Hello,
It's my dad's birthday today. What do I get for someone who seems to have everything? He just got himself a new Blackberry last week, and last year I got him a laptop. He has enough colognes, and enough clothes. Chocolates and flowers will not do. I am so stuck! He has read all the latest books on politics and Islam, so I am stuck there too. Goodness, I think I will end up writing a Happy Birthday card with a personal message; haven't done that in ages. Might make a difference this birthday of his. I am thinking of writing something really personal to let him know how feel I about him. :-)
Since everyone is going to show up at our place, we decided to just go out for dinner and have everyone show up at the restaurant. I will take pictures and post them up soon.
Happy birthday dad!
Mansur
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Celebrating THREE Years for Life of Mansur!
Hello friends,Life of Mansur turned THREE years old on 20th August 2007. Yay! I know I have been somewhat inconsistent over the last couple of weeks, but I hope to continue writing on my blog. Now that I am in Lahore, Pakistan, I guess I will be more focused on what's happening in my life in Lahore. There is a lot to talk about and I will be doing so little by little.
Here are some fun statistics: On average 37 people visit my blog each day, and about 257 people visit my blog each week. I have had about 30,658 unique visitors to my blog. The top three countries from where people visit my blog is USA, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates.
As for now, I am celebrating Life of Mansur's THREE years of blogging. (I know it doesn't seem much but in my mind its a long time, and honestly didn't expect to last this long!) Thanks to all who frequented my blog time and again.
Mansur
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Marriage Woes...
Hello people,
Ever since I came to Lahore, I have been inundated with comments about marriage! When you will you marry? What are you waiting for? You will get too old? Look, I know this girl- she is really nice for you! It's one thing to have close family members talk to you like this, but it's another thing when distant relatives you don't even meet for ages start recommending potential wives to you in your face!
I have realized that this is a Pakistani thing. Marriage is a big deal, and with that we have different thoughts. Today's generation is vastly different from their parent's generation. Arranged marriage versus love marriage. One time meeting between couples to countless meetings. 2 months engagement to 6 months engagements.
The one annoying thing having to deal with this whole issue is the age factor. I am 30 now. In the mindset of the people here, 30 is just stretching it. If I don't get married when I am 30 then I will be too old to marry. It's like as if its a curse to marry at 31 or something. The same thing goes for girls who are crossing 21/22. Once they cross that, they are categorized into a different strata, and thus get men of a certain age. I don't know who came up with this number thing, but it's pointless. Coming from abroad, I myself don't agree with this age thing. It's not a big deal if I don't marry when I am 30. What's more important: that I marry just because I have hit 30, or I marry when I find the right girl for myself?
It's a funny situation dealing with people regarding marriage. I have learnt to take it in my stride. Let people say what they want to. They don't know me well enough to start dictating when and where and with who should I get married. :-)
Mansur
Ever since I came to Lahore, I have been inundated with comments about marriage! When you will you marry? What are you waiting for? You will get too old? Look, I know this girl- she is really nice for you! It's one thing to have close family members talk to you like this, but it's another thing when distant relatives you don't even meet for ages start recommending potential wives to you in your face!
I have realized that this is a Pakistani thing. Marriage is a big deal, and with that we have different thoughts. Today's generation is vastly different from their parent's generation. Arranged marriage versus love marriage. One time meeting between couples to countless meetings. 2 months engagement to 6 months engagements.
The one annoying thing having to deal with this whole issue is the age factor. I am 30 now. In the mindset of the people here, 30 is just stretching it. If I don't get married when I am 30 then I will be too old to marry. It's like as if its a curse to marry at 31 or something. The same thing goes for girls who are crossing 21/22. Once they cross that, they are categorized into a different strata, and thus get men of a certain age. I don't know who came up with this number thing, but it's pointless. Coming from abroad, I myself don't agree with this age thing. It's not a big deal if I don't marry when I am 30. What's more important: that I marry just because I have hit 30, or I marry when I find the right girl for myself?
