We set off for Lahore at six in the morning. Just me and my patient driver, who shares that he is used to these early morning trips out of the Islamabad and into Pakistan. The country begins outside the new, somewhat impersonal capital city and, despite the early hour, I'm excited to explore. Already, the sun is peeking up... Continue Reading →
Time flies when buying carpets
Three weeks into our time in Islamabad has a science fiction quality to it. Have I time traveled swiftly into the future? Looking back, it feels like the days have flown by and suddenly I am here with new knowledge on how to get around, new favorite haunts, and new friends who are already familiar faces. Sometimes it... Continue Reading →
Welcome to Islamabad!
When we exit the Islamabad airport, the sun is already starting to rise turning the deep blue of twilight into gradient pinks along the far horizon. Our friend and a driver are diligently waiting for us outside arrivals, graciously picking us up at 4am. Despite the early hour and our long journey, we spend most... Continue Reading →
Memories of Chengdu
"Wow, guess where we were a year ago today?" A says, looking at his phone while getting ready for work. From my vantage point across the room, it looks like he is buried by a mountain of belongings. Stuff (clothes, kitchen things, pots, pans, appliances in their somewhat beat up boxes, shelving units, books, papers, and... Continue Reading →
Preparing for Pakistan
Seven months into being back in the U.S. and two months before we leave for Pakistan, there is a hum of activity as the return to life overseas ramps up. It is a testament to how many visa applications I've filled out that when it comes time to fill out the applications for Pakistan, I already... Continue Reading →