An exhilerating, enlightening and exhausting trip to Hua Hin, Thailand -- Part 111

We were then ready to leave for the day and left for Phra Nakhon Khiri Historical Park which houses the King's palace built by King Rama 1V, atop a 92 metres high hill way back in 1859, now serving as a museum, with his statue in it. The King would stay there in the rainy season, every September. Located at an hour’s drive from Hua Hin, Phra Nakhon Kher Historical Park in Phetchaburi province, can be accessed by foot with monkeys greeting you as you climb up the walkway, or can be approached by cable car.

Wichien Prasat on the western peak, where the statue of King Rama IV is situated.

The palace is a confluence of European, Chinese and Thai architecture as King Rama IV(he ascended the throne when he was 44) had been exposed to Greek, Latin and English while studying to become a monk (he was the inspiration for the film The King and I), and comprises three main sections – a temple or Wat Phra Kaew in the east, the main stupa or Phra That Chom Phet in the centre and the residential grand palace in the west, each located on the peak of a hill and connected by a walkway.

Ratchathamma Sapha on the western peak, used as a ceremonial hall in the reign of King Rama IV.

 Phra That Chom Phet on the middle peak – the chedi containing relics of Buddha


 Stopping for lunch at what could easily pass for a Thai dhaba, which specialised in just one item -- khow man gai -- rice cooked in chicken stock and eaten with chilli sauce, we could understand why it was so popular. Washing it down with Thai iced tea, which was most refreshing we walked across the road to our next tourist attraction Wat Kampang Lang Temple – a Buddhist temple made from laterite (stone made from lava, so a highly porous rock). The temple comprised a number of buildings used for various ceremonies.

Traditional Thai architecture – used by monks for various ceremonies

An exhilerating, enlightening and exhausting trip to Hua Hin, Thailand -- Part 11

Our next stop was Hua Hin Railway station, a state enterprise

Hua Hin Railway Station is a sight for sore eyes. A state enterprise, its first building was constructed in 1911 during the reign of King Rama VI who had studied at Sandhurst and Oxford, and emulated many of the colonial symbols in the architecture of the station. Still retaining its original architecture,

its most attractive feature is the Thai Royal Waiting Room constructed in Thai architectural style. King Rama VI also built a golf course behind it.
 We finally reached our hotel, Escape, a quaint boutique hotel, in the evening around 4pm, and with an hour and a half at our disposal to unpack and shower before we set off again, we quickly got our act together.  As is my wont, I immediately called for an iron, unpacked, and ironed my clothes for the next two days. After a quick shower, prayers and a cup of tea, I was once again in the foyer, waiting for the others to join. 

Our destination was a factory outlet that we had passed on our way to Hua Hin. Not a very large outlet, it had some reasonably priced clothes of second-tier designers, so we spent an hour browsing and shopping before setting off once again, this time to satiate our appetites.

The restaurant that had been selected for us was Living Room Bistro and Wine Bar, a premier restaurant which used to be the colonial beach house of a member of the Royal family; it was recently rented out by them to people who have converted it into a restaurant but have retained all its original elements.

After dinner, our energies renewed, we went to a weekend night art market, Cicada Market, which boasts contemporary art including handmade decorative items and fashion clothes displayed in an innovative style in open air. Creative activities such as performances, dance, music and community theatre as well as workshops also take place at the premises. 

Back at the hotel we had a 'goodnight ginger drink' courtesy the hotel and packed in for the night. The following morning after a shower, and an early breakfast at 8 am we went for a stroll at the beach which was a brief walk away from our hotel.