It's a funny situation dealing with people regarding marriage. I have learnt to take it in my stride. Let people say what they want to. They don't know me well enough to start dictating when and where and with who should I get married. :-)
Mansur
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Hello friends,
I saw a bunch of movies since I came to Pakistan. Too many to give them individual posts, but will share briefly about them.
The Holiday
Pure escapism for those seeking that perfect romantic comedy. Diaz and Winslet are two lonely women living in the States and UK. They exchange their homes and lives for the xmas breaks, only to find themselves in the arms of men they start falling in love with. Cultural issues crop and we follow the lives of these two women. Will or wont they stay with the new man or move back to their home country? I loved Winslet's performance in this movie.
Little Children:
An adult movie, but handled very maturely and delicately. Two different storyline integrate at the local pool where people come with their little children for a swim. Two couple meet there and embark on an adulterous affair, with unexpected consequences, while a sex offender just out of jail is trying to get back into society, struggling with his feelings of resistance being surrounded with little children everywhere. Watch it for it's stark honest views of such relationships and how prejudicial and biased society can be towards others.
Hostel 2
Strictly for fans for Hostel 1. Hostel 2 is in the similar vein as the first part except the protagonists are all female. It's bloodier, gorier and nastier. So-so movie.Captivity
Another movie capturing on the success of Saw. Captivity sees a fashion model being held captive by an obsessive fan. We have to endure her endless attempts at escape. boring!Evan Almighty
Pan's Labyrinth
The Simpsons Movie
28 Weeks Later
Vacancy
1408
An Inconvenient Truth
Monday, August 13, 2007
6 Kids on a Cycle!
Hello people,
I saw this and absolutely had to take a picture. Some people car pool, these kids decide to bike pool. If you count, you can see 6 kids on one bike. I had such a riotious day after taking this picture.
Happy Independence Day to all Pakistanis!
Mansur
I saw this and absolutely had to take a picture. Some people car pool, these kids decide to bike pool. If you count, you can see 6 kids on one bike. I had such a riotious day after taking this picture.
Happy Independence Day to all Pakistanis!
Mansur
14th August 2007
Hello friends,
I know it's been so long since I last posted anything on my blog. So much has been happening I don't even know where to start.
For one, I have finally moved out of Dubai back to my hometown Lahore in Pakistan. It feels great to be here, and I don't miss Dubai a whole lot (except my friends!) Secondly, I started my new job, which is going good so far-- the only downside is the 1 hour commuting one way! Thirdly, I am busy with the finishing stages of the house my family is having built. It's a very exciting project for all of us, as we all have the privilege of getting to do the bedroom and bathroom our own way!
Tomorrow is a public holiday. 14th August 2007 will make Pakistan 60 years old. I am not doing anything because I don't see a reason to celebrate. The state of Pakistan is in a pathetic state with all the politics and dirty games being played by the politicians. The common man is still suffering out there while the rich are living a lifestyle of wealth and luxury. It's sad to see such a massive contrast between the poor and the rich.
Happy Independence day to Pakistanis all over. As for me, I am having a bunch of relatives/ friends come over to my apartment to hang out/ watch movie/ have dinner. I am thinking maybe I should cook something. :-)
Cheers you all, and I hope to start blogging more regularly now.
Mansour
I know it's been so long since I last posted anything on my blog. So much has been happening I don't even know where to start.
For one, I have finally moved out of Dubai back to my hometown Lahore in Pakistan. It feels great to be here, and I don't miss Dubai a whole lot (except my friends!) Secondly, I started my new job, which is going good so far-- the only downside is the 1 hour commuting one way! Thirdly, I am busy with the finishing stages of the house my family is having built. It's a very exciting project for all of us, as we all have the privilege of getting to do the bedroom and bathroom our own way!
Tomorrow is a public holiday. 14th August 2007 will make Pakistan 60 years old. I am not doing anything because I don't see a reason to celebrate. The state of Pakistan is in a pathetic state with all the politics and dirty games being played by the politicians. The common man is still suffering out there while the rich are living a lifestyle of wealth and luxury. It's sad to see such a massive contrast between the poor and the rich.
