Hello friends,
I am sorry for a slight delay in posting my stuff online here. Somehow I cannot seem to access blogger from its main page. The site just doesn't let me access it. I am wondering if there is a blanket ban on blogger across the country. I am not sure. I was pondering over how to access it, and then I remember, aaah, the wonderful Gmail!!!
Gmail is linked up with Blogger, and so I am accessing Blogger through Gmail. I also removed all my photos from Flickr and shifted them over to Picassa because Flickr is not free anymore!
Cheers!
Mansur
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Imran Khan Released!
Yes! Yes! Yes!
Imran Khan is finally released from prison! His strong conviction has worked! He has made a very strong impact to everyone, through his principles. Dad is going with a couple of people to prison and take him somewhere secret. I only hope he can start up the student movement he's started. If anyone, it's the 55million youth who can bring about a change in this country. I am sure they are tired of waiting for the system to change (which it never will) and are now being more vocal about their desire to see a change in leadership and Pakistan.
Mansur
Imran Khan is finally released from prison! His strong conviction has worked! He has made a very strong impact to everyone, through his principles. Dad is going with a couple of people to prison and take him somewhere secret. I only hope he can start up the student movement he's started. If anyone, it's the 55million youth who can bring about a change in this country. I am sure they are tired of waiting for the system to change (which it never will) and are now being more vocal about their desire to see a change in leadership and Pakistan.
Mansur
Friday, November 16, 2007
I Am Ashamed to be a Pakistani!
Today was yet another sad day for me. The political situation in Pakistan hit me hard today. I am mad, angry, upset, furious and sad! All because my very own sister was hurt and beaten by the Pakistani policemen!
There was supposed to be a peaceful rally at Garden Town, near Punjab University, to protest Imran Khan's arrest. Men and women of all ages were there, including Imran Khan's sisters (who were later arrested as well). My mom, aunt, uncle, cousin and I were to go to the rally as well. We were all wearing black to show solidarity for Imran Khan. We were also to protest against the imposition of emergency. Just as we were getting ready to leave home, dad calls me up on the phone and asks us all to stay home because the police have started beating the people who had gathered there, even before the protest had started.
We panicked at home. My sister Areej was there, along with her work colleagues, Zainab and Hassan. My aunt and her daughter were there too! Mom and I panicked. We worried if she was safe. Trying to call frantically, phones were not accessible. I messaged Areej, and she called back mom. She was in hysterics as Hassan, her colleague, was beaten up badly and arrested!! She was in tears!! Pakistani police are notorious for manhandling people and torturing them. Hassan was being beaten up by the police: shoved around, using baton sticks to hit him all over, to the point where he fell down on the ground. Our driver quickly came and laid himself onto Hassan, but the police started beating Nasir too! So badly was he beaten, he was eventually lifted up and taken to the van.
In the meantime, Areej and my cousin fell down on the ground trying to revive Hassan. Screaming out for help, no one bothered to help her. People were standing there just watching. Screaming ever so loudly for help, no one helped her. A policeman came and started lifting Hassan up. Areej tried preventing them from taking Hassan away. The policeman started swearing at her, and hit her on her arm badly to the point where it was bruised. She tried fighting back, but being a woman and smaller than the stout policeman, she couldn't put up a fight. He started swearing to Areej (the kind of foul language one hears in Urdu--too foul for me to even mention here!) Areej fought back and started swearing at the policeman for roughening up her and other woman. How shameless for a Pakistani policeman to roughen up a woman! She was helpless as the police dragged Hassan away!
Thankfully, dad was able to meet up with Areej at the place, and dad arranged for all the girls to get into a car and leave the area as the situation had gotten out of control! She came back home, crying so much, and so panicked for Hassan. I personally know Hassan too, and I was just so furious as to what the police did to Hassan, to Areej and my cousin! I was just ashamed to be in a country where the policemen were ready to mistreat anyone on the government's orders!
We made call to Hassan's parents and fiance, and they naturally panicked a lot. The four hours we spent in agony trying to find out where Hassan and our driver Nasir went to were the longest four hours. This prison? That prison? We soon found out they were being transported to another jail. Dad's phones were switched off for an hour in between causing me and mom to panic, wondering if dad was arrested too. Dad called us eventually. He was safe.
Thankfully, Hassan and Nasir were released in the evening, after much interrogation. Our driver proved his loyalty to my dad as he refused to say anything that would help the police arrest my dad. They interrogated Hassan a lot too.
Because I know Hassan well, and because my own sister was caught up in such a messy and dirty situation, I was just mad and upset at the whole thing. President Musharraf has clearly gone mad, trying to do anything in his control to silence the opposition. But I think he has made a major misjudgment with the imposition of emergency. Students at LUMS are holding candle vigils and hunger strikes daily; students at Beaconhouse University are daily protesting on campus; people are now wearing black armbands and labels on their clothes to express their desire for Musharraf to leave. I have never seen such an unpopular leader in my lifetime ever!!!
Coming home at night, I caught on the news channel the incident of today. "25 PTI members were arrested" and the camera panned on to Areej, down on her knees, trying to revive Hassan and screaming out for help. My heart just sank. What a shameful day for the nation!
My friends, we are living in a time today when people from good well-off to families are being beaten up, mistreated, manhandled and tortured this way. All in Pakistan: the land of the pure! If the people can manhandle, torture and beat up a national hero like Imran Khan, imagine what they could do with a common man! Imran's wife, Jemima, and Jemima's mother are making calls to Bush, Sarkozy, high up people in other government to put pressure on Musharraf to resign! Musharraf has already sent his family abroad, because he knows his and his family's life are in danger!
We are thankful they didn't arrest Areej because had they done that, they would have interrogated her so much to the point where they would come after my dad. Now both Areej and I have to keep a low profile. If I get arrested then they could torture me because I am the son of a leader of the political party of which my dad belongs to. Our phones may now be tapped. Musharraf is leaving no one. He wants everyone who raises a voice against his military dictatorship in prison.
Not much time is left for Musharraf now. There is a serious movement of the mass public now from all parties. If people like us don't stand up for what's right, then who will? If the silent majority stays silent any longer, Pakistan will be finished. More and more rich people, well off students are joining the mass movement against the government. Media is very clever as it doesn't portray all this. Media has been curbed, and Musharraf has allowed only those channels back on air who have signed an agreement to not ridicule or portray Musharraf in a negative light. So much for "freedom of press" and "freedom of speech!"
It's a messed up a situation, all the while Musharraf continues to delude himself ever so blindly he is the savior of democracy!!!
I am again ashamed to be a Pakistani today!!!
Mansur
There was supposed to be a peaceful rally at Garden Town, near Punjab University, to protest Imran Khan's arrest. Men and women of all ages were there, including Imran Khan's sisters (who were later arrested as well). My mom, aunt, uncle, cousin and I were to go to the rally as well. We were all wearing black to show solidarity for Imran Khan. We were also to protest against the imposition of emergency. Just as we were getting ready to leave home, dad calls me up on the phone and asks us all to stay home because the police have started beating the people who had gathered there, even before the protest had started.
We panicked at home. My sister Areej was there, along with her work colleagues, Zainab and Hassan. My aunt and her daughter were there too! Mom and I panicked. We worried if she was safe. Trying to call frantically, phones were not accessible. I messaged Areej, and she called back mom. She was in hysterics as Hassan, her colleague, was beaten up badly and arrested!! She was in tears!! Pakistani police are notorious for manhandling people and torturing them. Hassan was being beaten up by the police: shoved around, using baton sticks to hit him all over, to the point where he fell down on the ground. Our driver quickly came and laid himself onto Hassan, but the police started beating Nasir too! So badly was he beaten, he was eventually lifted up and taken to the van.
In the meantime, Areej and my cousin fell down on the ground trying to revive Hassan. Screaming out for help, no one bothered to help her. People were standing there just watching. Screaming ever so loudly for help, no one helped her. A policeman came and started lifting Hassan up. Areej tried preventing them from taking Hassan away. The policeman started swearing at her, and hit her on her arm badly to the point where it was bruised. She tried fighting back, but being a woman and smaller than the stout policeman, she couldn't put up a fight. He started swearing to Areej (the kind of foul language one hears in Urdu--too foul for me to even mention here!) Areej fought back and started swearing at the policeman for roughening up her and other woman. How shameless for a Pakistani policeman to roughen up a woman! She was helpless as the police dragged Hassan away!
Thankfully, dad was able to meet up with Areej at the place, and dad arranged for all the girls to get into a car and leave the area as the situation had gotten out of control! She came back home, crying so much, and so panicked for Hassan. I personally know Hassan too, and I was just so furious as to what the police did to Hassan, to Areej and my cousin! I was just ashamed to be in a country where the policemen were ready to mistreat anyone on the government's orders!