An exhilerating, enlightening and exhausting trip to Hua Hin, Thailand -- Part 1

I am finally managing to get my breath back! Have just returned from a trip to Thailand as guest of Thai Airways -- part of a media FAM tour of Hua Hin and Bangkok -- a trip that I welcomed with open arms as I hadn't travelled to Thailand in a long while, and had never been to Hua Hin.
The briefing at the Thai Airways office the day of our departure helped the media group travelling together to get to know one another and become familiar with the itinerary. We were five of us including the country manager of Thai Airways -- Shirjeel from FM 107, Sarah from She magazine, Ali Imam from Express Tribune and myself from GLAM.
The flight to Bangkok was packed and the seats we got not the most comfortable so that the night was spent pretty much awake. We landed early morning in Bangkok and were greeted by our able and articulate and guide, Saung, who remained with us till our departure. After the four of us had purchased local sims from the airport, we set off for Hua Hin which is 200km south of Bangkok. Had we gone there directly we would have probably reached there by 10.30 am, but since we had scheduled stops en route, we didn't reach till 4 pm.
Taking the 168 km long ring road which connects to highways and suspension bridges and avoids city traffic, we made our first stop at a small fishing town to pick up breakfast and answer nature's call. We used public toilets, and to my utter surprise, not only were they clean, they were simple Indian toilets with water troughs and a mug -- something we in Pakistan could so easily emulate without incurring any great costs or worrying about maintenance. Fruit vendors were selling cut pineapples and rose apples neatly packed in cellophane bags with a couple of wooden skewers thrown in to assist in eating them hygienically, neat packet of sugar and salt mix stapled to them -- a far cry from the fly-infested fruits sold by our vendors -- and we happily helped ourselves to them. I also had my first exposure to orange tea; sadly, much as I love to experiment, it was not to my taste.
As we resumed our ride Saung kept up his non-stop flow of information and informed us that 95 per cent of the population in Thailand is Buddhist while 4 per cent is Muslim, making them the second largest religious force in the country. There are 5000 temples throughout Thailand, which comprises 77 provinces including Bangkok which is a special province with administrative powers.
We reached Hua Hin Hills, where we were to break for lunch, at noon. Located on a height, it enjoys a cool breeze in any season, and made us forget how hot and humid Thailand can be. The Hills is home to the largest vineyard in South East Asia and was an elephant corral where wild elephants were domesticated. To date it offers elephant rides through the picturesque vineyard to visitors.

 The Sala Bar and Bistro situated here which operates from morning till evening is a delightful eatery with a great view and equally great food. I ordered grilled salmon, and can state with confidence that I have not tasted a more succulent and juicy grilled fish to date. The appetizers, comprising  fish balls, prawn balls and spring rolls, were all delicious as well as was their signature grape juice.
 The award-winning Monsoon Valley Wines, produced from the grapes grown here celebrated its tenth anniversary in 2012. Proud of their product, the owners have recently opened a high-tech green house that allows visitors to see the grape plant in all its glory no matter which season they arrive in, for otherwise, it is pruned before November and also uses the space to grow Italian tomatoes and the most amazing Japanese strawberries.

LESSONS IN VALOUR

I wish our electronic media would learn a lesson or two from our resilient public. Instead of painting a pathetic picture and hounding the bereaved families and asking them ridiculous questions like what they are feeling, and in so doing giving the terrorists the satisfaction they crave, they should proudly stand tall and strong, and announce from every pulpit that no amount of sacrifice will make us bow our heads before them. What the Lahoris have done today deserves a royal salute -- in spite of government directives disallowing public viewing of change of guards at Wagah border for three days, they showed up in full force, passion and patriotism to make it clear that they feared no one. If that wasn't a slap on the faces of the terrorists, nothing is. This attitude is more likely to daunt their spirits than seeing a family agonising over the death of their loved ones, which is what they want to see in the first place. Let us show our solidarity and may our enemies cringe at our show of strength.

HAIR SPA DAY

HAIR SPA DAY

“Great hair doesn’t happen by chance, it happens by appointment”
                                                                                                -L’Oreal Professionnel

Last month spent a great hair spa day at Nadia Hussain's new salon hosted by L’Oreal Professionnel. I was one of the select few editors, bloggers and socialites that had been invited to try the L’Oreal Professionnel range of products that are exclusively available at salons and needless to say was impressed by the treatment Nadia gave me after examing my hair texture, and by her spacious custom-made salon. 

The Lotus team was present to make us feel at home. Nadia, looking like she  was ready to deliver any day, was at her active best and graciously took me around the the three-storey salon where she also house a boutique in the basement and plans to open a dentist's clinic on the top floor. 

 Two of L’Oreal Professionnel Hair Care lines were highlighted at the event: Serie Expert and Mythic Oil. Nadia recommended the former for me and used their Pro-Keratin Refil from the line, which acts on hair to repair strands from the centre to the surface making it much more manageable. All I know is that by the end of the treatment and the blow-dry I was looking ready to go to the Oscars!Too bad I had to rush off for a dentist's appointment instead!! Now, once Nadia has her clinic running, that should also not be a problem. Thanks guys for a great evening!

