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

Istanbul 2014 - Glance through visited places

In September 2013, I have recorded my first trip to Istanbul in November 2004. I have hinted that I would returned 1 day, check the post "Turkey Istanbul 2004" to get some of the clues. At the time of writing, i.e. on 17th September 2013, we have booked and confirmed the flight and brief itinerary as part of my ambitions taking "Train Rides by the Globes". 10 years later, on 4th April 2014, I have landed in Istanbul Ataturk airport for the second time. 10 years ago was with the travel group following travel agent and their fixed itinerary but 2014 was more meaningful as Anne and I has prepared our own itinerary following our convenience. My sister Rosnani has gone through a lot in her life after the passing of her late husband and new life with a new husband. She was the reason that we invited another sister to come along. We travelled in 2 pairs.

Back to the tour, in brief, we have covered the following attractions in Istanbul during 4 days 3 nights in Istanbul:-

Day 2 - New Mosque, Spice Bazaar, Suleymaniye Mosque and Fatih Mosque.

New Mosque which is so nearby to our hotel, seated next to Spice Bazaar

Spice Bazaar, you must not miss coming to this place as the experience trying the above tea was priceless

Suleymaniye Mosque, the courtyard - in here, you may feel the great influence of Emperor Suleyman, the story that in my opinion similar to the story of Prophet Sulaiman, great man indeed

Fatih Mosque, I came all the way to recite Yaasin for him, especially for myself for Allah to ease the loads of my sin. Maybe when its time for me to see the Creator, I would not be so embarrassed with too much sins that I committed during 47 years of my life in this world

Day 3 - Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Yerebetan Cistern of Medusa, Topkapi Palace, Gulhane Park and watching beautiful Sufi Whirling dance at Hodjapasha Cultural Centre.

My lovely sister Rosnani, passing the sad chapter of her life given a sweet smile next to the Egyptian Obelisk @ Hippodrome

Blue Mosque snapped using Tiger Eyes lens 

Hagia Sofia seated across Blue Mosque, we tasted Turkish coffee and tea (chai) once we gets in - it was a heavenly experienced (wait for full story later)

Short queue to see Medusa head beneath the road. Yerebatan Sarnici was actually hidden from naked eyes but it's location is actually across Blue Mosque/Hagia Sophia @ within walking distance

Long queue in Topkapi Palace but the lunch inside was tastier and worth for money

Tulips festival in the whole Istanbul City but to smell the sweet Lavenders from distance while entering this heaven on earth Gulhane Park was God sent gifts

Day 4 @ the last day - Grand Bazaar, Cruise on Bosphorus sea, Galata Tower and a must visit place when in Istanbul, Istiklal Caddesi famously known as Taksim Square.

The famous Grand Bazaar, was wishing that Hubby could be with me to choose and buy lamps for our new house, Sigh!

It was damn cold with strong cold breeze to appreciate a lovely cities on both sides of Turkey, Europe and Asia. It was my second experience taking the cruise along Bosphorus/Marmara. I am so blessed with what Allah has given me, Alhamdulillah

We wisely spent our time in Galata Tower, worth every money that we paid to go up the tower as we have gone up to the top using lift, having coffee and Pudding Rice, ended with prayer and freshened up up there on the oldest tower of the world

Beautiful afternoon weather at Taksim Square 

I will write in details each of these places for my personal reference and because I cant resist but sharing those lovely photos snapped by me and my best friend, Anne who travelled with her new Digital DSLR camera, Nikon D3200.

8 bracelets from the 8 cities

I'm still drowsing from a jet lag as we were just landed this morning from our 16 days travel. Had a quick nap of almost 3 hours but still feeling drowsy. Before I go back to bed, I was thinking to share in this entry a bracelet that I collected from all 8 cities that we have covered in the second leg of the "Train Rides". This is merely a teaser. Once I have some times left between works, studies and mother/wife duties, I will write more in details each part of the 8 cities and 8 countries covered in a long trip from 4th till 19th April 2014. I promise.