We made call to Hassan's parents and fiance, and they naturally panicked a lot. The four hours we spent in agony trying to find out where Hassan and our driver Nasir went to were the longest four hours. This prison? That prison? We soon found out they were being transported to another jail. Dad's phones were switched off for an hour in between causing me and mom to panic, wondering if dad was arrested too. Dad called us eventually. He was safe.
Thankfully, Hassan and Nasir were released in the evening, after much interrogation. Our driver proved his loyalty to my dad as he refused to say anything that would help the police arrest my dad. They interrogated Hassan a lot too.
Because I know Hassan well, and because my own sister was caught up in such a messy and dirty situation, I was just mad and upset at the whole thing. President Musharraf has clearly gone mad, trying to do anything in his control to silence the opposition. But I think he has made a major misjudgment with the imposition of emergency. Students at LUMS are holding candle vigils and hunger strikes daily; students at Beaconhouse University are daily protesting on campus; people are now wearing black armbands and labels on their clothes to express their desire for Musharraf to leave. I have never seen such an unpopular leader in my lifetime ever!!!
Coming home at night, I caught on the news channel the incident of today. "25 PTI members were arrested" and the camera panned on to Areej, down on her knees, trying to revive Hassan and screaming out for help. My heart just sank. What a shameful day for the nation!
My friends, we are living in a time today when people from good well-off to families are being beaten up, mistreated, manhandled and tortured this way. All in Pakistan: the land of the pure! If the people can manhandle, torture and beat up a national hero like Imran Khan, imagine what they could do with a common man! Imran's wife, Jemima, and Jemima's mother are making calls to Bush, Sarkozy, high up people in other government to put pressure on Musharraf to resign! Musharraf has already sent his family abroad, because he knows his and his family's life are in danger!
We are thankful they didn't arrest Areej because had they done that, they would have interrogated her so much to the point where they would come after my dad. Now both Areej and I have to keep a low profile. If I get arrested then they could torture me because I am the son of a leader of the political party of which my dad belongs to. Our phones may now be tapped. Musharraf is leaving no one. He wants everyone who raises a voice against his military dictatorship in prison.
Not much time is left for Musharraf now. There is a serious movement of the mass public now from all parties. If people like us don't stand up for what's right, then who will? If the silent majority stays silent any longer, Pakistan will be finished. More and more rich people, well off students are joining the mass movement against the government. Media is very clever as it doesn't portray all this. Media has been curbed, and Musharraf has allowed only those channels back on air who have signed an agreement to not ridicule or portray Musharraf in a negative light. So much for "freedom of press" and "freedom of speech!"
It's a messed up a situation, all the while Musharraf continues to delude himself ever so blindly he is the savior of democracy!!!
I am again ashamed to be a Pakistani today!!!
Mansur
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Imran Khan Arrest: A Shameful Day!
Hello friends,
So much as been going on in my mind. Yesterday was a very sad and shameful day for the nation. To see Imran Khan being betrayed, manhandled, mistreated and tortured by a bunch of deluded Islamists was a shameful act, of which I am ashamed to be a Pakistani. Yes, I may have my pride of my heritage, but when certain section of society like these very students of Jamat Islami (JI) manhandle a national hero, it makes me sick. It shows to me that these people have no respect.
Since my dad is also involved in Imran Khan's party, he was there to witness the whole scene, and it turns out that several important news are not being covered by the media.
Imran Khan WAS invited by the students on campus, otherwise Imran Khan would not have gone there in the first place. Imran Khan was also invited at LUMS earlier. So for the students of JI to claim that Imran Khan came uninvited is false. Some of the JI students actually told the organizers of the rally that they are there to support to Imran Khan and will participate in the anti-Musharraf rally. How sad to see these very students LIE (so much for being a bearded Muslim) and BETRAY, and turn back on their words!!!
Inside sources say, according to my dad, that these students were paid between 2-400k for coordinating wih the police to arrest Imran Khan. The students of JI claim they locked him up for his own good, but pictures and their actions prove they are lying. These students have been bought for a price by the government. I don't blame these students, but the elders and the government who have corrupted and misguided these students.
A research on JI on the web will reveal how nasty this organization is. They have gone to the lengths of even murdering students who didn't adhere to their strict code of teachings. The one most annoying thing was when JI said that they do not want any political activity on their campus, yet they themselves are a political party on campus.
I am ashamed to be associated with a country that is being run by a mad dictator, and filled with hypocritical Muslims. I am ashamed to be in a country where national heroes are disgraced and disrespected. I mean Imran Khan, the one person who has led Pakistan to victory in cricket World Cup in 1992, the one person who has single-handedly built a massive hospital for the poor with the help of the so many donors, Imran Khan who has a sincere desire to bring justice to people in this nation, is being roughened-up and mistreated!
Pakistan is fast losing its respect here and abroad. Pakistan has been declared as the "most dangerous country in the world" in a recent Newsweek article. Pakistan was portrayed very negatively in last month's edition of National Geographic. Things are going from bad to worse all because President Musharraf has deluded himself into thinking he is saving the nation from the hands of extreme militants! I won't even get into the how much hand the United States have in supporting Musharraf. The United States needs to realize that now even the middle class are beginning to develop an anti-American attitude towards the Bush government because of their blind support for Musharraf. Commonwealth has set an ultimatum to Pakistan to lift the emergency of be suspended. Musharraf dismissed the ultimatum-- more shame to the country! Japan, US, UK, Norway and several other countries are reviewing their aid pledge and will cut back on sending aid- more troubles for the poor of this nation!
I was never much into Pakistani politics but now I am being forced to because if people like myself don't stand up, then who will. For far too long, the silent majority has been too silent. My sister now wears a black arm band, like 1000s others in the city to show their solidarity with others for removal of emergency. I am going to a massive demonstration rally today afternoon to protest against the government.
I am also seriously thinking of starting a "Free Imran Khan" or "Save Imran Khan" campaign. He has been charged with anti-terrorism laws (makes me wonder why Benazir Bhutto and several other people, including a leader from the JI party) are not being charged. Why single out Imran Khan? Because Imran Khan is fearless, ready to give his life for the nation so the people can get justice! I am thinking of starting a movement online, maybe print out leaflets, badges, t-shirts, banners and start distributing them across the city! Something needs to be done to restore democracy.
And yes, the situation is really bad on the ground level. The common man is not happy (they were never happy); but in recent times things have gone from bad to very bad!
However, because I believe in God, I have hope and faith in Him, and I trust He will bring something good out of this whole situation. God already sent a message to Pakistan through the earthquake in the Northern Areas in October 2005, and Pakistanis still didn't learn their lesson: change your ways for the good- but people still thrive on corruption, lying, stealing, cheating etc etc. Its comforting to know that God is in "control" of situation, and things have not gone out of control. God is just and merciful, and He will see to it that the prayers of those who are praying for a stable, safe and democratic Pakistan be answered!
Mansur
ps. Metro Blogging Lahore is a good place to check out for recent updates on Imran Khan's arrest and also what's happening in the nation.
So much as been going on in my mind. Yesterday was a very sad and shameful day for the nation. To see Imran Khan being betrayed, manhandled, mistreated and tortured by a bunch of deluded Islamists was a shameful act, of which I am ashamed to be a Pakistani. Yes, I may have my pride of my heritage, but when certain section of society like these very students of Jamat Islami (JI) manhandle a national hero, it makes me sick. It shows to me that these people have no respect.
Since my dad is also involved in Imran Khan's party, he was there to witness the whole scene, and it turns out that several important news are not being covered by the media.
Imran Khan WAS invited by the students on campus, otherwise Imran Khan would not have gone there in the first place. Imran Khan was also invited at LUMS earlier. So for the students of JI to claim that Imran Khan came uninvited is false. Some of the JI students actually told the organizers of the rally that they are there to support to Imran Khan and will participate in the anti-Musharraf rally. How sad to see these very students LIE (so much for being a bearded Muslim) and BETRAY, and turn back on their words!!!
Inside sources say, according to my dad, that these students were paid between 2-400k for coordinating wih the police to arrest Imran Khan. The students of JI claim they locked him up for his own good, but pictures and their actions prove they are lying. These students have been bought for a price by the government. I don't blame these students, but the elders and the government who have corrupted and misguided these students.
A research on JI on the web will reveal how nasty this organization is. They have gone to the lengths of even murdering students who didn't adhere to their strict code of teachings. The one most annoying thing was when JI said that they do not want any political activity on their campus, yet they themselves are a political party on campus.
