Well, first thing first I have to say that this is not my very first blog. I made several blogs but I forgot the passwords. :)) Ah, anyway, I am planning to make this blog more readable, understandable, and long-lasting not like my previous blogs. This supposed to be published few months before, but finally I could write about my stories! First story should be the incredible one.
So, here it is! MY BITTERSWEET MEMORIES IN PAKISTAN! Is that supposed to be the title tho? I think not.
Like what other people's imagination, Pakistan is a hazardous country with bombing threats almost everywhere. Uhm. Is it true? Okay let's see the truth.
I went to Pakistan on January 2016, I spent my first (and probably last, If I'm "alone" :p) winter in Pakistan. I went to Pakistan alone, my very first solo travelling but that doesn't matter! It should be me flying with another Indonesian girl but because she was not really cooperative at the booking time, then I decided to go alone. I went from my original city, Yogyakarta and transit for 7 hours at night in Kuala Lumpur then flying to Lahore around 01:00am. Btw can't stop saying thank you so much to my parents, Kak Dewi, Reinaldo my former EP Manager, and some friends yang rela nggak tidur until they make sure I'm already boarding to Lahore. Xie xie nin! (lho kok jadi ngomong Chinese?) They were too anxious because of this solo travelling. But I can do it!
I lived in a city, not as big as the capital city, not as hot as the other city, but somehow it was "enough" to live there, called it Lahore.
I lived in a city, not as big as the capital city, not as hot as the other city, but somehow it was "enough" to live there, called it Lahore.
Arrived at Allama Iqbal International Airport around 8:30am and picked up timely by mas bro Arsalan Nadeem, a Canadian who was also an important part of my exchange journey & Hannan Naeem another mas brewok yang muncul kadang-kadang doang setelah itu. Sorry, it has to be written in Bahasa. Hehe. FYI, Arsalan was my very first buddy during my exchange. He was always responsible of me, he really taken care of me and made sure I'm happy physically and mentally ;_; and what amaze me is that he has exactly the same playlist with me!!! Hahaha. But mmm, no Kpop Songs lol he was laughing because I told him I do like korean songs. Hmmmm. Frankly speaking, Canadian is always too friendly.
Emmm, if you go exchange through AIESEC you would gain at least an EP Manager to manage your exchange 'til the day you'll be back to your original country, eh no, until you have fulfilled all the documents needed (after exchange). You supposedly also get a Buddy in your destination country. Can't say which one is more responsible towards me during my exchange. But, Buddy also (somehow) responsible to help you in case you need something. They supposed to be your "friend". EP Manager usually in contacts with your EP Buddy. Some people say that "buddy itu cocok-cocokan pada akhirnya". well, ya bener sih. Thank God I got the best of the best EP Manager and Buddy. They both were cooperative to each other. Saking cooperativenya, sometimes Arsalan said that "do you want me to tell your mum?" padahal dia nggak punya kontak mama aku. "Hmmm I have your ep manager's contact" "I can ask your ep manager :p" whenever I'm start ngeyel, nyebelin atau lagi sakit. Another important AIESECer during my exchange was Nabillah, she was the one who signed the agreement between LC UGM and LC Lahore so whatever happens to me I also told her. Thank you for being fast response, maaf banyak complaint :(
6 hours sat in an airplane was suck, could not deny that I always had a jet lag after flights. Without any notification and consent before, those dudes took me to the famous mosque in the town and had breakfast together. Thank you for treating, you guys.
Emmm, if you go exchange through AIESEC you would gain at least an EP Manager to manage your exchange 'til the day you'll be back to your original country, eh no, until you have fulfilled all the documents needed (after exchange). You supposedly also get a Buddy in your destination country. Can't say which one is more responsible towards me during my exchange. But, Buddy also (somehow) responsible to help you in case you need something. They supposed to be your "friend". EP Manager usually in contacts with your EP Buddy. Some people say that "buddy itu cocok-cocokan pada akhirnya". well, ya bener sih. Thank God I got the best of the best EP Manager and Buddy. They both were cooperative to each other. Saking cooperativenya, sometimes Arsalan said that "do you want me to tell your mum?" padahal dia nggak punya kontak mama aku. "Hmmm I have your ep manager's contact" "I can ask your ep manager :p" whenever I'm start ngeyel, nyebelin atau lagi sakit. Another important AIESECer during my exchange was Nabillah, she was the one who signed the agreement between LC UGM and LC Lahore so whatever happens to me I also told her. Thank you for being fast response, maaf banyak complaint :(
6 hours sat in an airplane was suck, could not deny that I always had a jet lag after flights. Without any notification and consent before, those dudes took me to the famous mosque in the town and had breakfast together. Thank you for treating, you guys.