Happy Independence day to Pakistanis all over. As for me, I am having a bunch of relatives/ friends come over to my apartment to hang out/ watch movie/ have dinner. I am thinking maybe I should cook something. :-)
Cheers you all, and I hope to start blogging more regularly now.
Mansour
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Hello friends,
It is with much disappointment that I am writing this post. My friend I went to see the midnight screening of Harry Potter and the Order of Phoenix, which is based on book # 5. Book # 7, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is about to be released soon here in the UAE, and there is just so much mega-excitement all over town, to the point where one superstore is bringing a Daniel Radcliffe lookalike to town to take pictures with the kids (lame I think!)
The Order of Phoenix was a very drab affair. The formula for the movie seemed pretty much like the first part, where we see Harry suffer with his relatives and being teased by his cousin. An owl sends a message to Harry, whereby he is told he is expelled from Hogwarts because he used his magic powers outside of school. Yawn! There is a court scene where they decide whether to keep Harry in school or expel him. Yawn! A new professor comes to Hogwarts and restricts everything for the kids. Yawn! Harry starts up his own army to fight Lord Voldemort and in the process starts to develop romantic feelings for an Asian girl (who is conveniently forgotten at the end of the movie!) Yawn! Harry starts to feel the evil inside of him (pretty much like Spiderman who had this evil nature in him in part 3) Yawn! A final climatic battle takes place, and everything is resolved and the kids go back home in their train! YAWN!
I didn't understand what the hype was all about. Sure, it's an interesting movie, but the predictability factor set in and everything I was seeing in this movie, I had seen before. There was nothing new to it, apart from a couple of new creatures and characters, which wasn't good because Harry's friend Ron was relegated into the background! However it was refreshing to see the kids grown up and at times it felt like this was not a kiddie movie anymore. Harry Potter 5 is a serious, dark movie with a lot of underlying adult themes and with a lot more talking and less action. No doubt, the visual effects were amazing, but that didn't help me retain my interest in the movie like the first 3 parts.
If this is the way part 6 and 7 will be like, then I say there should be no more books after part 7. I hope they do something drastic and bring new stuff to the next sequel.
As for now, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix gets a 2 out 5 for me.
Mansur
It is with much disappointment that I am writing this post. My friend I went to see the midnight screening of Harry Potter and the Order of Phoenix, which is based on book # 5. Book # 7, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is about to be released soon here in the UAE, and there is just so much mega-excitement all over town, to the point where one superstore is bringing a Daniel Radcliffe lookalike to town to take pictures with the kids (lame I think!)
The Order of Phoenix was a very drab affair. The formula for the movie seemed pretty much like the first part, where we see Harry suffer with his relatives and being teased by his cousin. An owl sends a message to Harry, whereby he is told he is expelled from Hogwarts because he used his magic powers outside of school. Yawn! There is a court scene where they decide whether to keep Harry in school or expel him. Yawn! A new professor comes to Hogwarts and restricts everything for the kids. Yawn! Harry starts up his own army to fight Lord Voldemort and in the process starts to develop romantic feelings for an Asian girl (who is conveniently forgotten at the end of the movie!) Yawn! Harry starts to feel the evil inside of him (pretty much like Spiderman who had this evil nature in him in part 3) Yawn! A final climatic battle takes place, and everything is resolved and the kids go back home in their train! YAWN!
I didn't understand what the hype was all about. Sure, it's an interesting movie, but the predictability factor set in and everything I was seeing in this movie, I had seen before. There was nothing new to it, apart from a couple of new creatures and characters, which wasn't good because Harry's friend Ron was relegated into the background! However it was refreshing to see the kids grown up and at times it felt like this was not a kiddie movie anymore. Harry Potter 5 is a serious, dark movie with a lot of underlying adult themes and with a lot more talking and less action. No doubt, the visual effects were amazing, but that didn't help me retain my interest in the movie like the first 3 parts.
If this is the way part 6 and 7 will be like, then I say there should be no more books after part 7. I hope they do something drastic and bring new stuff to the next sequel.
As for now, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix gets a 2 out 5 for me.
