Weddinged out!

Right from the 1st of August to date we have been up to our necks in weddings of kids of close friends, neighbours and family. Much as we have loved to share in their joy, and enjoyed every minute of it I only wish the weddings had been spaced out and not all packed in the month of August for there is no reprieve even now, and there is at least one wedding occasion every day till the end of the month, that we simply cannot skip. Late nights, early mornings, heavy food ... it's bound to take a toll sooner or later! I suppose we have to thank Ramazan for this heavy load on August, as July, normally a popular month for weddings was virtually eliminated from the wedding calendar this year owing to Ramazan. So, since there's no getting away from it -- as we aren't made of the stock that stubbornly refuses to participate in other people's happiness at the cost of  their own --  I shall not complain but just warn those who bump into me and can't recognise me for all the excess pounds that I will have put on, or the exhaustion written all over my face, not to fret -- for it is me, just weddinged out!

#Vacationing in the Maldives

For those planning a vacation to somewhere where they can relax, swim, read, indulge in sea sports and just be pampered in every which way you please by a friendly and attentive staff willing to give you personalised attention then head for a resort in the Maldives. Having recently returned from one of the best trips my husband and I have taken in a long time, and having stayed in not one but two different island resorts in this archipelago, I can vouch for the fact that this is the destination to head to if you haven't been there already.

Of course, the degree of personalised service varies from resort to resort so depending on your budget -- Maldives is an expensive holiday for people from our part of the world -- carefully study the options on the net before making your choice. We stayed at the Four Seasons Resort at Kuda Huraa and didn't regret it for a second. Right from their facilitation centre at Hulemale airport where we were made comfortable with complementary refreshments as we waited for others leaving for the resort to join us, to the picturesque speed boat ride where again complementary water was passed around, to the reception committe at the resort, waiting to greet us with drums beating, to our beautiful accommodation on the ocean, right up to the point that we were waived goodbye by the hotel staff, we were left overwhelmed by the warm hospitality of the resort. The waiters at the restaurants greet you by your name, and every staff member, no matter who it is, has a smile and a greeting for you when they pass you by.

Thoroughly pampered at the Four Seasons, we were disappointed by our next resort, the Sheraton, which was at a decided disadvantage since we were constantly comparing it with its predecessor! Our accommodation was overlooking the beach, which was a nice change from our ocean place as it gave us a different angle to enjoy but it was one of four rooms within a unit and our neighbours, who were pretty noisy, were too close for comfort. The staff was not as efficient either and unlike at the Four Seasons, the resort does not have its own water plant, so one was compelled to buy imported water every time one wanted it when outdoors!

That said, the resort has a lot of greenery and huge ancient trees which add character to the place and give it an exotic look, so it does have its own charm. But as I said, look up options before you finally decide on an island resort. Rest assured that no matter which one you pick, you will have a plethora of sea sports and activities to choose from in this crystal clear, unbelivably turquoise waters, and some of the best massages that the east has  to offer, not to mention great halal food.

My grandkids' fourth birthday today

God has been very kind and merciful. When I recall the agony we went through four years ago on the day that should have brought unadulterated joy to us, and the four months of torture, and test of our patience, courage and faith, I cannot thank God enough that he saw us through this testing time and rewarded us with a pair of the most beautiful twins ever. From little preemies struggling for their lives they are today Mashallah, the light and joy of not only their parents, but also both sets of grandparents, uncles and aunts. I can't believe how adept Abbas is with the ipad and laptop and how easily he can rattle off the most difficult poems thanks to his photographic memory; or for that matter what a pathaki Natalia is, with a query about everything under the sun, and a capacity to understand all explanations. May God grant them a healthy life full of happiness and may they continue to fill ours lives with delight every step of the way.

This post is now up on Dawn.com. in

the Talking Points section in the July issue. 

http://www.dawn.com/news/1119821/herald-exclusive-what-is-pakistans-most-attractive-destination

in case you want to read the entire article.

