After spending almost a week in Sialkot, we said our goodbyes and headed back to Lahore. Lahore was the first and last stop of this trip. As much as I would have liked to stay here, we were only here for a few days; first once we landed for a day and then again a few days before we departed for Canada.
I truly did not get to explore Lahore to its fullest. A lot of the time spent here went to shopping and by the end of it, I swore I would never shop again! It’s not that I had a bad experience shopping in Lahore, in fact, it was the best shopping experience compared to all the other cities that we shopped at in Pakistan. But I felt like that was all we did and it really did not interest me much. In retrospect, a lot of the clothing I purchased will be worn very occasionally here in Canada, it’s always good to have options especially when traditional clothing is scarce in Windsor.
Badshahi Masjid
Despite our limited time in Lahore, my cousins still took my mom, aunt and I to some of the touristy places in Lahore. Number one on my list was the glorious Badshahi Masjid. An iconic mosque dated back to the Mughal era. We hadn’t planned it this way but we ended up attending Jummah prayer at the mosque on the Friday before we left. The sun was scorching and they had laid out wet mats all down the enormous foyer, so people wouldn’t burn their feet (since walking in the mosque in shoes is not allowed).
After prayer, we walked around the mosque, taking a look at nearby monuments, before heading out. This was the day I started getting sick so I was really not having it with the heat or the photography. Most of these shots were obligatory and I was so miserable, hot and uncomfortable. But what a beauty to look at such wonderfully crafted architecture! Truly, an art in itself. See for yourself!
Wagah Border
A most incredible and unique experience was our visit to the Wagah Border which is in the Wagah zone in Lahore. This is the Pakistan-India border. Possibly the closest I could get to seeing India for the time being. The struggles between these two countries are still very real and, (one could argue) even getting worse. My understanding and opinion is that even though there is numerous historical context, the hostilities in present day give way to the most unhealthy narrow attitudes ingrained in the populations. Something that is not so easily removed.
Anyway, the efforts put into the border march are super impressive. Both countries hold this parade every day in the afternoon. It consists of numerous dance routines, drum rolls, cheering, chanting and excitement. The military border officers perform elaborate routines of marching, stomping and saluting, to show their pride from their country. Each compete for the floor as audiences are encouraged to cheer their loudest to show their support from their country. It is an absolutely remarkable display.
Speaking to one of the officers after the parade, I was shocked to find out that they do this rain or shine and even during the month of Ramadan, while fasting! The dedication and commitment is very real!
Enjoy the views from front row seats below!
Family
After the parade we visited one of the officer’s quarters. My aunt’s family knows them and the wife showed us all the creative things she does to home to keep busy while her husband is out for work. Again, the hospitality is unparalleled to any of my experiences elsewhere in the world. Soon after we headed home and rested. I started getting really sick, a summer cold, but luckily we were leaving the day after!
My mom’s birthday was the day before we left and our cousins bought a cake and we had one last meal outside as a family. I never indulged in any foods while on this trip. The rare times we ate out, I made sure to order the most basic items, so as to not get any stomach issues. This is something I definitely want to do differently next time!
I don’t think I said this enough to my mom but I was so so grateful for her during this trip. She might read this, so THANKS MOMMY!! You’re the best! She put up with a lot and she was happy to go wherever I wanted to! And I was happy she got to spend this time with her family! We are definitely coming back!
I’m lagging behind, but stay tuned for the next trip blog coming up shortly!