Long overdue

Trip Start Sep 06, 2005

Trip End Ongoing

Loading Map

Map your own trip!

Map Options

Show trip route

Hide lines

Flag of Pakistan Islamabad, Pakistan
Friday, March 31, 2006

Quite a bit has happened since the last entry, and it's been an interesting few months in Pakistan to say the least. The highlight (?) of it all has been the infamous "Cartoon Controversy". I'm sure everyone has heard about the riots and violence, and seen footage on the news. Truth is, there was some violence in Islamabad, but nothing overly serious. A large group of protesters managed to break into the Diplomatic Enclave and threw stones at some of the embassies and a bank before they were dealt with. There were tense moments over a few weeks, but the real security situation took place when George W. Bush came to town.

The whole city was basically in lockdown for the few days that the President was visiting. We were pretty much confined to our compound and the Enclave was sealed for the weekend. When driving to another compound we were stopped by a large team (both in physical size and number) of security guards and asked to get out of the vehicle so that an officer dog could sniff out the car

01. Street Luging

. Despite being confined to our Compound, we managed to keep ourselves entertained with moderate quantities of alcohol, games, and street lugeing.

Shortly after the Bush visit, we were paid a somewhat surprise visit by our own Prime Minister. He flew into town, met who he came to met, shook some hands at the High Commission (mine included), and then flew out. Once again, I'm surprised by the things I get to do because of my job.

Then there was a stream of parties, including a Western Party at the Club and a St. Patrick's Day party at the American Embassy which featured a band whose Pakistani lead singer sang traditional Irish party songs. Go figure.

Next on the agenda: Italy! It's definitely time for me to take a vacation and it's going to be great to get away for a few weeks.

Islamabad hotels Slideshow