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| Badshahi Mosque in Lahore, Pakistan, source : personal gallery |
I was the the second EP (Exchange Participant, AIESEC's common abbreviation) who came to Lahore. This thus, my project began few days after I'm arriving. Though I have to make an opening video in the Mosque. In my first-three-days I moved from one home to another home. Like, really, God. First night in Aaiza's home, which is more than comfortable after my long flights. Second one in Bismah's, very very comfortable because the people inside was quite lovely. Last but not least, I stayed in Asfand's for the rest of my exchange in Pakistan along with the rest of the EPs. First week was bad, it's hard to adapting in a new environment, new people, etcetc. But, never mind, let's skip this part. Move to my second week which was started to be amazing. The intern house already full with EPs, consisting of two Indonesian girls, one Burmese girl, and 10 Chinese. New international family. In my second week, I already visited Old Lahore for fourth times. Thanks guys, thanks, I really appreciated that (hahaha I'm still laughing remember this). Speaking of the circumstances, Lahore is safe. It's truly safe. One moment I felt unsafe was only when I'm at the arrival hall. Because everyone stares at me meanwhile I don't know the real person who's gonna be picked me up (I know it's Arsalan, but yeah).
The journey begins. We, EPs went to a Pakistani wedding along with the interns family (Asfand and family), we went to Old Lahore, we went out with AIESECer buddies. On my second week, we all only spent in inside Lahore. Our project manager promised us that we would go outside city though, but it hasn't happened yet 'til the second week. Asfand's family is very lovely, they literally take care of us until now. Whenever we EPs went to the mosques, Pakistanis usually ask the Chinese to take photo together. Meanwhile, I was not. Guess what? Because my face's almost similar with them, they thought that I am a local people, said AIESECers and EPs. -_-
On my third week, we all couldn't wait again for outside city trips. But again, it hasn't happened again. This supposed to be the time for us to go to Murree. Our project manager was quite busy with the Election Board in AIESEC in Lahore. Hence, May (a Burmese girl) asked us whether we want to go to Multan with her or not, it was outside the project's plan. Then, May asked the project manager whether he will take the responsibility or not. He said "no" by giving us such like agreement. We were all disagree though, we kept going to Multan. As the additional information, May was only going to Islamabad, she already in Pakistan since two weeks before me. So she'll be leaving two days after Multan trip. We went to Multan with so many obstacles, both from the project manager or about the procedure to book the tickets, etc. We lend Arsalan's name bytheway to book the tickets, foreigners couldn't book the tickets again, it's limited if I am not mistaken. And I was very indecisive to come or not, since at that time I don't have Rupees in hand anymore. It supposed to be Arsalan took me to the money changer, but we went home too late thus its already closed. Fortunately, that kind--Asfand let me exchange my Dollars to Rupees.
From Lahore to Multan, it took 4 hours if I remember correctly by bus. In Multan, AIESECers in Multan hosted us, they even picked us up at the bus station. We spent a great time till the night we gotta leaving. They are all still keep in touch with me yay. We went back to Lahore at dawn the next day, our project manager was very angry with the EPs who went to Multan. But ugh, who the hell cares? I wanted an outside city trip. We found out that he was very angry, this thus impact to May which was deleted from the WhatsApp group. OMG. After we went back to Lahore, our project manger was not visited us again even appeared, till the day May leaving.
