Reminiscing Karachi memory lane...

Date: 27th July 2016

I am wearing a beautiful dress that I bought in Karachi for today's Raya gathering at our associate company. While being complimented, it made me realized of how much I miss the following places that I often visited while reside there... 

Agha's Supermarket

The best groceries store "Agha's" is situated at Shop No. 1, Uzma Court, DC-3, Block 8, Clifton Karachi. This is the first groceries store that Chow and Cheah Lee took me when I first arrived in Karachi in July 2007. They have everything that we needed to buy should we want to cook Malaysian dishes. There are imported groceries from Thailand like lemon grass, coconut milk, tomyam, thai red chillies, glutinous rice etc etc. Beside they are selling most of groceries items, books, DVD's, medicines, had small florist corner and money changer that was established there in 2010.

the Korean lady that operates Korean restaurant in Clifton

Kimchi noodles, my favourite

There's a Korean restaurant that serves Korean and Japanese food that we frequently visited. My favorite at her place are Kimchi soup with salty fish that unbeatable good. Besides, I like to order her BBQ beef which are a little bit sweet and kimchi noodles. She and her husband owns 2 lovely and obedient dogs that once in a while would follow them to work. Both dogs are really friendly and adorable to see. 

Two photos above are Sunday Bazaar, the only place we, Malaysian would spent our times at. Chow and Cheah Lee took me there on my second week in the city. Later I met many Malaysian and form quite large circles of friends. Thereafter, weekends never gets lonely anymore. Okay, below were among a few Malaysian and their families working and resided there that I always hang out with during my first year, i.e. in 2007/2008.

Below photo was snapped in early 2008 where IJM staff has started to join me in the office to fill in the organisation chart number. Some with families some are not. Syahirah and I were at Haniza's place with her daughter and Fadzil daughter's that used to be overly close to the 3 of us (Syahirah, Nasrul & I) when the photo was taken. Fadzil's family and my family together with Chow were sharing the same house, the same transport and driver and cooks. We were all staying at Defence Housing Area (DHA) which are the most safest zone in Karachi, untouchable to the turmoil. 

Some of the birthdays that we had at Platinum Residency, Clifton when we shifted from DHA housing area.

Items that I collected (bought) from Sunday Bazaar

 More gatherings with the ladies for eid and karaoke parties..

to be continued...

Things that i do on my last trip to Karachi

My Pakistan visa is expiring on 12th May 2014. After reviewing the matter which requires my inputs in Karachi with my former boss, I surprised myself by saying "YES" that I shall be attending to the discussions in Karachi. I estimated it would take only 2 days, hence the flight was confirmed as soon as green light was given by my present boss. We usually takes Emirates flight to Karachi which it's flight schedule greatly impacted my mood. It was due to a long transit while waiting for flights to the next sector. I chose 1930hours flight on Sunday afternoon to Dubai. After 7 hours and 10 minutes with traveling distance of 5618km, the Boeing B777-300 landed in Dubai at 2220 local times. The flight to Karachi took off at 0130 on the next Monday morning, 28th of May 2014 for a traveling distance of 1188km and a duration of 2 hours via Boeing 777-300ER.

The plane safely landed at 0430 in Jinnah International Airport. I was having an anxious feeling of returning home soon. For some reason coming to the city is no longer excites me. I guessed the time has come for me to detach myself from Karachi city that was once a home. It's nearly 7 years since the day I first landed, the day I mobilized, my countless yearly return trying to resolve the disputes. So, I told myself and everyone clearly that this would be my last trip to Karachi.

Wahid, the office boy waited at the arrival hall. Daim, our former drive who use to wait has gone at the end of 2013. I was not sad when he was removed as I have given my final blessing too. The new driver is quite a nice person, very composed to himself, therefore, I decided to put a distance. We went straight to the office. After a shower and Fajr prayer, I went to bed till 9.30am, Karachi time.

Wahid in Rabi Centre

From 9.30am till 5.30pm, we were working non-stop. We stopped only for my favorite "Beef Pulao" lunch takes away from United Restaurant in Bahadurabad. Lucky that Wahid knows where to get it from. I was so happy with the lunch. Sajid gave me PKR5 thousand in case I need to spend anything that night. But I did not started my shopping list, rather I took below photos so that my girlfriends (7 of them) from the head quarters would be able to chose which color of the chiffon embroider material that they may want me to buy. The pictures was immediately on the "IJM Shopaholics" whatsapp group. Wahid went with me. The driver waited at the parking lot of Rabi Centre, located adjacent to the Dolmen Mall of Tariq Road.