Chinese menu for Pakistani palate

Chinese menu for Pakistani palate

PC Hotel’s marketing and PR departments seem to be keeping themselves busy as every few days there is some promotional activity or the other taking place.  If it is not a regional week they are celebrating, then it is an international one, and each is accompanied by great fanfare that includes inviting dignitaries and the media at their inception.

A case in point is the recently concluded Chinese Food Festival.  With all the Chinese consulate representatives present including their CG, not to mention the Consul Generals of Switzerland and Russia, and the cream of the media industry, the Festival opened with a bang. Tai Pan, PC’s Chinese restaurant where buffets are served regularly, had undergone a transformation of sorts with an LCD TV playing images of Chinese, cultural, architectural and historical importance. Special spices and vegetables had been flown in to facilitate the chef in preparing mouth-watering dishes that had been given a Pakistani twist to appeal to our palate.

The meal, comprising around 30 dishes or so, was delectable to say the least and boasted a vast variety of starters, entrees and desserts. Beginning with Chinese Gruel, the only soup on the menu that day, and an unusual offering in a country where Chinese soup normally spells ‘chicken corn’ or ‘hot and sour’, there were the usual array of tantalizing starters like freshly fried jumbo prawns, chicken and egg rolls and dim sum. The entrees included chicken string with spicy Schezwan sauce, Hong Kong fried noodles, fried rice, fried crab with garlic, prawns with orange sauce, dry beef with chillies, and pancakes stuffed with marinated mutton, all of which were delicious.

As for the desserts – not all of them were Chinese which was just as well, as we still have to develop a taste for authentic Chinese sweet meats. Among the non-Chinese array on offer were the most delectable leechy and cherry tarts, red velvet cake, chocolate cake, banana fritters and ice cream among many other items. 

It would perhaps be a good idea to extend these festivals over longer periods so that more and more people get the chance to avail of them.  Having them for a few days or at the max one week doesn’t give enough time to foodies in Karachi, who normally have their social calendars brimming anyways, to experiment at such festivals.  Maybe the next one could go on for a fortnight?

   Translation to appear in next month's issue of Masala TV Food Mag

An eatery with a difference

Published in Newsline

An eatery with a difference

By Shanaz Ramzi

   Tucked in an obscure street off Chaudhry Khaliq-uz-Zaman Road, surrounded by apartment buildings on either side and with a huge parking area in front of it, is the newly opened East End, an eatery with a difference – in more ways than one. Although not located in one of the popular food streets of Karachi – in fact, the location seems to be a highly unlikely one for an eatery – it has already become pretty popular with foodies.

   The name of the restaurant too, belies its ambience, and for that matter the genre of food available within. For while East End seems to suggest a restaurant catering to English cuisine, the rugged décor of the eatery with its mosaic, ethnic tiles giving way to a pebbled flooring, low wooden roof, large indoor plants, walls boasting rickshaw prints, jharoka windows acting as partitions, and dim lighting courtesy low hanging lamps over each table loudly proclaim the restaurant to be every bit Pakistani.

   Hardly does one recover from taking in the elegance of the rustic décor that the menu takes the first-time visitor by surprise. Limited in its selection, and basically comprising Bohra specialties, the restaurant offers a choice of three basic kinds of five-course menus – and within each kind or group one can choose from a selection of three to four entrees. Our party of four decided to order three of the five-course meals to share among us: two belonging to the same group but with different entrees, and one from a separate group. Basically, each of the five-course meals comprises a drink – served in miniscule glasses, but you can ask for refills – with two types of starters, an entrée, another drink, and a dessert followed by tea.

   With complementary detox water – for the uninitiated, this is the latest rage among health-freaks, comprising water that has lemon wedges and mint leaves floating in it – setting the tone of our meal, we were individually presented the first course consisting of mirchi and ghatia served with imli aur gur ka pani. Unusual to say the least, the appetizer was appealing with the ghatia fresh and crisp and the mirchi surprisingly not chilli. The drink on the other hand was a little too sweet for all our tastes. The second course in two of our orders comprised Dahi Wagarh which was basically a delectable potato and eggplant dumplings dish with mint yogurt, chutney and paprti, while from the other order it consisted of aloo papri with imli chutney. The latter, far from the aloo chaat we were expecting, comprised mashed potatoes sandwiched between papris and served with tamarind chutney. Needless to say, it was consumed in no time. The third course that came with our menu selections comprised aloo chops (mashed potato cutlets stuffed with mince), shami kebabs – both served with green chutney – and stuffed puris. The latter were small puris with three different fillings – jaggery, potato and tomato. While the latter two were appetizing enough, the former was too rich for my blood.