Then, he suddenly appeared at night when we all have dinner. 5 minutes standing in front of the dinner table, said that he will take us (finally) to Murree and Islamabad, then gone. He come along with mas bro Arsalan, which we EPs before it, has made a plan to take us to whatever mall because we were bored. I was sick at that time. No voice literally. I am sure it was because I ate much fast food. My tongue could not deal with some Pakistani meals. Thus, whenever we went outside we bought something fast food like KFC. But don't worry, I could complain to the project manager about it though WQWQ. Since I was sick, and the Murree trip will be on the next two days. Thus, Arsalan asked me to keep staying at home because "I'm sick" :(
The journey begins. We, EPs went to a Pakistani wedding along with the interns family (Asfand and family), we went to Old Lahore, we went out with AIESECer buddies. On my second week, we all only spent in inside Lahore. Our project manager promised us that we would go outside city though, but it hasn't happened yet 'til the second week. Asfand's family is very lovely, they literally take care of us until now. Whenever we EPs went to the mosques, Pakistanis usually ask the Chinese to take photo together. Meanwhile, I was not. Guess what? Because my face's almost similar with them, they thought that I am a local people, said AIESECers and EPs. -_-
On my third week, we all couldn't wait again for outside city trips. But again, it hasn't happened again. This supposed to be the time for us to go to Murree. Our project manager was quite busy with the Election Board in AIESEC in Lahore. Hence, May (a Burmese girl) asked us whether we want to go to Multan with her or not, it was outside the project's plan. Then, May asked the project manager whether he will take the responsibility or not. He said "no" by giving us such like agreement. We were all disagree though, we kept going to Multan. As the additional information, May was only going to Islamabad, she already in Pakistan since two weeks before me. So she'll be leaving two days after Multan trip. We went to Multan with so many obstacles, both from the project manager or about the procedure to book the tickets, etc. We lend Arsalan's name bytheway to book the tickets, foreigners couldn't book the tickets again, it's limited if I am not mistaken. And I was very indecisive to come or not, since at that time I don't have Rupees in hand anymore. It supposed to be Arsalan took me to the money changer, but we went home too late thus its already closed. Fortunately, that kind--Asfand let me exchange my Dollars to Rupees.
From Lahore to Multan, it took 4 hours if I remember correctly by bus. In Multan, AIESECers in Multan hosted us, they even picked us up at the bus station. We spent a great time till the night we gotta leaving. They are all still keep in touch with me yay. We went back to Lahore at dawn the next day, our project manager was very angry with the EPs who went to Multan. But ugh, who the hell cares? I wanted an outside city trip. We found out that he was very angry, this thus impact to May which was deleted from the WhatsApp group. OMG. After we went back to Lahore, our project manger was not visited us again even appeared, till the day May leaving.
Then, he suddenly appeared at night when we all have dinner. 5 minutes standing in front of the dinner table, said that he will take us (finally) to Murree and Islamabad, then gone. He come along with mas bro Arsalan, which we EPs before it, has made a plan to take us to whatever mall because we were bored. I was sick at that time. No voice literally. I am sure it was because I ate much fast food. My tongue could not deal with some Pakistani meals. Thus, whenever we went outside we bought something fast food like KFC. But don't worry, I could complain to the project manager about it though WQWQ. Since I was sick, and the Murree trip will be on the next two days. Thus, Arsalan asked me to keep staying at home because "I'm sick" :(
The day finally comes. Our project manager took us to Murree and Islamabad in the morning, and again, he was late. Thank God I'm using my hijab only few minutes before he's coming. We went to Murree, only with two AIESECers, our project manager and Harris. I was still sick. So I didn't say much during the trip. Firstly, we went to Islamabad. From Lahore to Islamabad it was a long trip, 7 hours by bus. We visited the biggest mosque, called as Faisal Mosque. Mosque again but I like it. Do come visit when you're visiting Pakistan!
