I had done my washing in the morning on Saturday so that I would have clean clothes to pack for my journey. I had bought a dozen batteries fro my digital camera to be prepared all the time to take lots of pictures on my trip. I had gathered all the rest of the itsy bitsy things that I thought I would need.
I was supposed to iron my clothes and pack everything on Saturday night. But as usual, my laziness let me down. I put my head down on the pillow to take a tiny nap but dozed off into a deep slumber, only to wake up early next morning.
Then I jumped out of bed and at once started ironing my clothes like a robot. It already takes me longer than normal people to iron one complete set of clothes (shalwar, qameez & dupatta) and that time I had many such “sets” to take care off. I moved my hands as fast and efficiently as I could. Folding the clothes properly is anther impossible task. But I managed that as well.
Allah helped a lot so somehow I was all packed and ready well before time. Well ok, I was ready in the nick of time but at least I did get ready. ;-)
Saturday, 12 July 2008
Gilgit Trip: The Good News
While I was despairing due to no plane seats and was busy planning out my journey by road, i was offered help by a pal that she could try getting a seat. I happily accepted the offer. She set out on this difficult task, thanks to her. She tried but she could only give me the news of the booking (either good or bad) on Saturday. I had nothing to lose so I waited till that day. Saturday morning I got a call from her. She made my day by telling me that a seat was booked and I could collect the ticket from the PIA office. I was really delighted. I got up, got ready and then Ammi and I went to the PIA office to get the ticket. When I paid for the ticket and Ammi put it in her purse, it felt like a heavy load had lifted off my chest. I felt calm and satisfied. Smiling I came home to prepare for my journey the next day, that is on Sunday.
Friday, 11 July 2008
Gilgit Trip: The Hurdles
Making the plan was the easy part. The rest was difficult. The first hurdle came when I was unable to get a seat in the flight to Gilgit. I guess I was too late in making the reservations and when I finally asked my mother to go and book a seat, she was informed that there were no bookings till the end of July. I felt taken aback when I heard this news. I didn’t know what to do next.
Then I called up my friend to ask for details of travel by road. She gave me all the relevant names and numbers to help me out. And then I asked her ‘the question’ that how long does the journey last. She told me 18 hours. I felt the world twirling around my head. Then I said to myself that if my friend can do it and do it many times, why not I. so I made up my mind that if I do not get a seat on the plane I will go by road. Right after making this plan in my head I discussed this option with my mother. She approved so I booked my seat on a bus to Gilgit for Sunday July 6, 2008.
Then I called up my friend to ask for details of travel by road. She gave me all the relevant names and numbers to help me out. And then I asked her ‘the question’ that how long does the journey last. She told me 18 hours. I felt the world twirling around my head. Then I said to myself that if my friend can do it and do it many times, why not I. so I made up my mind that if I do not get a seat on the plane I will go by road. Right after making this plan in my head I discussed this option with my mother. She approved so I booked my seat on a bus to Gilgit for Sunday July 6, 2008.
Gilgit Trip: The Beginning
It all began when I made a plan with my friend that I will go visit her in Gilgit a few weeks ago. I opted for this date as it was right after the crucial ISO Surveillance Audit in the company. And I thought that going after this would be too late. So here is how and where it began.
Gilgit Trip: Back From the Departure Lounge to the Arrival Lounge
Well I kept waiting till 9:45 am to get the ‘board the plane now’ signal. My stomach kept grumbling and I continuously consoled it. As there was no announcement, I kept waiting some more. And then the clocks struck 10:00 when I got the dreadful news of flight cancellation due to bad weather in Pindi. I felt depressed. The tiny ray of light, shining deep inside me, suddenly blew out. There was darkness far and wide. I thought I even heard the shattering sound of my delicate ‘heart of glass’. (Enough with the dramatics I guess. ;-) hehe)
When I heard the announcement I was really shocked for a couple of minutes. I didn’t know what to do. Then slowly I regained my senses. The first thing i did was call my mother to break the news. Then I went up to one of the lady officials of PIA (Pakistan International Airlines) to ask her what was I supposed to do next and how could I take my baggage. She told me that the baggage could be collected from the Domestic Arrival Lounge (Man! They have so many lounges. :-P).
From that departure lounge, I knew of only two paths through there. One to get to the lounge after checking in and the other to get out of there in the open to get on the plane. I didn’t know how to the arrival lounge. So I was guided by the same lady. She told me to retrace my footsteps back into the check in area and then out the door. From there I was supposed to go towards the other lounge. She reassured that the PIA staff would be standing all the way, up to the arrival lounge to guide us ‘lost’ passengers.
I did as instructed up to a certain step, that was, till I got out of the check in area. My efficient mind then said, “You can collect the baggage any time. Why not get the seat reconfirmed for tomorrow as the Ticketing and Reservation window seems quite empty.” Paying heed to my efficient mind I rushed to that window and got my ticket reconfirmed. After that I located the Domestic Arrival Lounge, collected my dripping luggage and headed back home in a taxi. *sob sob*
When I heard the announcement I was really shocked for a couple of minutes. I didn’t know what to do. Then slowly I regained my senses. The first thing i did was call my mother to break the news. Then I went up to one of the lady officials of PIA (Pakistan International Airlines) to ask her what was I supposed to do next and how could I take my baggage. She told me that the baggage could be collected from the Domestic Arrival Lounge (Man! They have so many lounges. :-P).