I am ashamed to be associated with a country that is being run by a mad dictator, and filled with hypocritical Muslims. I am ashamed to be in a country where national heroes are disgraced and disrespected. I mean Imran Khan, the one person who has led Pakistan to victory in cricket World Cup in 1992, the one person who has single-handedly built a massive hospital for the poor with the help of the so many donors, Imran Khan who has a sincere desire to bring justice to people in this nation, is being roughened-up and mistreated!
Pakistan is fast losing its respect here and abroad. Pakistan has been declared as the "most dangerous country in the world" in a recent Newsweek article. Pakistan was portrayed very negatively in last month's edition of National Geographic. Things are going from bad to worse all because President Musharraf has deluded himself into thinking he is saving the nation from the hands of extreme militants! I won't even get into the how much hand the United States have in supporting Musharraf. The United States needs to realize that now even the middle class are beginning to develop an anti-American attitude towards the Bush government because of their blind support for Musharraf. Commonwealth has set an ultimatum to Pakistan to lift the emergency of be suspended. Musharraf dismissed the ultimatum-- more shame to the country! Japan, US, UK, Norway and several other countries are reviewing their aid pledge and will cut back on sending aid- more troubles for the poor of this nation!
I was never much into Pakistani politics but now I am being forced to because if people like myself don't stand up, then who will. For far too long, the silent majority has been too silent. My sister now wears a black arm band, like 1000s others in the city to show their solidarity with others for removal of emergency. I am going to a massive demonstration rally today afternoon to protest against the government.
I am also seriously thinking of starting a "Free Imran Khan" or "Save Imran Khan" campaign. He has been charged with anti-terrorism laws (makes me wonder why Benazir Bhutto and several other people, including a leader from the JI party) are not being charged. Why single out Imran Khan? Because Imran Khan is fearless, ready to give his life for the nation so the people can get justice! I am thinking of starting a movement online, maybe print out leaflets, badges, t-shirts, banners and start distributing them across the city! Something needs to be done to restore democracy.
And yes, the situation is really bad on the ground level. The common man is not happy (they were never happy); but in recent times things have gone from bad to very bad!
However, because I believe in God, I have hope and faith in Him, and I trust He will bring something good out of this whole situation. God already sent a message to Pakistan through the earthquake in the Northern Areas in October 2005, and Pakistanis still didn't learn their lesson: change your ways for the good- but people still thrive on corruption, lying, stealing, cheating etc etc. Its comforting to know that God is in "control" of situation, and things have not gone out of control. God is just and merciful, and He will see to it that the prayers of those who are praying for a stable, safe and democratic Pakistan be answered!
Mansur
ps. Metro Blogging Lahore is a good place to check out for recent updates on Imran Khan's arrest and also what's happening in the nation.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
MAVERICK Roller Coaster 2007 - Cedar Point
Hello,
Who wants to come with me on a roller coaster with a 95 degrees fall!!!??? I made plans to go to Maverick, in Cedar Point, Ohio sometimes in the future! Here is a video of how cool this roller coaster is!!!
Monday, November 12, 2007
Friday, October 26, 2007
Mansur Engaged???
Hey people,
OK, so get this. I don't even live in Jeddah anymore, but rumor has spread there that I am engaged!!! I don't know how these things happen! Several of my mom's friends have called my mom up personally to confirm the news, and mom had to state the truth: Mansur is not engaged! I am so pissed now...I mean, imagine, if people can talk about something so obviously false, they can talk about something even more dangerous shattering my reputation. I tell you, people have nothing better to do than concoct some false story!
Mansur
PS I am not engaged. You heard it straight from my mouth! LOL!
OK, so get this. I don't even live in Jeddah anymore, but rumor has spread there that I am engaged!!! I don't know how these things happen! Several of my mom's friends have called my mom up personally to confirm the news, and mom had to state the truth: Mansur is not engaged! I am so pissed now...I mean, imagine, if people can talk about something so obviously false, they can talk about something even more dangerous shattering my reputation. I tell you, people have nothing better to do than concoct some false story!
Mansur
PS I am not engaged. You heard it straight from my mouth! LOL!
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Listening to Music...
Hey friends,
I have just managed to upload the music player onto my blog. Hope you can enjoy the music while surfing my somewhat defunct blog. Lol!
Mansur
I have just managed to upload the music player onto my blog. Hope you can enjoy the music while surfing my somewhat defunct blog. Lol!
Mansur
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Happy Eid!
Hello friends,
Happy Eid to those of you who celebrate it! Make the most of the day!
Mansur
Happy Eid to those of you who celebrate it! Make the most of the day!
Mansur
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Disillusioned with People in Lahore
Hey everyone,
I just thought I'd let everyone know how pissed off I am at people here in Lahore. When in the month of fasting people are supposed to be more patient, restrained and calm, its the exact opposite. People are rude, nasty and plain mean, whether he be a post-man completely refusing to do his work because he is thirsty, or a guy who is blocking my way on the road because he is late for his appointment, to the beggars who curse me when I don't pay them anything, and the list can go on and on.
I am so disappointed with the decency and civic sense of many people here, and I can understand that their education didn't prepare them to have common sense when dealing with other people. These people I can understand as being illiterate and so I let them get away with their indecency, but it's the people who are in suits/ well dressed who display such attitudes that shock and disgust me. I have had several arguments with such people who think they own the roads or the ground they are walking on. Such people need to be treated with utmost severity, but then again, this is Lahore; these very people may have connections with higher up people who can kill me for interfering in their so called busy lives! The only way we can restart the entire nation with a clean slate is to nuke the country of Pakistan!
I am very disillusioned with the people of Lahore. Honest.
I also very upset that I cannot make any effort to change the system. Either I make a stronger attempt to change the things around me at least, or I just go along with the system and become like one of them (don't worry, I can't be like them, so I will stick to my guns and continue to educate and train the people who come into contact with me to do things the proper way- like don't enter the elevators until all the people have left from inside!)
Mansur
I just thought I'd let everyone know how pissed off I am at people here in Lahore. When in the month of fasting people are supposed to be more patient, restrained and calm, its the exact opposite. People are rude, nasty and plain mean, whether he be a post-man completely refusing to do his work because he is thirsty, or a guy who is blocking my way on the road because he is late for his appointment, to the beggars who curse me when I don't pay them anything, and the list can go on and on.
I am so disappointed with the decency and civic sense of many people here, and I can understand that their education didn't prepare them to have common sense when dealing with other people. These people I can understand as being illiterate and so I let them get away with their indecency, but it's the people who are in suits/ well dressed who display such attitudes that shock and disgust me. I have had several arguments with such people who think they own the roads or the ground they are walking on. Such people need to be treated with utmost severity, but then again, this is Lahore; these very people may have connections with higher up people who can kill me for interfering in their so called busy lives! The only way we can restart the entire nation with a clean slate is to nuke the country of Pakistan!
I am very disillusioned with the people of Lahore. Honest.
I also very upset that I cannot make any effort to change the system. Either I make a stronger attempt to change the things around me at least, or I just go along with the system and become like one of them (don't worry, I can't be like them, so I will stick to my guns and continue to educate and train the people who come into contact with me to do things the proper way- like don't enter the elevators until all the people have left from inside!)
Mansur
Iftar with Imran Khan
Hello friends,
The traffic to the Shaukat Khanum Hospital (SKH) was so bad, we were late for the iftar despite having left an hour ago from home. We barely made it for the iftar, and entered the awesome canopy tent set-up with round tables. Dad was there already so it was my mom, myself, my sister and my cousin. Dad had reserved a table right at the front of the garden, just before the low built stage.
I saw Imran Khan sitting at the table next to ours. He was discussing politics in his usual manner with the others on the table. I don't know what it is with people, but they just seem to stare in awe at him. Very few muster up the courage to speak back to him, or correct him, or rebuke him. As soon as we broke our fast, and prayed our prayers, we returned to our tables and were handed out brochures from the SKH, detailing all the efforts of the donors, and visible results of all the donations that have been made to the hospital.
Dr. Amir, a Pakistani doctor trained and practiced in the UK, introduced us to the entire hospital set up. It certainly is amazing to see the entire range of facilities and amenities. The capacity for bed space has jumped from 20 to 100. The extensive range of medical equipments has been increased. Truly awesome to see where all the money went. The latest project they have is to construct an 11 storey building for the patient, of which the first four floor will be usable soon, and the rest planned for later stage.
Imran Khan came up on stage later, and shared with his gratitude and thanks, the donors, for continuously supporting his hospital with donations. He placed certain importance on the youth, who he said, donate as much as rupees 500 from their pocket money. "Every single rupees counts towards this project!" Imran also cracked some political jokes as well, talking about the recent deal between Musharaf and Bhutto, and how the money that was made in that deal could have been better spent! The audience laughed at his political jokes, and set the mood for the evening.