   The main courses we opted for were prawn karahi served with garlic naan, Bohra biryani meeri gosht, and raan roast in dry red baste with daal chawal and palida. While the prawn karahi was delicious, we wish the service of the naans could have been more efficient for although we had been assured that we would get as many hot naans as we required, they took so long in coming in spite of our constantly asking for them, that the karahi got cold. In fact, if we have to pin-point the weakest link in the set-up, it would have to be the service, for we found we had to repeatedly ask for things and wait endlessly to be served.

   The Bohra biryani was a delicious chicken biryani dish with lots of saffron to enhance its flavour, while the meeri gosht was liver and kidney masala. While I personally found the raan not tender enough, the others enjoyed it. However, the daal chawal served with it was delicious and reminiscent of home-cooked masoor pulao -- with just the right amount of chillies and masala. The palida was a thin lentil dish akin to sambhar, with pumpkin chunks floating in it, which was also tasty.

   The next course comprised a different set of drinks, again served in miniscule glasses, so we managed to get a taste of all that was on offer. From among the three that were served to us – namkeen lassi, mint shot and a coconut-cream drink – we found the latter two very refreshing.

   The dessert choices were surprisingly limited and not too exciting. There was a choice of two – kulfi/falooda, and ghandum halwa with cream, nuts, and pineapples – need I add that they too were served in small glasses?  While the former was nothing to write home about, the latter turned out to be more appetizing than it sounded, but still not really what we were looking for to end a good meal.  

   The final offering in our wholesome meal was a choice of kehwa and tea served in their quintessential glasses, which brought an overall pleasant experience to a warm end. Definitely worth a try, so go for it!

Far from a horror-filled experience

Far from a horror-filled experience

By Shanaz Ramzi  (published in Dawn Images last Sunday)

  

   Attending a press conference held in Dubai for the film ‘Creature 3D’ starring no other than our very own Imran Abbas opposite the sultry Bipasha Basu, for which HUM Network is the Pakistani media partner, I couldn’t help but feel proud at being a Pakistani. For the first time, I was actually witnessing a home-grown star that could sit next to a Bollywood established actor, and not only manage to hold his own, but even steal the show!

   For what transpired at the press conference, which began two hours after its scheduled time and had more star-struck fans wishing to take pictures with the duo than journalists present, was an impressive display of confidence, showmanship and genuineness on the part of the debutant film actor, Abbas.

   The conference started with a short promo of the film and comments from Bipasha Basu, Bhushan Kumar (music and film producer) and Imran Abbas on their experiences of being part in a 3D horror movie. Replying to a query on why she was taking up horror films which still don’t have a sizable audience in our part of the world, Basu responded “Well, supernatural and horror is a genre that is a multi-million dollar industry world-wide, particularly for Hollywood films.  Admittedly, in India it is a relatively new genre but for that very reason it is also very exciting, because it means you are doing something different, and if it is lucrative, then why not? Also, I felt this genre could be explored in many ways. It offers a lot of scope to actors, so it’s a win-win situation for me.”

   I wondered how Imran Abbas would respond when asked if he felt he was directly competing with Pakistani television super-hero Fawad Khan rather than with Bollywood heroes since both their debut films were being launched practically simultaneously. Thank God for this new crop of young, educated stars that the response was a far cry from one Meera would have given. He calmly replied that the genre of his movie is completely different from that of Fawad’s – as his is experimental while Fawad’s is basically a rom-com – so there is no question of competing with each other. In fact, he did not feel he was competing against any of the umpteen established Bollywood heroes either as very few had taken on such a role. He adds “This is something so new for me that I am just excited about it without worrying about anybody else!”

   We have frequently heard Indian celebrities visiting Pakistan speak of our warmth and hospitality, and how much they were made to feel at home here, so it was refreshing to hear Abbas speak about a similar experience in India. “I was made to feel so comfortable both on and off set, especially by my co-star, Bipasha Basu, from day one that I felt like I was in my home-town. We enjoyed great chemistry both on-set and off-set and she made me feel like a friend from the word go.”