Mansur
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
A Salute to Dubai
Hello friends,
Now that I am preparing to leave Dubai for good, I thought I would do a quick recap of all the good moments I have had in Dubai. More than the city itself, I think what made my stay memorable here were my friends and the fun things we got to do together. I don't even know where to start: concerts, desert safari, rain dance, countless dinners and movies, ski Dubai, beaches, snorkel ling, Hatta trips, museums, art exhibitions, dining in fancy five start restaurants, seeing Burj Al Arab from the inside, Abu Dhabi and Al Ain trips, malls, shopping, Global Village, Dubai Shopping Festival, Wild Wadi and the list goes on. Sadly enough, there have also been some tragic moments here in Dubai, of which I will not get into because I want to leave with good memories. :-)
So a salute to Dubai for giving me an amazing 8 years, and I hope I get to live here again sometimes soon (right after all the traffic mess is sorted out and construction has been completed!)
Mansur
Now that I am preparing to leave Dubai for good, I thought I would do a quick recap of all the good moments I have had in Dubai. More than the city itself, I think what made my stay memorable here were my friends and the fun things we got to do together. I don't even know where to start: concerts, desert safari, rain dance, countless dinners and movies, ski Dubai, beaches, snorkel ling, Hatta trips, museums, art exhibitions, dining in fancy five start restaurants, seeing Burj Al Arab from the inside, Abu Dhabi and Al Ain trips, malls, shopping, Global Village, Dubai Shopping Festival, Wild Wadi and the list goes on. Sadly enough, there have also been some tragic moments here in Dubai, of which I will not get into because I want to leave with good memories. :-)
So a salute to Dubai for giving me an amazing 8 years, and I hope I get to live here again sometimes soon (right after all the traffic mess is sorted out and construction has been completed!)
Mansur
Monday, July 02, 2007
Surprise Farewell!
Hello friends,
On Thursday night, I made plans to hang out with Sam. I gave him the option of meeting wherever and wherever and he came back to me asking to meet up with him at the Jumeirah Beach Park. I was a little late getting there, and when I did, I was not allowed in. It was after a little bit of haggling with the local lady inside the booth that she let me in. I met up with Sam, and we sat down on the grass. I thought maybe this would be the last time I would get to hang out with him.
I don't know how to explain to you what happened next. The quietness that Sam and I were in was suddenly pierced with loud shouts, and from behind me Adam, Karun and Gaelle jumped on me, screaming as loud as they could. It was just a YELL! A SCREAM I can not tell you how shocked I was. I had a million swear words running in my head, and I had to cover my mouth to prevent myself from saying out all the expletives! (I always cover my mouth everytime I want to say a swear word!) It was so surreal, I literally had to take deep breaths as I savored the moment. Now there 7 more people in the group!
After the initial shock and surprise, we went to the local cafeteria and had dinner and juices. There is just something about this group of people that lifts my spirits. Just being their presences gives me so much comfort and joy, I cannot even begin to explain why. We hung out at Nisin's place where we stayed till 1am. It certainly was a surprise to see everyone giving me such an awesome farewell. These are friends who I know I will cherish, and for them to even think of doing something like this for meant the world to me. I love the fact that I have international friends. Let me count the nationalities in this group: Pakistani (1), Indian (2), Egyptian/ Scot (2), Germany (2), Cameroon (1), Argentinian (1).
Mansur
On Thursday night, I made plans to hang out with Sam. I gave him the option of meeting wherever and wherever and he came back to me asking to meet up with him at the Jumeirah Beach Park. I was a little late getting there, and when I did, I was not allowed in. It was after a little bit of haggling with the local lady inside the booth that she let me in. I met up with Sam, and we sat down on the grass. I thought maybe this would be the last time I would get to hang out with him.
I don't know how to explain to you what happened next. The quietness that Sam and I were in was suddenly pierced with loud shouts, and from behind me Adam, Karun and Gaelle jumped on me, screaming as loud as they could. It was just a YELL! A SCREAM I can not tell you how shocked I was. I had a million swear words running in my head, and I had to cover my mouth to prevent myself from saying out all the expletives! (I always cover my mouth everytime I want to say a swear word!) It was so surreal, I literally had to take deep breaths as I savored the moment. Now there 7 more people in the group!