The original host returned to the stage, and started reading out the names of the donors and the amount of money they had contributed. My cousin had her cheque donation of 5lakhs rupees and I had my cheque of 3lakh rupees. Soon, i went up on stage and handed in our cheques. The host read out our names and the amount we donated. People were donating anything from 5000 rupees, to 1 lakh 5 lakhs to 10lakhs. Still other people pledged their amount and promised to pay the next day. They set a record for collecting about 2.5 crores (2,000,000 rupees). This was a jump from last year of about .5 crores!
Dinner was served and while we got our dinner, Imran Khan came up to our table and greeted us all and joined us. Since my dad is really close to him, Imran made an effort to speak to my mom, sister and myself. He inquired about my job here, and my sister talked to him about politics, since she is also on a fund raising spree for the NGO she is working at. It was a pleasant evening, no doubt, and certainly a more pleasurable experience to be dining with someone who could one day be the president of Pakistan.
Mansur
PS I didn't take any pictures because I have loads with him and didn't see the need to take more! :-)
The traffic to the Shaukat Khanum Hospital (SKH) was so bad, we were late for the iftar despite having left an hour ago from home. We barely made it for the iftar, and entered the awesome canopy tent set-up with round tables. Dad was there already so it was my mom, myself, my sister and my cousin. Dad had reserved a table right at the front of the garden, just before the low built stage.
I saw Imran Khan sitting at the table next to ours. He was discussing politics in his usual manner with the others on the table. I don't know what it is with people, but they just seem to stare in awe at him. Very few muster up the courage to speak back to him, or correct him, or rebuke him. As soon as we broke our fast, and prayed our prayers, we returned to our tables and were handed out brochures from the SKH, detailing all the efforts of the donors, and visible results of all the donations that have been made to the hospital.
Dr. Amir, a Pakistani doctor trained and practiced in the UK, introduced us to the entire hospital set up. It certainly is amazing to see the entire range of facilities and amenities. The capacity for bed space has jumped from 20 to 100. The extensive range of medical equipments has been increased. Truly awesome to see where all the money went. The latest project they have is to construct an 11 storey building for the patient, of which the first four floor will be usable soon, and the rest planned for later stage.
Imran Khan came up on stage later, and shared with his gratitude and thanks, the donors, for continuously supporting his hospital with donations. He placed certain importance on the youth, who he said, donate as much as rupees 500 from their pocket money. "Every single rupees counts towards this project!" Imran also cracked some political jokes as well, talking about the recent deal between Musharaf and Bhutto, and how the money that was made in that deal could have been better spent! The audience laughed at his political jokes, and set the mood for the evening.
The original host returned to the stage, and started reading out the names of the donors and the amount of money they had contributed. My cousin had her cheque donation of 5lakhs rupees and I had my cheque of 3lakh rupees. Soon, i went up on stage and handed in our cheques. The host read out our names and the amount we donated. People were donating anything from 5000 rupees, to 1 lakh 5 lakhs to 10lakhs. Still other people pledged their amount and promised to pay the next day. They set a record for collecting about 2.5 crores (2,000,000 rupees). This was a jump from last year of about .5 crores!
Dinner was served and while we got our dinner, Imran Khan came up to our table and greeted us all and joined us. Since my dad is really close to him, Imran made an effort to speak to my mom, sister and myself. He inquired about my job here, and my sister talked to him about politics, since she is also on a fund raising spree for the NGO she is working at. It was a pleasant evening, no doubt, and certainly a more pleasurable experience to be dining with someone who could one day be the president of Pakistan.
Mansur
PS I didn't take any pictures because I have loads with him and didn't see the need to take more! :-)
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
Update
Hey friends,
I know I have been lax in posting my stuff here online. Just thought I'd update you on what's been happening in my life!
1. I am site supervising the house my family is having built.
2. That's about it!
3. LOL!
Mansur
I know I have been lax in posting my stuff here online. Just thought I'd update you on what's been happening in my life!
1. I am site supervising the house my family is having built.
2. That's about it!
3. LOL!
Mansur
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Lost 3
Hey friends,
I just finished watching the finale episode of Lost 3, and I cannot tell you how overwhelmed I am with the entire season. While Season 3 started off slow, it progressed to captivate and enthrall me. I was spell-bound and taken into the mysteries of the island on which the Lost-ies were stranded. Back story was revealed as to how the Others came to this island.
As some of the previous questions were answered, they only brought in newer questions: who is Jacob? What is that black smoke? Are they really dead or alive? What is the Magic Box? I have countless other questions in my mind, but then that's the best part about Lost: it's interactive. No other tv show is like Lost, which has mysteries, romance, action, humor, drama and what not!
I wish I could divulge the entire season 3 here on the blog, but then that would do injustice to those who have not seen the show.
One of my favorite scene was between Jack and Kate, when he finally says to her what we all have been waiting for him to say all through season 1 and 2, but alas, it's too late! Also, I will say that the final episode of Season 3 is probably one of the best tv episode I have seen of any show. I literally had goosebumps as one of the main characters dies on screen. I was overjoyed towards the end for other reasons. I was mad at the Others, yet was still sympathising with them. And THAT ending between Jack and Kate...just bowled me over and literally made me scream out in frustration/ anger/ joy/ excitement as season 3 finished on such a mad, wicked, intelligent, couldn't-see-it-coming TWIST!!!
Bring on Season 4!!!! :-) I swear, I need to buy the box sets for all seasons and have it in my DVD library!
Mansur
I just finished watching the finale episode of Lost 3, and I cannot tell you how overwhelmed I am with the entire season. While Season 3 started off slow, it progressed to captivate and enthrall me. I was spell-bound and taken into the mysteries of the island on which the Lost-ies were stranded. Back story was revealed as to how the Others came to this island.
As some of the previous questions were answered, they only brought in newer questions: who is Jacob? What is that black smoke? Are they really dead or alive? What is the Magic Box? I have countless other questions in my mind, but then that's the best part about Lost: it's interactive. No other tv show is like Lost, which has mysteries, romance, action, humor, drama and what not!
I wish I could divulge the entire season 3 here on the blog, but then that would do injustice to those who have not seen the show.
One of my favorite scene was between Jack and Kate, when he finally says to her what we all have been waiting for him to say all through season 1 and 2, but alas, it's too late! Also, I will say that the final episode of Season 3 is probably one of the best tv episode I have seen of any show. I literally had goosebumps as one of the main characters dies on screen. I was overjoyed towards the end for other reasons. I was mad at the Others, yet was still sympathising with them. And THAT ending between Jack and Kate...just bowled me over and literally made me scream out in frustration/ anger/ joy/ excitement as season 3 finished on such a mad, wicked, intelligent, couldn't-see-it-coming TWIST!!!
Bring on Season 4!!!! :-) I swear, I need to buy the box sets for all seasons and have it in my DVD library!
Mansur
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
The Kite Runner Movie....
Hello friends,
Khalid Hosseini's The Kite Runner is one of my favorite novels, and I am still waiting to read Hosseini's follow up novel as soon as I get done with all my other pending novels. I am super duper excited about the movie release for The Kite Runner. Viewers in the States are lucky enough to grab a screening of this movie. I am anxious to see it too, but this is one of those situation where I wonder whether the movie will live up to the expectations of the book, or will it ruin the picture I have built up in my mind? I am not even sure whether I should be watching the movie. Like The Lord of the Rings did justice to the novels, but Harry Potter didn't do justice as certain elements from the book were left out. I wonder how faithful the book to screen translation for The Kite Runner will be. It's good to know the author of the book also wrote the screenplay so hopefully it will be a faithful transformation of the book to the celluloid screen.
I wonder how many people have seen it, and what they thought about it?
Mansur
Khalid Hosseini's The Kite Runner is one of my favorite novels, and I am still waiting to read Hosseini's follow up novel as soon as I get done with all my other pending novels. I am super duper excited about the movie release for The Kite Runner. Viewers in the States are lucky enough to grab a screening of this movie. I am anxious to see it too, but this is one of those situation where I wonder whether the movie will live up to the expectations of the book, or will it ruin the picture I have built up in my mind? I am not even sure whether I should be watching the movie. Like The Lord of the Rings did justice to the novels, but Harry Potter didn't do justice as certain elements from the book were left out. I wonder how faithful the book to screen translation for The Kite Runner will be. It's good to know the author of the book also wrote the screenplay so hopefully it will be a faithful transformation of the book to the celluloid screen.
I wonder how many people have seen it, and what they thought about it?
Mansur
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Bowling in Lahore!