 

Bahawalpur, Punjab

By Shanaz Ramzi

With so many beautiful tourist destinations spread all across Pakistan, it is extremely difficult to choose just one. That said, I think Pakistan’s most attractive tourist destination – especially in today’s precarious security environment – is the historical city of Bahawalpur. With none of the usual trappings that most tourist destinations offer, it has a wealth of attractions for the holidaymaker.
For one thing, it is one of the safest cities to visit, with polite, hospitable people. For another, it boasts so many wonderful historical sites in and around the city that you could fill up albums with some of the most amazing photographs. Examples include the magnificent world heritage site of Derawar Fort with its 40 bastions, in Cholistan Desert.
There is also the royal family necropolis of the Abbasis of Bahawalpur, the exquisite architecture of which merits it a visit.
Then there is the incredibly beautiful palace Noor Mahal which belonged to the Nawab of Bahawalpur during the British Raj and is today in the possession of the army. Some may recall seeing it in the TV play Noor Bano.
There are other beautiful palaces too in Bahawalpur, including Darbar Mahal and a magnificent mosque, Derawar Mosque.

Derawar Mosque was constructed in 1844 AD, Bahawalpur, Punjab. Photo by Madeeha Syed

There is plenty more to feast your eyes on — but if there’s a limit to the amount of sightseeing you want to do, don’t despair for Bahawalpur is also a shopper’s paradise. One can pick up the most amazing bargains there, be it embroidered fabric, gota-work suits or silver jewellery.
And What holiday could be regarded as complete without great manna? The city has the wholesome offerings of Punjab at its unadulterated best — and what’s more, at very reasonable rates. So even if this may not be the best season for visiting Bahawalpur, if you haven’t been there, don’t miss it. You won’t regret it.
Shanaz Ramzi is a journalist and author.

For those living abroad and fretting about us Karachiites let me hasten to assure you that life is getting busier by the day and nothing daunts our spirits. With Moharram having started when most festivities come to a halt, I had thought I'd have time for a breather, but that is far from the case. Between office work, gearing up for Pursukoon Karachi initiated by the artists fraternity, attending the Board of Governors meeting of TRC-IECE, working on my next book which is an encyclopaedia and preparing for PBCW at the end of the month, not to mention attending majlis at night -- and this is just today's happenings -- life couldn't get more jam-packed! Or perhaps, it could! Look out for more updates on what I am up to! 

Just returned from TDAP - great showings on the whole. It's heartening to see so much talent! Clothes were funky and fun, and choreography slick. Pity there were so many empty seats -- a lot more people could have been invited and enjoyed the show on both days.

<a href="http://www.edibleexperiences.com/p/51053/GastroSalon/9002/GastroSalon">
<img src="http://www.edibleexperiences.com/blog_review/51053/9002/icon" Bina Shah mentions my book at this event

I believe famous Pakistani author, Bina Shah spoke at the event I have provided the link for and mentioned Food Prints, after which many people immediately purchased it on-line from Amazon!! Yeaaaaa!

Book launch in London

I have to say that God has been very kind indeed to me. First, I land up writing a book that is a first of its kind in Pakistan -- a comprehensive study of Pakistani cuisine -- and then I get the opportunity to launch it in a high-profile event in the historic building of Frere Hall, complete with delicious snacks mentioned in my book. And now, I have just returned from my book launch held in London in a place no less than Lincoln's Inn, which I am sure was also a first for any book launch, where the ambiance was amazing, the eats delightful and the turnout great as it was part of the opening ceremony of International Women's Alliance Congress, celebrating Pakistan. What more could one ask for!

an article on the interior of our home in News you.mag@thenews.com.pk

Am really excited -- my book, Food Prints, is scheduled to be launched in London in September during the APWA congress. I hope that it goes well as it is a wonderful opportunity to project Pakistan's heritage, culture and cuisine in front of a large audience.

Interviewed Shehzad Roy today

Had heard so much about the great work Roy was doing, but today I saw the government school he has adopted and turned around as a role model -- and boy, is it impressive! I have seen many government schools but never one so huge, all-encompassing, well-maintained, and well-stocked. Complete with massive grounds, laboratory facilities, huge library, computer rooms -- separate ones for primary classes and secondary classes -- hobby room, chess room, teachers' resource room art room, auditorium, conference rooms, staff-room, breakfast room, day-care centre and what not, the school is comparable to any good private school. And it is totally free for the 2500 students that study there. Working within the system, and yet fighting against all odds is never easy, and one has to hand it to this young, determined man that he has succeeded in making a difference and doing what he has set out to. Let's hope more people follow his role model.

All my childhood I would read comics in which someone or the other would land up with a black eye, and wondered if that was sheer exaggeration. Now I know! After fainting from acute food-poisoning and falling flat on my face, I have been nursing a black eye -- very literally -- and a swollen face! Believe me guys, black eye is no euphemism.fe I read