Nurul, Eila and Ili's choice

Later in the evening I informed the driver that he has to take me to the Malaysian house. Sajid showed him the direction via google map. I was lucky that the Consulate General has invited me to stay at their official residence, a Malaysian House located in Khayaban-e-Shamseer (Phase 8, Defense Housing). After Jama' the 2 maghrib and Isya' prayer, I headed to their house. Humyra, their lovely daughter was with her lovely mother, Hidia receiving me.

Beautiful Humyra

The next morning, after having coffee with Hidia and her husband, I went to work quite early, 8am since I wanted to get around the city, taking photo using my Iphone to record physical changes in Karachi, especially places that we used to visit. After few snapped at the Clifton Beach and Dolmen City Tower, I was surprised to see that the "Aik Talwar" has gone from it's trade mark, in front of Abdullah Shah Gazi. The area has been excavated for the proposed flyover in front of the ongoing Bahria Tower construction adjacent to Park Tower. Passing by the "Do Talwar", I snapped the Ocean Mall (used to be Soffitel Tower) from where I stand at Emerald Mall. These 2 (Dolmen City, Emerald and Ocean) malls were not existed those days.

We continued some shots during the journey to the office, till we reached Gloria Jeans coffee cafe. I stopped to take away some heavy brunch to keep my energy running strong for 2nd day of work assignment.

Good breakfast is available in Gloria Jeans Cafe

After lunch, I went out quickly to grab the first 6 pieces embroidery materials for the ladies. The ladies and I went bonkers as it was a life online shopping when the shop that I went had offered their wifi services. All of us went "OMG, OMG, OMG… it's crazy stuff down there at the market bla bla bla...

My girlfriends would be surprised that this is the shop that I went to get their materials from

I cannot blame them as those embroidery chiffon are all very beautiful in colors and the designs as shown in below photo. A lot of them unable to decide, so, for those who cannot I took that right from them. Back in the office, the working team agreed that I have to extend my stay as there's yet so much works to be reconciled. I made necessary arrangement to get my flight ticket change from Thursday to Saturday. The ladies are overjoyed with the news. It means more time for shopping.

Some of the purchase on 29th May 2014

For dinner on the 2nd night, the Consulate General and the wife planned for dinner at the Ocean Mall since I was planning to visit some of the local designers shop, i.e. Gul Ahmed and Khaadi. When I was about to check the things at Gul Ahmed, they arrived and decided to have dinner in Baan Thai located on the 3rd floor of the mall. It was a great dinner with a great companion. I started to enjoy my stay in Karachi. I found chemistry with Hidia. I decided to keep her in my good book. We should be friends for life.

My working lunch in the office, Beef Pulao, Nihari & Naan, Chicken Tikka & Chicken rolls

On day 3, I was happy to see that my flight ticket has been officially changed to Saturday. We continued to work in a more relaxed situation. It was great to have Naan and Nihari for lunch that day. After working so hard, I took off to get the balance material from the Rabbi Centre at 5pm. After returning to office and performed prayers, I went to Wednesday Bazaar and dropped at Kazmi's residence for dinner. It was nice to have a home cooked capati resulting me I arrived very late in CG's residence that night. We went to the back courtyard of their house having a coffee midnight party. As tomorrow is a Labor Day, we went to bed late and I had asked Wahid to fetched me at 11.30 am.

Late Jinnah's residence in Sharah-e-Faisal

On labor day, we went for brunch at Xander's as I was craving for salmons sandwich that was posted sometimes ago in CG's Instagram. I really had a great time at the restaurant, and told myself that I must revisit before my return. After breakfast, the driver dropped Hidia and myself at the Dolmen Tower to do some shopping. I went to work thereafter until the strikes was declared by the ruling party, MQM arising from the death of 4 of his members and 2 people were missing in action. They left at 5pm whilst I took my leave half an hour later. On the way back, I took few photos along the shara-e-faisal road to Defense. It was a memorable day as I managed to take below photo of the Frere Hall with me in the photo. The place becoming a public accessible area after US Embassy had shifted out from the area. I waited 7 years to have my picture with the Frere Hall, a real blessed day for me, in a new long Kurti and new scarf from Gul Ahmed.