Hello,
So I went bowling with my friend/buddy/pal/friend-in-need/support Maria and my two cousins, Shey and Momina. Now, I am so used to bowling in Saudi and Dubai, that bowling in Lahore was a completely different ball game for me. No doubt, the alleys are very professional and the balls and pins are solid. The set up was exactly like it is in Dubai and Saudi. However, the experience of playing the game is radically different!
For one, there were not enough shoes to cater for everyone playing. They didn't even have my size 11 shoes! The management didn't really enforce any rules that all bowlers have to wear shoes, so I was gasping in shock to see men, women and children playing in their regular shoes, barefoot, in socks and slippers. I mean, come on, how much more unprofessional can one get?
Thirdly, some people just don't know how to play! They would literally throw the ball, and when they do that, the whole room would shudder with a loud BANG and we all felt the KABOOM noise made when the ball hits the alley! Other people go way beyond the foul line. Many people would slip and fall. Little children would walk onto the alley, up to about half way and then throw the ball. Others would throw the ball even before the machine finished setting up the pins.
So I went bowling with my friend/buddy/pal/friend-in-need/support Maria and my two cousins, Shey and Momina. Now, I am so used to bowling in Saudi and Dubai, that bowling in Lahore was a completely different ball game for me. No doubt, the alleys are very professional and the balls and pins are solid. The set up was exactly like it is in Dubai and Saudi. However, the experience of playing the game is radically different! For one, there were not enough shoes to cater for everyone playing. They didn't even have my size 11 shoes! The management didn't really enforce any rules that all bowlers have to wear shoes, so I was gasping in shock to see men, women and children playing in their regular shoes, barefoot, in socks and slippers. I mean, come on, how much more unprofessional can one get?
Secondly, there were not enough balls to go around. So people were literally swiping my ball and running off with them. Several times I managed to stop people slyly sneaking off with my ball, but then after a while I gave up. Everyone's balls were everyone else's balls!
Thirdly, some people just don't know how to play! They would literally throw the ball, and when they do that, the whole room would shudder with a loud BANG and we all felt the KABOOM noise made when the ball hits the alley! Other people go way beyond the foul line. Many people would slip and fall. Little children would walk onto the alley, up to about half way and then throw the ball. Others would throw the ball even before the machine finished setting up the pins. Despite all this, I had a blast bowling! :-) The company was great. We laughed endlessly. And my two small cousins were serious competition for me (they played a lot of bowling in Canada you see!)
Mansur
Lahore is better then Karachi! Bus!
Hello people,
One of the classic battle in Pakistan is whether Lahore or Karachi is better? Lahore is the cultural capital of Pakistan and Karachi is the industrial capital of Pakistan. A recent survey showed Lahore is ranked higher than Karachi. Yes! As a Lahori, I am so happy! :-) Lahore, despite all it's faults, is so the best!
Mansur
PS Of course I am biased in my view, but it's great to see an official survey being done to support my love for Lahore!
One of the classic battle in Pakistan is whether Lahore or Karachi is better? Lahore is the cultural capital of Pakistan and Karachi is the industrial capital of Pakistan. A recent survey showed Lahore is ranked higher than Karachi. Yes! As a Lahori, I am so happy! :-) Lahore, despite all it's faults, is so the best!
Mansur
PS Of course I am biased in my view, but it's great to see an official survey being done to support my love for Lahore!
Apple!
Hello friends,
Ever since I was introduced to Apple Powerbooks back in 2000, I have been an ardent follower of all things MAC. No one would appreciate Apple when I ranted and raved about how cool it is. People only started noticing Mac when the iPods came out. Now people are again talking about Apple with the newly launched iPhone. Early reviews are not that positive but I am sure Apple will improve it's line of products.
What I am most interested is in the iPod touch and the MacBook Pro. I hope Dubai gets the iPod touch soon in November when I am there. So for now, you can check out the awesome Apple, and stare at these two wonderful gadgets of which I want to get asap!
Ever since I was introduced to Apple Powerbooks back in 2000, I have been an ardent follower of all things MAC. No one would appreciate Apple when I ranted and raved about how cool it is. People only started noticing Mac when the iPods came out. Now people are again talking about Apple with the newly launched iPhone. Early reviews are not that positive but I am sure Apple will improve it's line of products.
What I am most interested is in the iPod touch and the MacBook Pro. I hope Dubai gets the iPod touch soon in November when I am there. So for now, you can check out the awesome Apple, and stare at these two wonderful gadgets of which I want to get asap!
(iPod touch!)
(MacBook Pro!)
Have a good one!
Mansur
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Happy Ramadan!
Hello people,
Happy Ramadan to you! Ramadan Kareem! Ramadan Mabrook! Ramadan _______ (insert whatever greeting is said in your country- lol!)
So another month of Ramadan has descended upon us. Here is a list of classic moments in month of Ramadan!
1. Excessive eating at Suhoor (the meal before start of fast) to last me the entire day. (Attending suhoor parties too!)
2. Laziness at work among employees.
3. Less productivity at work.
4. Moaning and groaning of how difficult day is when fasting.
5. Tempers flaring everywhere as people become more agitated and irritated not having their daily cup of tea!
6. Risking your life in the traffic jam just before Iftar (breaking of fast!) and being exposed to the worst of human behaviour as road rage and cursing and swearing over takes the virtue of patience and decency!
7. Excessive eating at iftaar. (Attending elaborate iftar parties too!)
8. Excessive eating at dinner (different from iftar!) and attending fancy dinner parties too.
9. Standing for hours for the evening prayers (good sometimes because it helps me clear my thoughts and think about life and make plans!)
10. Collecting money from elders for fasting diligently.
11. People making promises to be more pious when Ramadan ends, only for them to return to their old ways within mere days!
12. Finally, the classic: At the end of the month of fasting, people scratch their heads and wonder how they gained so much weight when they had been fasting the entire month! lol!
Mansur
Happy Ramadan to you! Ramadan Kareem! Ramadan Mabrook! Ramadan _______ (insert whatever greeting is said in your country- lol!)
So another month of Ramadan has descended upon us. Here is a list of classic moments in month of Ramadan!
1. Excessive eating at Suhoor (the meal before start of fast) to last me the entire day. (Attending suhoor parties too!)
2. Laziness at work among employees.
3. Less productivity at work.
4. Moaning and groaning of how difficult day is when fasting.
5. Tempers flaring everywhere as people become more agitated and irritated not having their daily cup of tea!
6. Risking your life in the traffic jam just before Iftar (breaking of fast!) and being exposed to the worst of human behaviour as road rage and cursing and swearing over takes the virtue of patience and decency!
7. Excessive eating at iftaar. (Attending elaborate iftar parties too!)
8. Excessive eating at dinner (different from iftar!) and attending fancy dinner parties too.
9. Standing for hours for the evening prayers (good sometimes because it helps me clear my thoughts and think about life and make plans!)
10. Collecting money from elders for fasting diligently.
11. People making promises to be more pious when Ramadan ends, only for them to return to their old ways within mere days!
12. Finally, the classic: At the end of the month of fasting, people scratch their heads and wonder how they gained so much weight when they had been fasting the entire month! lol!
Mansur
Peeru's Cafe: Jazz night!
Hello people,
Driving for an hour in two cars, all of us were quite excited, for no one has heard of jazz music in Lahore, so it was a first for all. Situated in an housing estate, the jazz music could be heard from as far as the parking lot. Ah! I can make out the saxophone and the drums. Walking into the complex, we passed by the musicians who were playing in the open air auditorium. Because the weather was hot, we opted to sit inside.
I ordered the Arabic mezze- again something new for Lahore- which ended up being totally awesome (although not as good as the authentic thing in Saudi!). Some ordered steaks, other ordered chicken. I ordered Turkish kebabs with cheese bread. So totally awesome. More than the food it was the conversation around the table that made it a fun and exciting time for all of us. We sat for almost 2 extra hours after we had finished our meals.
About two weeks ago I organized a dinner at Peeru's Cafe, which is situated about an hour outside of my hometown Lahore. Peeru's Cafe is owned by the Peer family, who pioneered the puppetry festival in Pakistan and even contructed the first Puppet Museum in Lahore. They also organize festivals in Lahore, which included Turkish and European performers (I missed the whirling dervishes last year!). It is in the same rein in which Peeru's Cafe was created: a cafe with an artistic flair. Saturday night is always Jazz Night, and jazz music isn't very popular on the cultural scene here, and so Peeru's cafe is really the only place which has live jazz music.