   Speaking about her satisfaction level with regard to where her career has taken her in these last 14 years, and whether these are the kind of movies she had wanted to do, Basu states, “I am extremely happy with my progress and the fact that in spite of having being around for well over a decade, my audiences still like to see me is highly gratifying. I had never had a plan in place, but also never wanted to be part of a stale system of work that people keep doing. That is not to say that I haven’t ever done those kinds of films, but the excitement level has to be there for me. I have found that whenever I have done work that is removed from the norm, it has always worked for me. So, yes, I love the way my career has shaped.”

   Notorious for her heavy-work out sessions Bipasha Basu admits she has had to work out a lot more for this film, because of the demands of the role.  She reminisces laughing, “I used to get up at five am every day to work out for two hours, and keep hoping that my hero would join me but no luck! Also, because the movie is action-packed and the role a highly energetic one, there was a lot of running, falling, cutting and bruising on a daily basis. It was freezing and drizzling all the time; we would have to do the same shot over and over again so we would have to be very patient and focused and just follow Vikram’s instructions as everything was in his head, and we had to just trust him.”

   When asked if he had ever imagined in his wildest dreams that he would launch his film career with a bombshell like Basu, Abbas replies candidly and without any airs “No! I had been expecting someone new to star with me, not someone so established like Bipasha who is loved round the globe. When I found out she would be my co-star, I was really excited, and still am!”

   Basu chips in “He is really sweet! I must tell you, the first time we met was on Skype. He mentioned our on-set and off-set chemistry; well, let me tell you we used to be like kids off-set, playing Ludo – very mature! Vikram used to insist I was winning by cheating, which was not true!”

   When I ask her if she would be interested in acting in Pakistani movies, and if she had seen any, Basu responds “I watched a lot of Pakistani serials when I was growing up but I have to admit that all the information I have about Pakistan is thanks to my friend Imran. He told us how deeply we are loved there. And he found out that I love mithai, so he would keep sending them to me to putao me! So, yes, I would love to come to Pakistan and work there if there is an opportunity, but my only point of contact at this point in time is Imran Abbas.”

   Responding to my query of whether she feels at all scared when acting in horror films, considering her reputation of watching this genre with her eyes shut pretty much through the film, she responds “I get sleepless nights and feel scared in my own house. Every time I take on a role in a horror flick I think it will help me overcome my fears like the character I portray, but it never happens!”

   Abbas chips in “The challenging thing about this movie though, was that the Creature was never there before us on the set – we always had to imagine it, and keep our eye-line at a level that would make the viewer feel we were actually staring at him. I am sure you won’t feel at all when you see the movie that the Creature wasn’t in front of us!”

   Nodding her agreement Basu adds “Yes, this is one of the most difficult roles to perform, when your protagonist is not before you. We had to show fear of the same magnitude and react to what we imagined it would sound like, look like and do.”

   The conference, organized by Dream Advertising and Ministry of Events ended with Imran Abbas singing live a song from the movie, leaving everyone totally floored and mesmerized. A proud moment for Pakistanis, indeed!

Fight for your rights

The dharnas for the last couple of weeks resulting in the new confessions of election rigging emerging from various quarters reminds me of what an old school friend of mine used to say. She studied with me for just one year -- in class seven -- and hailed from South Africa. Her cousins had been hanged during apartheid and she was mature way beyond her years. When she was leaving I asked her to write in my autograph book as was the norm those days, and she wrote 'Shanaz, in life always remember: Fight for your RIGHTS!' I never really understood what she meant as my sisters and I had grown up in such a protected environ where everything was handed to us on a platter, that the question of having to fight for our rights had never arisen.
In fact, I sailed through the major part of my life without ever having to fight for my rights -- perhaps until I joined the professional world, when it finally dawned on me that every good thing in life doesn't come easy, and it is important to assert oneself in order to get, or at least create an awareness, of what is one's due.
But, coming to the two rallies, and especially that of PTI's -- they have really reinforced the importance of fighting for one's rights. Whether Imran emerges victorious or not after this valiant battle, one thing is for sure. He believed he had been wronged, and he had the courage to fight for his rights -- as did his supporters.I feel our country is better for this entire exercise and our silent majority has also finally woken up from its slumber and learnt to have a voice. This can only bode well for the future.

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