khalid to Makro a big new warehouse type store similar to ones in UK.Had a look round and bought a cold box and water cooler. Followed by a relaxing coffee in Dunkin Donuts!! Thats it!!!

Alan &amp; Wannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17057212837069649108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6170329326888494344.post-26630680218938724722007-12-01T22:25:00.001+05:002008-12-09T15:22:29.634+05:00

Ormara is an old coastal port town (25° 16' 29N 64° 35' 10E) located in the coastal region of the Balochistan province. It is located 350 km west of KarachiIts historical routes are linked with Alexander the Great, who stayed here with his army for a few days on his way back from India, in 400 BC. One of his generals "Ormoz" died here and the present day Ormara was named after him. (source

Alan &amp; Wannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17057212837069649108noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6170329326888494344.post-30567478198923266882007-11-30T13:15:00.001+05:002008-12-09T15:22:29.944+05:00

You know after a while, without realising it you get used to the hustle and bustle of Karachi. The dust, noise, smells, teaming humanity and constant movement, even the 'only in Karachi' specially acquired local driving skills!!!!For most people arriving from UK it can be best described as sensory overload. But as I say you just get used to it.So it was interesting on the way into work this

Alan &amp; Wannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17057212837069649108noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6170329326888494344.post-82188397092706653212007-11-28T12:56:00.001+05:002008-12-09T15:22:30.209+05:00

Life's been quiet this last few weeks. Not sure that means no activity or to many different things on the go. Christmas is only about 30 days away. Between now and then we need to do some shopping and get organised for events!!Wanna has been busy with the Thai contingent and last night came home with Pakistan chicken curry which she had been taught to make. Not bad either!!!We had a lazy day on

Alan &amp; Wannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17057212837069649108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6170329326888494344.post-58661673802394923242007-11-23T21:56:00.001+05:002008-12-09T15:22:30.352+05:00

What am I talking about? The King? Elvis, but he's dead ? And Pakistan has a President and given the current political situation I of all people should be aware of that. So just who am I talking about.The King of Thailand is who I am referring to. His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej. It is his 80th Birthday on 5th December and Wanna having met several Thai ladies (see earlier posting) has been

Alan &amp; Wannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17057212837069649108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6170329326888494344.post-72820739409760500282007-11-21T06:32:00.001+05:002008-12-09T15:22:30.564+05:00

With all the news on the political front I thought it useful to explain that for most people life just goes on as normal. Going out and about the petrol stations are open for business and the trains are still running.The service stations look like any other till you take a closer look. Different dress but everyone very relaxed. Trains. Well planning an over night trip up to Lahore in a few weeks

Alan &amp; Wannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17057212837069649108noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6170329326888494344.post-28411944352458715202007-11-20T07:02:00.000+05:002008-06-08T12:16:32.168+06:00

Great day out last Sunday at Kalari Lake with friends. That's enough fishing stories for a few posting!!

Alan &amp; Wannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17057212837069649108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6170329326888494344.post-91988554464237051052007-11-17T19:08:00.001+05:002008-12-09T15:22:30.926+05:00

Well we got up on time. 06.00 am found us sitting outside the apartment waiting on Ahmad. Beautiful cool morning with alight breeze. Sun slowly rising. Its going to be a great day. Ahmad was 25 minutes late picking us up. No worries there. Seems he was delayed by others. Off we went to Mubarak Village. Its situated about 35 Kilometers outside of Karachi along the coast road going West. Beautiful

Alan &amp; Wannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17057212837069649108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6170329326888494344.post-1694640720964028522007-11-17T18:56:00.000+05:002008-12-09T15:22:31.539+05:00

We made it. Would you believe it took 45 minutes for me with one hand on the steering wheel and the other stuck to my left ear with a mobile phone in it to just find the place. Well worth it. We had a great evening, good company and met some very interesting people. There are over 20 Thai Ladies in Karachi most married to local Pakistan men from Karachi. Some have been here over 30 years and

Alan &amp; Wannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17057212837069649108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6170329326888494344.post-2823638643127883642007-11-16T18:06:00.001+05:002008-03-29T14:41:55.525+05:00

Time to clean up the place and get a few bits of food in. Fridge has plenty of beer but not much else. Looks good from a bachelor view point but that’s about it.So off to Makro, new store just opened in Karachi. Same as we have in UK. Big warehouse type place and as you can imagine all stuff packed high to the roof tops. Well I bough a cold box and a water cooler. That should do for the days out.

Alan &amp; Wannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17057212837069649108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6170329326888494344.post-43181377970705508962007-11-12T21:41:00.001+05:002008-12-09T15:22:32.219+05:00

Karachi is a really complex, contrasting place with numerous levels of society. So it was with great interest that I and Khalid, accepted an invitation to the Karachi Boat Club for lunch today. I've refrained from talking about work in my Blog but obviously it is a place where I meet most of my contacts. Well today I was pleased to accept an invitation by Mr Ansari and his son for lunch at his

Alan &amp; Wannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17057212837069649108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6170329326888494344.post-9670307889782837872007-11-09T20:26:00.001+05:002008-12-09T15:22:32.714+05:00

Allama Iqbal was a famous Pakistan Poet who has today's public Holiday named and created in recognition of his services to the Country and Humanity.What this got to do with my Blog I hear you ask. Well Public Holiday equates to a non working day for me. Yes you guessed. Fishing. But not your usual off the sea wall stuff you read about earlier. This time we rented 2 smallish local fishing boats

Alan &amp; Wannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17057212837069649108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6170329326888494344.post-26392237077631211542007-11-03T21:17:00.001+05:002008-12-09T15:22:33.087+05:00

I got home planning on writing a short Blog input to say at last, I got a few photos of camels!! But while sitting here I was also flicking through the TV channels. Just watched Arsenal and Man U. Other channels were not working properly so I decided to call the provider. But and this is strange I first checked BBC on the Web. No real reason. Front news 'State of Emergency in Pakistan' and all

Alan &amp; Wannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17057212837069649108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6170329326888494344.post-81809435077389273512007-11-01T22:14:00.001+05:002008-03-29T14:37:22.657+05:00

First of November already. (only 54 day till Christmas). I've been back in Karachi 10 days and it seems like yesterday that I was drinking a long cold Singha beer in Thailand. Good dream!!! It is only after 10 days, i.e. today that I got to go round to seeing Captain Farouqui (my shipping agent) and explain to him why I had not made it up to Karachi in my sailing boat.We both had a cup of tea and

Alan &amp; Wannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17057212837069649108noreply@blogger.com0