Driving for an hour in two cars, all of us were quite excited, for no one has heard of jazz music in Lahore, so it was a first for all. Situated in an housing estate, the jazz music could be heard from as far as the parking lot. Ah! I can make out the saxophone and the drums. Walking into the complex, we passed by the musicians who were playing in the open air auditorium. Because the weather was hot, we opted to sit inside.The cafe is planned out on three split levels, and we were on the middle level. The walls were adorned with puppet masks, and lots of paintings covered the rest of the area. With dim lighting, and candles lighting up our tables, and the jazz music coming from outside, the atmosphere was definitely cozy and home-ly. For a while I didn't even feel like I was in Lahore, but in some cafe in Venice.
I ordered the Arabic mezze- again something new for Lahore- which ended up being totally awesome (although not as good as the authentic thing in Saudi!). Some ordered steaks, other ordered chicken. I ordered Turkish kebabs with cheese bread. So totally awesome. More than the food it was the conversation around the table that made it a fun and exciting time for all of us. We sat for almost 2 extra hours after we had finished our meals.I would highly recommend going to this cafe. Saturday night is Jazz night, and Tuesday night is Sufi night, which I plan on attending soon.
Mansur
Saturday, September 08, 2007
Scam Email!
Hello friends,
I received this really weird email in my inbox. I wasn't reading it initially but the subject header grabbed my attention. I am surprised by the audacity of this gentleman to use Islam for his own perverted ideas. Check out the so many spelling and grammatical errors. A warning to others who may receive this scam email. I deleted his email! How much more desperate can you get!?
Mansur
--------------------------------------------------------------------
IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, THE BENEFICENT, THE MERCIFUL
Brother Mansour,
All Praise is due to Almighty Allah, the Lord of incomparable Majesty, I bear witness that is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Prophet Muhammad [SAW], is His Servant and Messenger. I bear witness that my Salah, my sacrifice, my living, my dying belong to Almighty Allah the Lord of the Worlds.
ASALAM ALAYKUM WARAMOTULLAH WABARAKATU.
May Almighty Allah, accept all our good deeds. With Tears, Deep Sorrowful Heart and severe frustrations but with all Hope I am sending this mail to you but I am extremely confused and perplexed. It is true you do not know me I have sent this mail with the Spirit of Islam, I believed as Muslim you will be able to help me that is why I have contacted you, the situation has gotten to Nadir.
My name is Qaasm, I am a Nigerian, I was born a Muslim but has been living an Evil and Sins life, I am a notorious Sinner. I want to repent to Almighty Allah and start anew life but I am having some obstacles which is hindering me that is why I have called for your EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE.
This life is full misery and there is no way we can live there without God, so we must ask for forgiveness. Every seocnd counts, we are getting nearer to the Grave, how do we meet our lord with Sins. That is why we must live and die as a Muslim.If not Suicide is a grevious sin, I would rather die than to be living in Sins.
If you would love to win a Soul for Almighty Allah, I really need a new life as new Muslim that is why I have called for your EXTREMELY EMERGENCY CALL, TO SAVE A SOUL.
dashed with Clean heart and good works, I am tired of sins, life, I need your emergency rescue, PLEASE, SAVE MY SOUL!
We are in the month of Shaaban, i want to meet Ramadan with Clean heart and good works, I am tired of sins, life, I need your emergency rescue, PLEASE, SAVE MY SOUL!
I want to turn to Almighty Allah, something is really hindering me, PLEASE! PLEASE! PLEASE! SAVE MY SOUL FROM HELL, I NEED YOUR EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE.
I am tired of this life of Sins, i need a new life as Muslim, I NEED YOUR EMERGENCY RECSUE, SAVE MY SOUL, FOR THE SAKE OF ALLAH.
IF you really wish to save me from this life of Sins, reply me on this Email address:
PLEASE! PLEASE! PLEASE! FOR THE SAKE OF ALMIGHTY ALLAH, SAVE MY SOUL!
I want to repent to Allah, SAVE MY SOUL! BUT
Yours in Islam,
Muhammad Qaasm Olaide
I received this really weird email in my inbox. I wasn't reading it initially but the subject header grabbed my attention. I am surprised by the audacity of this gentleman to use Islam for his own perverted ideas. Check out the so many spelling and grammatical errors. A warning to others who may receive this scam email. I deleted his email! How much more desperate can you get!?
Mansur
--------------------------------------------------------------------
IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, THE BENEFICENT, THE MERCIFUL
Brother Mansour,
All Praise is due to Almighty Allah, the Lord of incomparable Majesty, I bear witness that is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Prophet Muhammad [SAW], is His Servant and Messenger. I bear witness that my Salah, my sacrifice, my living, my dying belong to Almighty Allah the Lord of the Worlds.
ASALAM ALAYKUM WARAMOTULLAH WABARAKATU.
May Almighty Allah, accept all our good deeds. With Tears, Deep Sorrowful Heart and severe frustrations but with all Hope I am sending this mail to you but I am extremely confused and perplexed. It is true you do not know me I have sent this mail with the Spirit of Islam, I believed as Muslim you will be able to help me that is why I have contacted you, the situation has gotten to Nadir.
My name is Qaasm, I am a Nigerian, I was born a Muslim but has been living an Evil and Sins life, I am a notorious Sinner. I want to repent to Almighty Allah and start anew life but I am having some obstacles which is hindering me that is why I have called for your EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE.
This life is full misery and there is no way we can live there without God, so we must ask for forgiveness. Every seocnd counts, we are getting nearer to the Grave, how do we meet our lord with Sins. That is why we must live and die as a Muslim.If not Suicide is a grevious sin, I would rather die than to be living in Sins.
If you would love to win a Soul for Almighty Allah, I really need a new life as new Muslim that is why I have called for your EXTREMELY EMERGENCY CALL, TO SAVE A SOUL.
dashed with Clean heart and good works, I am tired of sins, life, I need your emergency rescue, PLEASE, SAVE MY SOUL!
We are in the month of Shaaban, i want to meet Ramadan with Clean heart and good works, I am tired of sins, life, I need your emergency rescue, PLEASE, SAVE MY SOUL!
I want to turn to Almighty Allah, something is really hindering me, PLEASE! PLEASE! PLEASE! SAVE MY SOUL FROM HELL, I NEED YOUR EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE.
I am tired of this life of Sins, i need a new life as Muslim, I NEED YOUR EMERGENCY RECSUE, SAVE MY SOUL, FOR THE SAKE OF ALLAH.
IF you really wish to save me from this life of Sins, reply me on this Email address:
PLEASE! PLEASE! PLEASE! FOR THE SAKE OF ALMIGHTY ALLAH, SAVE MY SOUL!
I want to repent to Allah, SAVE MY SOUL! BUT
Yours in Islam,
Muhammad Qaasm Olaide
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Reverse Cultural Shock
Hello everyone,
I had been meaning to write about the reverse culture shock I am going through in Pakistan. I have been away far too long to re-adjust back into my own culture. The problem is that I have lived abroad my whole life, and I have imbibed different cultural practices into my own, and so I live my life with a hybrid of cultures. There have been so many instances here where I feel like a huge outsider and wonder how people can do things the way they are. But it was yesterday when I really got mad and realized how upsetting everything is.
My mom and I were out shopping with our driver, when suddenly a woman driver and her dad crashed into us from the left side. Since it was our right of way, that woman thought she could slip by and make her way out. But it was a screech-bang and scratch on our car's left side. Of course, our driver and that woman got into a fight as to whose fault it was. My mom and I got involved and told the woman it was her fault for not letting us go and crashing into us from behind. Of course she didn't want to admit that. It was then her dad came out, came up to my mom and told her in her face "Tell your stupid driver to drive carefully." My mom stayed quiet. She only told me later what that man said to her. I was so angry, and I told mom next time to tell me if any man talks like that to my mom. Mom didn't retaliate because we are obviously much more educated and sophisticated to stoop to that man's level and say nasty comments back to him. I was so shocked at the shameless attitude of that man, and the audacity he had to talk to my mom like that.
This is just one of many incidents whereby rage builds up in me. It brings me the question of whether I can change the system around me, or whether I have to get into the system and be like one of them.
Staring
One thing that really bothers is the way people stare at me. I don't know whether it's my skin color or my height, but people just stare at me to the point where I start feeling uncomfortable. I have decided to stare back at them, and at times ask them if I can help them with anything. Only then do they quickly turn away. Aaargh! So annoying!
Spitting Paan
Another thing that really bugs me is the way people eat this thing called paan (sweets inside green leaf) which they chew on and on, and then like vomit, spit it all out wherever it's convenient: sidewalk, passageways, walls etc. So annoying, I now tell people who do that in front of me to clean it up or make a comment to make them feel guilty.
