And I am really enjoying living in the hostel as well. We make our own entertainment in the evenings, which involves quite a lot of singing, and some dancing. Group singing is slightly problematic as the only song I have in common with the others is Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. But I’ve also been able to conclude that VSO have had a lasting impact in Pakistan – a lady currently at MIED used to work with VSOs in the Northern Areas several years ago. And the other night she came out with ‘Peter Piper picked a pack of pickled peppers’ that she remembered from them!! Pretty good. And the other people in the hostel were so helpful and good to me when I was ill – running around and getting mineral water and things. It is a really lovely aspect of Pakistani culture that when someone is ill everyone really helps and puts themselves out.
And I’ve been slowly getting to know different areas of Chakwal. There is an old train station quite near our office – a legacy from the Raj. It is used for cricket matches now. Shopping for basic food items is interesting – there are many many tiny shops scattered around – some of which just sell a few vegetables, but others of which have quite a variety of things. And a woman owns a small shop very near the hostel.
Chakwal district is very varied and beautiful – there are the plains where crops are grown, particularly wheat. And there are also the mountains which are very dry – you can easily see the sandstone which is all different colours from deep red to yellow. Driving around to the different schools during the evaluation has meant I have seen a lot more of the area. Some photos of Chakwal:
Cricket at the old railway station.
Having a few problems getting up the hill. I was very sorry that it was completely culturally inappropriate for me to help push.
They managed the hill fine though!
Walking to a school through a town in Chakwal district (I can't remember its name!)
Rain!!
1 comment:
I'm sorry it's been a long time since my last note - somehow life has been busy and I've only just been looking again through your pictures and comments. We could do with some of the heat here, but probably not 40 degrees (make sure you drink!)as what we're getting right now could hardly be called summer! I smiled at the pushing of the car up the hill - also a very common sight in Africa where vehicles are run to a standstill rather than being kept in good repair. You are certainly packing a lifetime into your year in Pakistan - you could make your living giving talks!!! I am putting an e-mail down the line to you as well. Lots of love Peter and Ruth
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