With the Frere Hall

The next day, I was working only with my office colleague as the rest informed that the city was not safe to travel. Schools, offices, petrol station were all closed with no public transportation was operating. Most of them were supporting MQM for the strikes. I was lucky that my lunch at Kazmi was on, else, I didn't know here to get food that day. The lunch was heaven but I made both Kazmi and myself saddened when I informed him that I have no desire to coming back. It's time to say my farewell to the city. My last prayer in the office was quite miserable too as I seek forgiveness from Allah for hurting so many peoples with my "temper management issue" those days. I was very bossy and demanding but only I know that I have change in recent months. Especially when my beloved best friend died from the leukemia.

Lunch at Kazmi's office

As I was early when I reached Hidia's house, we decided to go for a last minute shopping as all shops will still not open the next day. We went to Dolmen Tower and managed to shop all my irresistible items including the beautiful purple dress in below photo. I was very lucky for the opportunity. We bought a simple dinner home while celebrating Harith 2 year old birthday. 

This lady is God-sent, thank you Hidia

What a lucky time to be with Harith on his birthday. After the cut cutting ceremony and simple diner, Hidia quickly cooked a Crab Soup for me. We both had enjoyed our last night together with the foods and the her clothing line.

How time flies, he was about 2 weeks old when I first met him

Crab's soup specially made by Hidia for me

The next morning, Aliaa has made me a cup of Espresso which I chose to enjoy in my room while trying to update my blog. Blog can wait, I ended up wasting time viewing stuff which have no dates line. Sigh, must have more discipline as I have so much outstanding things to do back home, the ex-UITM reunion, the Law classes and revisions etc etc.

3 of us headed to Xander's to satisfy my crave for Egg Benedict. Breakfast was wonderful as we ordered iced coffee that morning.  Back to the house, I said my farewell knowing very well that we shall see each other again in the near future. I left to Airport around 11.10 in the morning. With 45 minutes we reached the airport and the heavy luggage for 35.5kg was well received by Emirates.

At Xander's with Hidia

Jinnah International Airport, on the walk to the boarding hall

As the flight took off at 2.30pm. I had mama' the 2 prayers Zohor and Asar at the boarding hall. Performing an obligatory prayer is very much convenience as I learned to carry only socks and short prayer cloth to properly cover my head and ensure that I wore a long sleeve shirts/blouse during travels. It became the new traveling attire.

My short prayer cloth purchased from Bandung

Photo at Boarding Hall book shop is a must

Emirates has granted me a room in Arabian Park Hotel which I get printed during check in at Jinnah Airport. A stay and the rest after was worth rewarding as I was fresh with 2 hours sleep and a shower for the next morning flight to Kuala Lumpur. Dinner was provided in the hotel from 6pm till midnight. I arrived in Kuala Lumpur International Airport on Sunday afternoon being stopped by the Immigration Office who was polite enough asking me to pay taxes for the 2nd cartoon of Blue Dunhill that I purchased for hubby. Alhamdulillah, I should learned a lesson for the next trip. 

View from Arabian Park Hotel provided by Emirates

Farewell lunch with my brother

Date: 2nd May 2014

2 days ago I went to see my brother in his new residence, officially shifted 6 months ago. It was a PKR30 lakhs newly built penthouse on top of his existing owned 5 story shop lots seated along University Road, Gulshan-e-Iqbal. 1 of my must visit place whenever I arrived in Karachi was visiting him in his office. This trip was even remarkable as his home is just 10 ft away from his office. 

Happy 70 year old brother of mine

We had dinner at his large dining hall. The dinner was after he showed off every corner of his penthouse. It was too bad that I left my phone at the office that night as the city night view with a night breeze was priceless. Being an MEP Engineer, this guy knows better how to position the doors and windows at an appropriate places. 

Large dining room attached to the cosy kitchen

What surprised me most was his choice of interior house design. Everything came in light lavenders color or rather mild purple. The purple inspired color was up till to the bathroom accessories. He brought along all his furnitures and old photos from his former residence for the new penthouse. Though he has sold his old bungalow plot on top of the hill but the house memory were all shifted in. It was a bless as everything kept him at peace, made him a very happy man.

The lounge next to the dining hall

The family photos part 1

I had my opportunity to record my visit again today when we agreed to meet for lunch as yesterday's dinner had to be cancelled due to strike declared by MQM's party arising from 4 killings of their people with 2 still missing late yesterday afternoon. The road was very empty today as majority of schools, offices, banks and shops including petrol station were closed. We were worried if things are not back to normal as the petrol will run out and how can I go to the airport tomorrow if the petrol station decided to prolong their strikes.