From Istanbul city (Turkey)

From Bucharest city (Romania)

From Budapest city (Hungary)

From Vienna city (Austria)

From Salzburg city (Austria)

From Munich city (Germany)

From London city (UK)

From the city of loves & lights, Paris

Flight to Doha

Group Photo

We checked in quite early as we did it within 36 hours allowable time through online check-in on Thursday mirning. With the boarding passes safe in hand, I left house a bit late than others, i.e. at 2250hrs. My sisters and her entourage left at 2000 hours, whilst Anne took a cab from her house at 2030hours. When I reached the airport they were waiting for me to drop in our luggage. 

Entourage at Secrete Recipe KLIA

While waiting for the counter to open, we had drink at Secret Recipe, a large group of us. At 1am the counter was opened. After we have done with the ticketing counter we lingered a while at Secret Recipe. Thereafter we proceeded to the gate, had our farewell and headed to the imigration check point, took train to gate 15 and rest a while. The boarding gate was open sharp at 2.30am. I'm writing this while queue to get in.

I wish to share some photos when I still had a full internet access. The security checked was very thorough arising recent incident of MH370. I shall stop for now. Hope to blog again soon. Bye ✈️

I know, I need to work out my tummy :( with hubby and nazhif

Close to 1am in the morning

Qatar Airways stewardess

Tight security checks

The itinerary of Train Rides - 2nd Leg, Europe

On 7th of August 2013, Anne and I hugged each other after we took the first step necessary for our 2nd leg of the train rides. The first leg was on 24th May 2013 from Kuala Lumpur to Bangkok. After much planning and deliberation, the first step of booking and getting flight confirmation was indeed an important mark to our big plan. We were indeed very happy as we decided to split the train journey between Asia & Europe to make it more fun. From our detailed plan, I would be celebrating my 50th birthday from the last route of Trans-Siberia, 2.5 years from now. 

For the 2nd leg, we have planned the itinerary well as follows:-

4th April 2014 : Kuala Lumpur to Doha to Istanbul via Qatar Airways
7th April 2014 : Istanbul to Bucharest via Bosfor sleeper train
9th April 2014 : Bucharest to Budapest via Ister sleeper train
11th April 2014 : Budapest to Vienna via Railjet train
12th April 2014 : Vienna to Salzburg via locals train
13th April 2014 : Salzburg to Munich via late evening train
14th April 2014 : Munich to Paris via sleeper night train
19th April 2014 : Paris to London (day trip) via Eurorails
20th April 2014 : Paris to Doha to Kuala Lumpur via Qatar Airways

After a long waits of 9 months from the date that our flight was booked and confirmed, our trip is coming nearer. We will be flying tomorrow (morning flight on Friday, the 4th of April 2014). The trip-it has send a reminder for me to pack last night "your trip to Istanbul, Turkey is starting soon". For those who has not join the tripit yet, may do so as it was great how they were preparing a detailed itinerary triggered from the online booking (airline, train & hotels) automatically for me. You may check mine in, Tripit Itinerary. To be honest, packing was a challenging task though I started much earlier this time. We kept a check list what to bring including food stuff in case of emergency and probability of not able to find a Muslim foods, the lists are indeed becoming very long.

My sisters (the elder and the younger ones) shall be tagging along as they wanted to see so much the city of the late Sultan Mehmet Fatih, the famous Muslim conqueror who succeed in conquering Constantinople as predicted centuries before by our prophet Muhammad s.a.w. I'm sharing the late "Biography of Sultan Mehmed Fatih" website for those whom interested to know more about him. It was like a trip to kill a bird with few stones. I hope you still remember how I was saddened by the lost of Istanbul's photo as per September 2013 entry Turkey tour in 2004-Istanbul City. Now, after 10 years, I will be able to have lots and lots of photo in Istanbul alone as we will be there for 4 days 3 nights.

For those who's interested to tour, may check places that I visited 10 years ago in 7 cities in Turkey-2004. Cheers!

We have airline ticket, train tickets (up to certain parts only) & paris pass