From that departure lounge, I knew of only two paths through there. One to get to the lounge after checking in and the other to get out of there in the open to get on the plane. I didn’t know how to the arrival lounge. So I was guided by the same lady. She told me to retrace my footsteps back into the check in area and then out the door. From there I was supposed to go towards the other lounge. She reassured that the PIA staff would be standing all the way, up to the arrival lounge to guide us ‘lost’ passengers.
I did as instructed up to a certain step, that was, till I got out of the check in area. My efficient mind then said, “You can collect the baggage any time. Why not get the seat reconfirmed for tomorrow as the Ticketing and Reservation window seems quite empty.” Paying heed to my efficient mind I rushed to that window and got my ticket reconfirmed. After that I located the Domestic Arrival Lounge, collected my dripping luggage and headed back home in a taxi. *sob sob*
Gilgit Trip: Still in the Departure Lounge
I had gotten up around 4:30 am. We left for the airport around 5:30 am so there was practically no time for breakfast. Also the hour was early and I didn’t feel like eating anything. While waiting for my plane in the lounge, doing nothing, I started feeling hungry.
I was in the process of making up my mind about getting up and going to the little tuck shop to feed myself when I saw a waiter carrying a tray full of fruit juice boxes. He passed by and I heard him ask a bunch of people if they were on the Gilgit flight. They said no. Then he asked another bunch and they said no too. I was about to utter a bit loudly that “I” was waiting for the Gilgit flight but he moved away. I saw him continuously asking people the same question when finally he hit jackpot. He found the bunch actually going to Gilgit.
A minute later his tray was empty and that gang was happily sipping the juice. Seeing this sight, my tummy grumbled even louder. But that time it was too late. I had missed my juice. But then I kept hoping that I wouldn’t at least miss my flight.
I was in the process of making up my mind about getting up and going to the little tuck shop to feed myself when I saw a waiter carrying a tray full of fruit juice boxes. He passed by and I heard him ask a bunch of people if they were on the Gilgit flight. They said no. Then he asked another bunch and they said no too. I was about to utter a bit loudly that “I” was waiting for the Gilgit flight but he moved away. I saw him continuously asking people the same question when finally he hit jackpot. He found the bunch actually going to Gilgit.
A minute later his tray was empty and that gang was happily sipping the juice. Seeing this sight, my tummy grumbled even louder. But that time it was too late. I had missed my juice. But then I kept hoping that I wouldn’t at least miss my flight.
Tuesday, 8 July 2008
Gilgit Trip: Direct From the Domestic Departure Lounge
I wrote all this on small pieces of paper while i was on the airport. The different numbers indicate that I wrote different chunks of this text after different intervals of time. Read on and share the experience. :-D
Chunk 1:
Right now I am sitting in the domestic departure lounge of the Islamabad International airport. I am here to catch my flight to Giglit. Today the weather was OK when I left home. The roads were also not heavily flooded so it was easy getting here. Unlike yesterday when we couldn’t get through due to water on the roads even after changing the path a lot of times and even moving on the wrong side of the road.
The original time of the flight as 6:45 am, but just now they have announced a 1 hour delay. So now the flight is “expected” to leave at 7:45 am. The delay was caused by bad weather in Islamabad.
Chunk 2:
People of different types, shapes and sizes are arriving. They might be scrutinizing me while I am observing their antics.
Chunk 3:
One family has just moved to some seats nearby. They seem very ‘Islamic’. The first thing the ‘father’ uttered to his little son, right after sitting, was “where is the Qibla?”. The little kid was off course baffled. And the ‘mother’ said something like, “I was doing that ‘vird’ throughout and did it a lot of times.” After this I was waiting for some more similar remarks. But they have shifted the mode to everyday life non-religion oriented topics.
Don’t think I mind being religious or people who are religious. I think it is an integral part of our lives, well knit into the daily routines. I also am in favour of wearing the Islamic religious labels on me. But the projection in this manner does seem odd to me. Seems one is merely trying to tell, rather prove, to the whole world tahy they are very religious.
Maybe that family was not one who was trying this ‘stunt’. Maybe I was too much was in their earshot. Maybe I misinterpreted the way they communicated. May Allah forgive me for making wrong opinions about people, even if they were strangers.
Chunk 4:
That family left. Now there is a plastic crockery banging family nearby. The kids are banging the plates so hard that it is giving me a headache.
Lots of kids in the lounge. All making their own kind of noises. Some are very loud while some are calmly and quietly patrolling around. I like kids and right now I prefer the quieter lot.
There you go! One of the rowdy noisy kids just broke a glass bottle. One of the tiny pieces slid right up to my right foot (that is off course inside a shoe). Didn’t harm me or anything but yes I am very annoyed at all this clatter.
