Tuesday evening was very exciting.  Khizer, Reti, Luke and I took a trip to METRO (it’s exactly like Costco and it’s based all around Europe and surrounding countries).  On the way there, using my trusty iPhone, I snapped some photos to share with you.

Here’s a photo of a large pile of rubble.  These piles are everywhere - even at entrances to nice restaurants.  

This one shows some of the beautiful greenery in Islamabad.  I’ll get some better shots, but there are a lot of trees and plants - something I did not expect before arriving here.  

Here’s a quick shot of a roadside market.  There are industrial-like buildings, too, but there are several of these old, somewhat run-down shops.  There are a lot of skeleton buildings - under construction or fully built but abandoned.  It’s strange because on one side of the street I see a beautiful Day Spa, Restaurant, Bank… and on the other side is a village of people living in tent-like homes.  There are rich people and poor people and it’s clearly defined. 

Islamabad Burn Center.

I saw my first CAMEL!!!  I actually saw SIX CAMELS!!!  This man and his wife were selling camel’s milk.  We didn’t buy any.  I want to travel back to this area and take lots of photos and talk to people.  

GUESS WHAT?!  FRESH VEGETABLES!  Metro had a lovely produce section just like back home.  Definite highlight of my evening - besides the camels.  

As soon as we stepped outside Metro, after shopping, it felt like a storm was brewing.  There was a ton of lighting - no thunder though - and a gusty wind.  Rain started as we drove back to the guest house.  Can you see the amount of water on the roads? This is nothing compared to the major floods happening in other areas, but it’s a good few inches.    

Well, Luke got his exercise bike!  Reti helped him put it together.  I already used it - makes me feel less like a blog from sitting a hotel room all day.    

Here’s to a light at the end of the tunnel! 

b.e.d.