Marriage
Everyone I come into contact with wants to marry me off. It's like someone died and made all my relatives match-makers. Everyone thinks they know me well enough to recommend girls left right center. Every one's life mission here is to marry off all the singles out there. It's a massive deal to everyone that I am 30 and if I cross into 31 then I am cursed. The same thing goes for the girls: if they cross 23/24 then they are cursed and no one will want to marry them. Living abroad, who cares about the age factor? Who cares if I marry at 30 or 31? Sadly, in Pakistan, it matters a lot what age you marry!
Weight
This may be a universal but talking about one's weight every time you meet the same people over and over again surely means people are obsessed with weight. Every single conversation has to have issues about weight. "Oh you look fat. Stop eating" or "oh you look so thin! Eat more!" are standard lines. No one is happy with the way they look nor how other look. According to them, people should either be more thin or more fat from what they are are now (even if they are at their ideal weight!)
Road Rage
Yes, traffic is bad in Dubai and Saudi, but the road rage here is incredible. It's a miracle I am still alive doing all the driving on the roads out here. You cannot drive in Lahore unless you are used to dodging other cars/ trucks/ pick up/ cycles/ motorbikes/ rickshaws (local taxis)/ donkey carts/ horse carts/ bulls/ cows/ stray dogs/ people crossing roads blindly/ manholes/ fallen trees/ ducks/ little children....and once you avoid all of the above only then can you drive in Lahore! Every one thinks they have the right of way on the roads here. I have had moments where I had to stop in the middle of the road and force the car coming directly into me on my side of the road to force him to get back into his lane. Uncle warned me to not do this because people carry guns and anyone can just shoot me.
But every time I do that I feel like I will not be able to make a change. The system is such that everyone thinks they are right. It's extremely difficult to get these people to change their ways. The only thing I can do is either start a radical movement and go on a rampage, or simply just work around my own environment and live life my own way not letting these external influences bother me.
I now understand why my sister wants to leave Pakistan. I now understand why so many I know who come from abroad are not able to settle in well here. I am here for several important reasons, but who knows, maybe I might move out from here if things continue to progress the way they are in this country.
Mansur
I had been meaning to write about the reverse culture shock I am going through in Pakistan. I have been away far too long to re-adjust back into my own culture. The problem is that I have lived abroad my whole life, and I have imbibed different cultural practices into my own, and so I live my life with a hybrid of cultures. There have been so many instances here where I feel like a huge outsider and wonder how people can do things the way they are. But it was yesterday when I really got mad and realized how upsetting everything is.
My mom and I were out shopping with our driver, when suddenly a woman driver and her dad crashed into us from the left side. Since it was our right of way, that woman thought she could slip by and make her way out. But it was a screech-bang and scratch on our car's left side. Of course, our driver and that woman got into a fight as to whose fault it was. My mom and I got involved and told the woman it was her fault for not letting us go and crashing into us from behind. Of course she didn't want to admit that. It was then her dad came out, came up to my mom and told her in her face "Tell your stupid driver to drive carefully." My mom stayed quiet. She only told me later what that man said to her. I was so angry, and I told mom next time to tell me if any man talks like that to my mom. Mom didn't retaliate because we are obviously much more educated and sophisticated to stoop to that man's level and say nasty comments back to him. I was so shocked at the shameless attitude of that man, and the audacity he had to talk to my mom like that.
This is just one of many incidents whereby rage builds up in me. It brings me the question of whether I can change the system around me, or whether I have to get into the system and be like one of them.
Staring
One thing that really bothers is the way people stare at me. I don't know whether it's my skin color or my height, but people just stare at me to the point where I start feeling uncomfortable. I have decided to stare back at them, and at times ask them if I can help them with anything. Only then do they quickly turn away. Aaargh! So annoying!
Spitting Paan
Another thing that really bugs me is the way people eat this thing called paan (sweets inside green leaf) which they chew on and on, and then like vomit, spit it all out wherever it's convenient: sidewalk, passageways, walls etc. So annoying, I now tell people who do that in front of me to clean it up or make a comment to make them feel guilty.
Marriage
Everyone I come into contact with wants to marry me off. It's like someone died and made all my relatives match-makers. Everyone thinks they know me well enough to recommend girls left right center. Every one's life mission here is to marry off all the singles out there. It's a massive deal to everyone that I am 30 and if I cross into 31 then I am cursed. The same thing goes for the girls: if they cross 23/24 then they are cursed and no one will want to marry them. Living abroad, who cares about the age factor? Who cares if I marry at 30 or 31? Sadly, in Pakistan, it matters a lot what age you marry!
Weight
This may be a universal but talking about one's weight every time you meet the same people over and over again surely means people are obsessed with weight. Every single conversation has to have issues about weight. "Oh you look fat. Stop eating" or "oh you look so thin! Eat more!" are standard lines. No one is happy with the way they look nor how other look. According to them, people should either be more thin or more fat from what they are are now (even if they are at their ideal weight!)
Road Rage
Yes, traffic is bad in Dubai and Saudi, but the road rage here is incredible. It's a miracle I am still alive doing all the driving on the roads out here. You cannot drive in Lahore unless you are used to dodging other cars/ trucks/ pick up/ cycles/ motorbikes/ rickshaws (local taxis)/ donkey carts/ horse carts/ bulls/ cows/ stray dogs/ people crossing roads blindly/ manholes/ fallen trees/ ducks/ little children....and once you avoid all of the above only then can you drive in Lahore! Every one thinks they have the right of way on the roads here. I have had moments where I had to stop in the middle of the road and force the car coming directly into me on my side of the road to force him to get back into his lane. Uncle warned me to not do this because people carry guns and anyone can just shoot me.
But every time I do that I feel like I will not be able to make a change. The system is such that everyone thinks they are right. It's extremely difficult to get these people to change their ways. The only thing I can do is either start a radical movement and go on a rampage, or simply just work around my own environment and live life my own way not letting these external influences bother me.
I now understand why my sister wants to leave Pakistan. I now understand why so many I know who come from abroad are not able to settle in well here. I am here for several important reasons, but who knows, maybe I might move out from here if things continue to progress the way they are in this country.
Mansur
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Happy Birthday Dad!
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
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
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
Thursday, June 14, 2007
17 Years Later
Hello friends,
I didn't know what my friend would look like. It would be 17years since I last saw him in Jeddah. It was quite a surprise when I received the phone call right out of the blue!
"Mansur, it's me Omair!"
I didn't have the words to react and all I could do was blurt out: OMAIR!
My mind was transported back to the early 90s when he was still there in Jeddah. Everything came back in seconds: the house, he and his family, the swimming pool we all swam in, the musical evenings we attended at his house and much much more. It was with much excitement and anticipation that I was waiting with to see him after 17 years.
Naturally, he was shocked to see me grown so tall, for he remembered me as a kid, when I was a mere 13years old, and shorter than him. I remembered him as being our big brother in school. He was also in a popular school play, and he had this role of a rock star, and so I kind of looked up to him as a big brother. Back to 2007, we had a lot of catching up to do. Since my parents were here too, he and I could not really catch up on a lot since. I told him directly: I need to lock you and I up in a solitary room and catch up on the last 17 years.
Last night, we went out for dinner, with another Jeddah friend. It was a lot of fun catching up and reminiscing old Jeddah memories, ranging from camel meat in Balad, to Conti school days, to Saudi Channel 2 to Jamel the Camel! I wish I could get into the details of all that we talked, but a lot of it was personal stuff.
I didn't know what my friend would look like. It would be 17years since I last saw him in Jeddah. It was quite a surprise when I received the phone call right out of the blue!
"Mansur, it's me Omair!"
I didn't have the words to react and all I could do was blurt out: OMAIR!
My mind was transported back to the early 90s when he was still there in Jeddah. Everything came back in seconds: the house, he and his family, the swimming pool we all swam in, the musical evenings we attended at his house and much much more. It was with much excitement and anticipation that I was waiting with to see him after 17 years.
Naturally, he was shocked to see me grown so tall, for he remembered me as a kid, when I was a mere 13years old, and shorter than him. I remembered him as being our big brother in school. He was also in a popular school play, and he had this role of a rock star, and so I kind of looked up to him as a big brother. Back to 2007, we had a lot of catching up to do. Since my parents were here too, he and I could not really catch up on a lot since. I told him directly: I need to lock you and I up in a solitary room and catch up on the last 17 years.
Last night, we went out for dinner, with another Jeddah friend. It was a lot of fun catching up and reminiscing old Jeddah memories, ranging from camel meat in Balad, to Conti school days, to Saudi Channel 2 to Jamel the Camel! I wish I could get into the details of all that we talked, but a lot of it was personal stuff.
Old Jeddah Buddies: Me, Mariam, Omair17 years is a long time to meet up with an old Jeddah friend. Surely, it was the sweetest thing!