All the photos was taken today right before lunch. A special fish was cooked to celebrate a special day. 2 of his staff and 1 government officer joined us for lunch. It was so much jokes and laughter, happiness spreading on the table when the lunch ended with rice pudding and hot masalla tea.

His TV corner

His study cum working place in the same TV area

Back to his office floor, I told him nicely that this would be my last visit to Karachi. Though I have made efforts dropping by to see him whenever I was in town, I will no longer be coming back to check him out. We both started to get emotional but I told him that he will be always in my prayer and good thoughts as we are brother and sister. We recalled those happy moments from the first time he visited me in my office in 2007 till present day.

Last reception area

View from the top garden

I left him my number so that he can contact me anytime he wants or in any case of emergency. This man, my brother has left a special spot in my heart for whatever reasons that was existed arising from business dealing. We used to fought a lot when I cut his fees but he never kept too long in his heart. He is a good man, a man that I most respected.

He can see his new apartment from the balcony

Another side of the city view

We shed tears when we bid our farewell. I hugged him tightly and whispered to his secretary to take care of Mr Kazmi in a moist and sad voices. Only Allah knows whether we shall be seeing each other again. But, in case we are not, I am saying my peace by saying my farewell to him in person. Till then brother, adios to you.

My favorite home made capati with fish cooked in yoghurt

View from dining balcony

Karachi - PAF Museum, 2008

Date of visit: December 2008

On the second year family vacation in Karachi, we got to know many Malaysian and therefore, when my husband and Nazhif reunited with us in December 2008, the itinerary were fully occupied. We spent Eidhul Adha 3 years in a row in Karachi, from 2007 till 2009. Similarly, Nasrul's birthday were celebrated on Christmas eve with Christmas Theme, except in 2007 when we hardly knew anyone.

Our large group (2 families) at PAF museum courtyard

This entry on the special visit is dedicated to Julia and Lokman's family who at 1 time was very close with us. Our teenage children were at similar age and friendship built through being a school mate was something that we treasured most. Now, Julia and Lokman is in Auckland but their 2 pretty girls pursuing higher education in Kuala Lumpur city. I hope to remember in the sweetest way of my friendship with Julia, just how the way she is, sweet.

Posers at the Archive Gallery entrance

PAF museuem is located along Shara-e-Faisal Highway to Jinnah International Airport, at Karsaz. We knew about this place after passing by numerous time on the way in and the way out to the airport. During 1 of the weekend, we planned this amazing trip by inviting along the Karachi besties couple, Dr Abidin and Ar Saiful. Their presence were so entertaining throughout the day.

Ar Saiful, thanks for sharing the photo that I downloaded from your FB :)

A majority of the aircraft, weapons and radar are displayed outside in the park but the main museum is at the archives gallery features all major fighter aircraft that have been used by the Pakistan Air Force. The museum also houses the Vickers VC.1 Viking used by Quaid-e-Azam Mohammed Ali Jinnah, founder of Pakistan and a Folland Gnat of Indian Air Force, that landed in Pasrur in 1965 war. Also on display are the scale models of some WWI, WWII and modern aircraft and photo galleries of almost all the squadrons of PAF.

2 actors posing for cute photo

The museum was established in 1990 in 2 disused hangars in a remote part of the Base. It was expanded significantly from the period 1999 - 2004, which additions include children playing areas, rides, and eateries.

The museum is managed by a committee headed by the Air Officer Commanding Southern Air Command, however it is managed and run by the Deputy Chairman. Recently the Museum has been renamed as Historical Archives Section and given additional responsibilities for maintaining some documented history of the PAF.

Beautiful Julia

Teaser's partner

The museum is open throughout the year for 7 days a week from 8am to 9pm. Entry ticket for Adults is Rs 30 and Children is Rs 20. Only families are allowed on Sunday.

Mirage III Aircraft 

Loves clearly written on the green grass

There is a snack shops at the back of the museum, open to visitors. Proper and clean wash room is also available.

After the visit, we went for lunch prepared by the gorgeous wife of Colonel Zulkiplee who was on a year assignment in Pakistan Airforce Base. We hang out for few hours at their place before we adjourned to Karsaz bowling centre not far from their camp, with their children. 

Children from 3 different families

On the last year in Karachi, 2009, when the place became a home, we had to say goodbye. We ventured the last vacation in Karachi by celebrating the last "Eidhul Adha" and a trip to "Dream World". Just click the link to see what we were doing in 2009.

Maybe 1 day, we shall visit again, who knows?