PAKISTAN; A JOURNEY OF A LIFETIME!

There are times in our life when we have dreams to travel in for away places. The reason could be either a narration,

or because we read an interesting text.

                                                                                           

Something like that happened in my case.

A country, in the depths of Asia, was calling me like a distant star. That was Pakistan.

   The first reason was a sentimental, one being influenced by my studies at Primary School, I wanted to reach deep inside, where Alexander the Greek fought. Another reason was the beauty of the vast mountainous areas. Three well-known ranges of Himalaya, of Karakoram and of Hindukush, meet there. There are the highest peaks of the world in Pakistan and a lover of mountains, I have always dreamed of seeing them.Κ-2 8011m, Paga Parbat 8126m, Broad peak 8050m.Gasherbum1 8080m Gasherbum2 8035m, Rakaposhi 7788m.. Mountains made of dreams and desired by legends as gods place and raves of punished Gods loaded with and myths.

"When you want something, the whole Universe conspires in helping you to achieve it". So the summer of 2018 my dream came true.

Ιt was Christmas of 2017. While I was with a group of friends I heard their discussion about traveling to Pakistan, there was an extra ticket in their group. So, I instantly said, "I want to go". The first days of January of 2018 found me holding a ticket for Pakistan.

I didn't say anything to my family, I was getting ready for this amazing and at the same time tiring voyage.

In order not to hear comments like: "Pakistan is a dangerous country, there is terrorism, there are Talibans"
Speaking for me I didn't pay attention because I know that news is controlled and somehow fabricated.

To be honest, I must admit the only thing, that caused me fear, were the mountainous Roads. I had seen photos, watched videos, movies concerning Pakistan and I realized I had to cross dangerous places. I want to see, in reality, was the Mountainous inland, the Vast Valleys, and its Cultural Heritage. Were was nothing to be afraid of, in Pakistan!

14 July 2018 we landed at the airport of Islamabad at dawn, with the Country midst of elections.
The first contact aura of welcome came from our travel agent Mr. Ishak Ali, NORTH PAKISTAN ADVENTURE who organized everything with great professionalism, as well as from our personal driver Khaja. 

Seventeen days in the Country and two days to travel back and forth. Places,areas, cities, villages.lakes,mountainous crossings in a nonstop exchange.

Punjab, Islamabad, Ravalpidi,Lahore,Multan,Bahawalpur, Derawar fort, Cholistan,Solt Himalaia,Rothas fort, Harrapa, Taxila,Pipplan, Pessavar, Hunza, Karimabad,Karakoram Highway,Passu,Saif-vi-Muluk lake,Skardu, Shigar,Naran, Lulusar lake,Nagar,Sorgan,Babusar Pass,Borit lake, View Point,Baltistan, Gilgit, Chilas,Chitral, Mastuj,Ayun,Kalasha Valley,Gramm-Chismma, Swat...

Pakistan's Landscape brings along a rich Global Cultural Heritage.

Since Ancient Times the Trade and the Culture in the plain of Indus River reached Mesopotamia and Egypt as well, having its highlight during the period of 2600bc-1500bc.

During the 3rd Century B.C. Alexander the Greek ( Ale. Iskandar ) crossed the North West part of Pakistan left behind him the Greek influence and formulating in that way the GreekBuddhist Art the so-called, Art of Gandahara.

Buddhist Monuments depicting Greek elements; Clothing of Ancient Times, hairstyle, decorations of Atlas, Corinthian style, that we can admire in the Archaeological places of Taxila - Pipplan - Museum of Lahore...

Common cultural bonds for both countries! I recall an old man, in the wilderness of Passu, near the Glacier the second Vast one all over the globe, saying to us:"our ancestors are yours, too" I wonder why both countries can`t have a cultural exchaΤhe Glorious Islamic development starts in the 11th A.D. and reaches its peak with the Dynasty of Mughal in the 16th Century A.D , Masterpieces of Islamic Art can be found in Painting, Architecture in Mosques, Palaces, Burial places, and Castles. The Mosques of Bad Shahi and Wazir Khan are outstanding the Castle of Lahore and the Gardens of Shalimar, Rothas fort is included in UNESCO's Cultural Heritage.

Here is what I saw in Pakistan! 

The country is rich in natural beauty with numerous rivers: Indus, Jehlum, Chenab, Pavi, Stanley, Beas, that contribute to any kind of cultivation but provoke erosion with the usual phenomenon of landslides.
I saw rivers bursting with life.
People washed there, they washed their clothes, they entertained, they enjoyed the rivers, cool breeze, and dew.

The mountain bulk found in North Pakistan catches your breath, the roughness of the landscape charms you and leaves you in awe.

Snowy mountain caps, glaciers hanging over you , uneven paths,modern roads, rough slopes , blue lakes , tiny villages in rugged terrain left in nature's mercy , wooden bridges , beautiful tourist resorts , hunters of precious stones upon the rocks and the eternal Silk Road with the talking stones decorate the palette of a stunning painting.

The camera lens can't capture the majesty of the place, what the eyes can see and the senses perceive. 

That's why I wasn't upset when I had an accident with my professional camera. I simply compromised to take pictures with a cheap one without stress.

The Pakistanese's government help was contributory having both the army and the police facilitating us in the difficult areas. Skilled professionals, cooperating being on time, astonished us.

I didn't meet terrorists in Pakistan.

Simple life
discharged of the necessary needs
to survive.
Warm people, expressive grooved faces,
caucasian figures
crystal eyes
struggling to harness this Vast landscape.

The people stare at us with curiosity, the wide smiles cheer up their disposition to start discussions.
Oh! Yunnan!
That's how they know us for 2.500 years now.

I met large numbers of young people
Pakistan's pride
that West countries are jealous of. The youngs had thirst for life dreaming a better future.

I crossed crowded cities
buzzing
like a hardworking beehive
drunk
by the spice's smell
dizzy
by the liveliness and the colors
like pious pilgrimages
at the sublime Praying Places
with roads unapproachable to any kind of
transportation.

Gorgeous girls disguised in their traditional costumes
exotic beauty unique Roses of the East. 

Women leaning in the rice fields, wet, bending their faces under the scorching sun
dressed in dazzling colors.
Loyal women, always present support the agriculture
of the Vast valleys at the rugged stony paths,
caring for the few cattle.
Heroes of the desert.
Sparkling with glow, although water is scarce.
They detest the camera
they hide their faces with the hijab, they turn their heads that's what tradition
dictates them.

Men workers swelter at the numerous brick furnaces of Panjab just for a petty wage with too much swear to build Pakistan's future.

The people work hard, struggle and hope for a new political change. They lay the path of the future with their hands, they live the basket with the stones their shoulders up high it is like saying: we are here, we stand, no matter how many monsoons, we fight, we hope.

My journey in Pakistan brought me memories from my childhood spent, in the Greek countryside, when as a child experienced.
Fading lost memories were brought to life again.
Pakistan's national language is Urdu and means
"the Land of the Pure, Men"

I bow down to the people of Pakistan.

P.S. 
Of course, we should not forget that Pakistan is one of the countries with vast advancing technology and excellence regarding its know-how. It's the only Muslim country that not only acquires nuclear power but also is a member of numerous organizations with economic, scientific, social and international content.