Still in the same day, we had dinner at Monal Restaurant which was way too expensive. Dear bros, why supposed to be expensive meals when we could buy cheaper one??? I cursed my project manager for that. After having dinner, we went to the Murree. From Islamabad to Muree it took another 3 hours by bus. The place with snows in Pakistan. Pakistani said if they were not going to Murree, they would not experiencing snows. It was my first snow lho. Since we were arriving at Murree at dawn, and I didn't have cash. Thus, I rejected when they all asked me to went out to Murree Shopping Road. No money, darlings. We were all broke, but they still went outside. I decided to staying near the heater, actually. For additional information, I argued again with the project manager and I could not hold my wrath. I told Arsalan every single thing, he was the person I talked to whatever happens to me during my exchange. Even unecessary things and my stupid jokes because I was bored. Poor you, sorry not sorry but I liked it :)) I told him every single thing was not because he is my buddy, but I think because we have some similarities(?!) for some reason halah.
it seems that he was tired or else at that night, he didn't response my messages very well.
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| Faisal Mosque in Islamabad, Pakistan |
it seems that he was tired or else at that night, he didn't response my messages very well.
The next day, oops, I mean in the morning, we finally visited the Ayubia, main destination. I was still angry with the project yeah so yeah yeah I talked most to Harris. I was quite disappointed with the project manager, in the afternoon the project manager asked me what did I say to Arsalan last night. I didn't reply, but he said that he begged to him for not doing that again to me. It seems that he didn't care last night though, but he begged to that guy. Bro :))))) For Islamabad and Murree trip only took two days. I think that I'm gonna spend some nights if I come visit Islamabad again.
I really forgot where to put this part since I don't really remember the exact time, but my Buddy was suddenly changed into Fahad--the pilot who doesn't want to be called as "Pilot" so I called him "student pilot"--. But it only applies for few days before my departure time back to Indonesia. Arsalan was no longer my buddy. We had a great time only with EPs, Arsalan, Fahad, and Asfand. (no project manager right there).
I really forgot where to put this part since I don't really remember the exact time, but my Buddy was suddenly changed into Fahad--the pilot who doesn't want to be called as "Pilot" so I called him "student pilot"--. But it only applies for few days before my departure time back to Indonesia. Arsalan was no longer my buddy. We had a great time only with EPs, Arsalan, Fahad, and Asfand. (no project manager right there).
I left from Pakistan few days after Murree trip. The project manager and Harris dropped me off at the airport. Sadly, Arsalan didn't come at all.
I think this was the biggest trip I had when in Pakistan, there were a lot of little things. A lot of little trips, in which I also very loved it. But I couldn't write it all in here. Few memories already forgotten, I could not remember every single thing happened again like the first two months I came back from Pakistan. But I hope by making this article, when I start forgetting them I could re-read and memorize some part of it. For your references, these were the newest Bollywood thingy when I was in Pakistan.
Film : Dilwale
Song : Dilwale's soundtrack, Paani Wala Dance, Tunak Tunak, Subha Hone Na De, Choomantar, Wafa Ne Bewafai, Muqabala Muqabala
That's why whenever I'm sad I am listening to these songs again to memorise my experiences in Pakistan.
I explained my experiences are really too straightforward. I might gonna say sorry, but some of wrath and disappointment I really could not hold since in my first or second paragraph. Sorry not sorry to the related parties. I am saying truthfully. For the conclusion, I believe that Pakistan is safe. The people are more than lovely. I love them by all my heart. After all If you want to explore this country Pakistan, I might recommend you to visit Lahore rather than other cities. Trust me, it's "enough" neither less nor more.
Film : Dilwale
Song : Dilwale's soundtrack, Paani Wala Dance, Tunak Tunak, Subha Hone Na De, Choomantar, Wafa Ne Bewafai, Muqabala Muqabala
That's why whenever I'm sad I am listening to these songs again to memorise my experiences in Pakistan.
I explained my experiences are really too straightforward. I might gonna say sorry, but some of wrath and disappointment I really could not hold since in my first or second paragraph. Sorry not sorry to the related parties. I am saying truthfully. For the conclusion, I believe that Pakistan is safe. The people are more than lovely. I love them by all my heart. After all If you want to explore this country Pakistan, I might recommend you to visit Lahore rather than other cities. Trust me, it's "enough" neither less nor more.
P.s : I don't want to mention the project manager's name. Never again.
October 1, 2016
Ratih Andani
Written in the middle of studying International Organisation Law
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