After the initial shock and surprise, we went to the local cafeteria and had dinner and juices. There is just something about this group of people that lifts my spirits. Just being their presences gives me so much comfort and joy, I cannot even begin to explain why. We hung out at Nisin's place where we stayed till 1am. It certainly was a surprise to see everyone giving me such an awesome farewell. These are friends who I know I will cherish, and for them to even think of doing something like this for meant the world to me. I love the fact that I have international friends. Let me count the nationalities in this group: Pakistani (1), Indian (2), Egyptian/ Scot (2), Germany (2), Cameroon (1), Argentinian (1).
Mansur
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Road Trips
Hello friends,
I know I have been out of the loop for a while. Things have just got so hectic here with my packing up and leaving Dubai, I don't even know where to begin sharing about my experiences. I finally managed to furnish my apartments at International City, and am waiting now for suitable tenants. Once that's done, then I will get a steady source of income for myself.
Last Friday, a bunch of us went to Abu Dhabi for a road trip, and to check out the Emirates Palace Hotel there. It was my first time to Abu Dhabi, and we all had a great time, checking out the city, hanging out and spending a lot of time at the Emirates Palace Hotel, which indeed is very palatial and much much better than the Burj Al Arab. We checked out the Marina Mall, where we had ice cream, and then later proceeded to the Corniche. Abu Dhabi is about 1.5 hours away from Dubai, and it's a long drive, but with great company in my car, the long drive became all the more worthwhile!
Two days ago, we went to Al Ain to meet up with my friend Sam there. Al Ain was my first time as well, and we had a blast in the car, with loud music, and a video being made. Al Ain was certainly a wonderful road trip, with a lot of greenery and a very idyllic and laid back atmosphere. It almost didn't seem like I was in UAE anymore. At the food court, Sam recommended to us the Egyptian Kofta grill sandwich was surprisingly quite good.
We also celebrated a friend's birthday at TGI Fridays, which also became an opportunity for my small circle of friends to spend our last moments together and share our thoughts. I had them sign a picture frame, in which I would put our pictures.
I am leaving Dubai for good on Saturday morning, and moving back to Lahore, Pakistan. I have very mixed feelings as I prepre myself mentally to go back home and leave my friends behind here.
Mansur
I know I have been out of the loop for a while. Things have just got so hectic here with my packing up and leaving Dubai, I don't even know where to begin sharing about my experiences. I finally managed to furnish my apartments at International City, and am waiting now for suitable tenants. Once that's done, then I will get a steady source of income for myself.
Last Friday, a bunch of us went to Abu Dhabi for a road trip, and to check out the Emirates Palace Hotel there. It was my first time to Abu Dhabi, and we all had a great time, checking out the city, hanging out and spending a lot of time at the Emirates Palace Hotel, which indeed is very palatial and much much better than the Burj Al Arab. We checked out the Marina Mall, where we had ice cream, and then later proceeded to the Corniche. Abu Dhabi is about 1.5 hours away from Dubai, and it's a long drive, but with great company in my car, the long drive became all the more worthwhile!Two days ago, we went to Al Ain to meet up with my friend Sam there. Al Ain was my first time as well, and we had a blast in the car, with loud music, and a video being made. Al Ain was certainly a wonderful road trip, with a lot of greenery and a very idyllic and laid back atmosphere. It almost didn't seem like I was in UAE anymore. At the food court, Sam recommended to us the Egyptian Kofta grill sandwich was surprisingly quite good.
We also celebrated a friend's birthday at TGI Fridays, which also became an opportunity for my small circle of friends to spend our last moments together and share our thoughts. I had them sign a picture frame, in which I would put our pictures.
I am leaving Dubai for good on Saturday morning, and moving back to Lahore, Pakistan. I have very mixed feelings as I prepre myself mentally to go back home and leave my friends behind here.
Mansur
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