Chunk 5:
Just looked at the schedule monitor and it gave me the same old news again. It displayed the same delayed time of my Gilgit flight (which is now by the way not 7:45 am but 8:15 am). Oh well I hope it doesn’t take longer than this.
Chunk 6:
I have just talked to my friend in Gilgit to get a weather update. She told me that it was dry but slightly cloudy. I’m taking this to be a good sign. Let’s see!
Chunk 7:
Just now a bald guy has passed by. He was not only bald but was wearing jet black sun glasses. Awww geee is my shining light too bright so as to make people blind. Hehehe
Chunk 8:
I wish the next step after “check in” would start soon which is “boarding”. I really want to have an airplane ride today, just like the one I had on Sunday.
Chunk 1:
Right now I am sitting in the domestic departure lounge of the Islamabad International airport. I am here to catch my flight to Giglit. Today the weather was OK when I left home. The roads were also not heavily flooded so it was easy getting here. Unlike yesterday when we couldn’t get through due to water on the roads even after changing the path a lot of times and even moving on the wrong side of the road.
The original time of the flight as 6:45 am, but just now they have announced a 1 hour delay. So now the flight is “expected” to leave at 7:45 am. The delay was caused by bad weather in Islamabad.
Chunk 2:
People of different types, shapes and sizes are arriving. They might be scrutinizing me while I am observing their antics.
Chunk 3:
One family has just moved to some seats nearby. They seem very ‘Islamic’. The first thing the ‘father’ uttered to his little son, right after sitting, was “where is the Qibla?”. The little kid was off course baffled. And the ‘mother’ said something like, “I was doing that ‘vird’ throughout and did it a lot of times.” After this I was waiting for some more similar remarks. But they have shifted the mode to everyday life non-religion oriented topics.
Don’t think I mind being religious or people who are religious. I think it is an integral part of our lives, well knit into the daily routines. I also am in favour of wearing the Islamic religious labels on me. But the projection in this manner does seem odd to me. Seems one is merely trying to tell, rather prove, to the whole world tahy they are very religious.
Maybe that family was not one who was trying this ‘stunt’. Maybe I was too much was in their earshot. Maybe I misinterpreted the way they communicated. May Allah forgive me for making wrong opinions about people, even if they were strangers.
Chunk 4:
That family left. Now there is a plastic crockery banging family nearby. The kids are banging the plates so hard that it is giving me a headache.
Lots of kids in the lounge. All making their own kind of noises. Some are very loud while some are calmly and quietly patrolling around. I like kids and right now I prefer the quieter lot.
There you go! One of the rowdy noisy kids just broke a glass bottle. One of the tiny pieces slid right up to my right foot (that is off course inside a shoe). Didn’t harm me or anything but yes I am very annoyed at all this clatter.
Chunk 5:
Just looked at the schedule monitor and it gave me the same old news again. It displayed the same delayed time of my Gilgit flight (which is now by the way not 7:45 am but 8:15 am). Oh well I hope it doesn’t take longer than this.
Chunk 6:
I have just talked to my friend in Gilgit to get a weather update. She told me that it was dry but slightly cloudy. I’m taking this to be a good sign. Let’s see!
Chunk 7:
Just now a bald guy has passed by. He was not only bald but was wearing jet black sun glasses. Awww geee is my shining light too bright so as to make people blind. Hehehe
Chunk 8:
I wish the next step after “check in” would start soon which is “boarding”. I really want to have an airplane ride today, just like the one I had on Sunday.
Monday, 7 July 2008
So Much/Little
So much to write about. So little energy left to type after playing PuzzleBee. :-D hehe I just hope that i can gather lots of writing/typing energy soon or else i would feel bad myself, not putting up all that stuff on my blog. Once again, all the best to me.
Sunday, 6 July 2008
Quiet Weekends
Weekends are always quiet. And if you haven't actually planned out anything, they turn out to be boring as well. The good things is you get to rest and sleep a lot. But the bad thing is that there is not much to do. You can just do your weekly chores like washing clothes and tidying up the room. But there seems to be nothing much to do. At least that's the case these days with me. Even the traffic on my blog is negligible on weekends. The week days are busier than busy and i don't find time even to scratch my head. And weekends are so task-less. Or maybe there are lots of tasks "lying around", waiting to be picked up and completed. Maybe i am just being lazy and turning a deaf ear and a blind eye towards those. Well let me go sharpen my senses a bit and find something to do. Because right now i am even getting bored playing PuzzleBee.
Tuesday, 1 July 2008
The Era of Comment Moderation
I never thought that i would ever use this feature of blogger. I never even gave it a test run. But due to certain recent turn of events i was forced to change my mind. Seems many people are insensitive of views of others. They think only they are right and only their point matters. They don't even hesitate in mocking the blogger as well as other people who leave comments. This is highly unacceptable for me. I believe in freedom of speech, but this is completely outrageous. So from now on, comments will be moderated.
A new era of checks and balances has begun; an era of comments moderation.
A new era of checks and balances has begun; an era of comments moderation.
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