Mansur
Sunday, June 03, 2007
The Last Supper
Hello friends,
Because I am leaving Dubai to go back to Pakistan soon, I treated out three of my friends to Noodle House at Madinat Jumeirah. Noodle House is one of my favorite places to have dinner. It's a blend between a casual- fine dining experience. They are famous for their noodles-- in my opinion, their roasted duck is the best dish there-- and their food is consistently delicious.
When we got there, we had to wait for about 40 minutes to get a table for four. That's how popular it is. We all took this opportunity to share with each other with what's been happening in our lives. I always enjoy spending time with these friends because with them, I can be who I really am. I can shed my inhibitions and just be who I am.
40 minutes later, we get our table and we were really hungry by this time. We ordered our drinks- my passion sensation was truly awesome, and the others ordered four season Asian, a concoction of various fruits. To help my friends know what to order, I had the waitress show us a sample of the different kind of noodles available: shanghai, Singaporean, egg and one more I can't recall now. They were certainly amazed to see that there could be so many different variety of noodles. Gaelle and I went for the Roasted Duck, and as a side order took steamed rice and Thai Chicken with Cashew Nuts. Sam ordered Shanghai Beef Noodles, and Nisin ordered Singapore Noodles with Chicken. While waiting for our food, we took a lot of pictures with each other.
When the food finally arrived, we just dove in and truly satisfied ourselves. It was as always delicious and truly an amazing meal. So full were we, we didn't have any space left for desserts. It certainly was a sad moment for me to know that I will be leaving this awesome group of friends behind as I move to a new phase of my life, but I know these friends will always be in my heart. Before we left, I told each of them that I have a special gift to give to them, and that it's an extremely personal gift, who I give to people who I can trust wholeheartedly. I took out their gift bags, which had a pack of Hershey's chocolates, and a copy of the book I had written. It was a delight to see their expression as they were in awe of holding the book. They were so over-whelmed; emotions over came them and they didn't know what to say. Nisin wanted to start reading my book already at the table. Gaelle had to tell the guys to close the book and come back to earth.
Because I am leaving Dubai to go back to Pakistan soon, I treated out three of my friends to Noodle House at Madinat Jumeirah. Noodle House is one of my favorite places to have dinner. It's a blend between a casual- fine dining experience. They are famous for their noodles-- in my opinion, their roasted duck is the best dish there-- and their food is consistently delicious.
When we got there, we had to wait for about 40 minutes to get a table for four. That's how popular it is. We all took this opportunity to share with each other with what's been happening in our lives. I always enjoy spending time with these friends because with them, I can be who I really am. I can shed my inhibitions and just be who I am.
40 minutes later, we get our table and we were really hungry by this time. We ordered our drinks- my passion sensation was truly awesome, and the others ordered four season Asian, a concoction of various fruits. To help my friends know what to order, I had the waitress show us a sample of the different kind of noodles available: shanghai, Singaporean, egg and one more I can't recall now. They were certainly amazed to see that there could be so many different variety of noodles. Gaelle and I went for the Roasted Duck, and as a side order took steamed rice and Thai Chicken with Cashew Nuts. Sam ordered Shanghai Beef Noodles, and Nisin ordered Singapore Noodles with Chicken. While waiting for our food, we took a lot of pictures with each other.
When the food finally arrived, we just dove in and truly satisfied ourselves. It was as always delicious and truly an amazing meal. So full were we, we didn't have any space left for desserts. It certainly was a sad moment for me to know that I will be leaving this awesome group of friends behind as I move to a new phase of my life, but I know these friends will always be in my heart. Before we left, I told each of them that I have a special gift to give to them, and that it's an extremely personal gift, who I give to people who I can trust wholeheartedly. I took out their gift bags, which had a pack of Hershey's chocolates, and a copy of the book I had written. It was a delight to see their expression as they were in awe of holding the book. They were so over-whelmed; emotions over came them and they didn't know what to say. Nisin wanted to start reading my book already at the table. Gaelle had to tell the guys to close the book and come back to earth.
( Nisin, Me, Sam, Gaelle)
Moments like this draw us closer, and takes the level of our friendship to a whole new level. I love these friends, and they mean the world to me. Gaelle, Nisin and Sam, you guys are so the best, and I am honored and privileged to have you as my friends.
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Michael Buble's Home
Monday, May 28, 2007
A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
Hello friends, I am so EXCITED because one of my favorite authors, Khaled Hosseini, who wrote The Kite Runner-- one of the most amazing books ever- came out with his latest one: A Thousand Splendid Suns. I already picked it up and started reading it. Will post the review once I am done with it.
Mansur
Mansur
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Birthday Dinner at PierChic
Hello friends,Last night, a friend and I went to this really exclusive seafood restaurant at Al Qasr, Dubai. Pierchic is regarded as one of the best restaurant in Dubai, and in my opinion it certainly lived up to the expectation.
Al Qasr is located next to the famed Madinat Jumeirah, and while Madinat Jumeirah is hustle-bustle, Al Qasr is more tucked away and less crowded. As you drive on the bricked drive-way, you are welcomed by these awesome bronze-casted Arabian stallions. The main entrance is palatial, complete with Arabian architecture: arches, hanging lamp, majlis style seating, fancy tile work and the greeters dressed in long flowing robes.
It takes about 5 minutes to take a walk down to the beach side, where the buggy was to take us to the pier. However, we decided to walk the entire way. We passed through the swimming pools, and once we came to the pier, it was a sight to behold. About 300 meters out into the sea, the pier was lined with flaming torches, and water was flowing beneath us. Cold towels welcomed us at the end of the pier, which was refreshing as the humidity started to get the better of us. The restaurant is built on the sea, and while some diners sat outside on the perimeter of the restaurant, we opted to sit inside in the air conditioned area.
The highlight of the restaurant is the bar area, where the color changed every 10 seconds or gradually into another color. The menu didn't have an extensive list to chose from, and there were only two dish which were alcohol or pork free. I opted for the Wild Sea Bass, while my friend opted for the Roasted John Dory. They served us three different kind of breads for starter, and my favorite was mustard-cheese bread. So delicious! Then they gave us in this deep bowl a small appetiser, which was a piece of fish, with soy sauce on cucumbers. While it was a one-bite appetiser, it was certainly a great one. It took a while for the main meal to come, so we exchanged gifts in the meantime.
I got her a book The Secret, which is apparently one of the hottest book nowadays, on the occasion for her new job. She got me the Burberry perfume- my absolute favorite perfume in the world! The main course arrived, and on first impression, it seemed too little. This was seafood after all.I truly relished each and every bite of my Wild Sea Bass. It was cooked so perfectly, and was placed on a bed of vegetables. I took time to devour my main course, for each bite was meant to be enjoyed. After the main course was over, we were set to go, when the waiter bought this small chocolate mousse cake, with a small Happy Birthday written on it. "Many happy returns of the day. Compliments from Pierchic." I blew out the candle and my friend and I shared the delicious cake together.
Nothing could have been more perfect as we walked back towards the pier, taking in magnificent views of the Burj Al Arab hotel, the grandeur Arabian architecture of the Madinat Jumeirah's hotel, all the while having water below gently hitting the pier's wooden legs. Dubai Explorer claims that the venue of PierChic is worth the visit alone, and I second that opinion.
This coming Friday I am going out to yet another dinner with three of my other friends, and I am in the process of choosing the venue. Watch out for this space! :-)
Mansur
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Dinner With Adam
Hey friends,
I have to just share with you what happened last night. A dear friend of mine Adam from South Africa had promised to treat me out to dinner for my birthday. Since he found out I was leaving Dubai too, he decided to do a double treat for me. He claimed his favorite place to eat was Ravi's, which is a local Pakistani restaurant, where the main meal costs around 10dhs. So I was prepared to go to someplace like that, or maybe, just maybe, we might end up going to Chilis or TGIF.
It was with much surprise when he messaged me and told me to come to Spectrum on One at the Fairmont hotel. I was flabbergasted. That's supposed to be an expensive place. I called him up and told him to not go out of his way: let's keep it simple. He refused to budge, and insisted we go there. I had never been there so I was quite excited.
We showed up there at 830pm, and let me tell you what an experience it was. The restaurant is located on the first floor of the Fairmont Hotel, and the minute we entered, the waitress confirmed our reservation, and proceeded to show us around the restaurant. "It's part of the experience," Adam told me. The waitress took us through the passageways, stopping at certain points. This was a multi-cultural cuisine restaurant. We stopped at the Arabic place first, where we could see the open kitchen. Then came the Chinese open kitchen, followed by Japanese and Indian. The bar was so divine, it made me want to start drinking, sitting at the bar with amazing views towards the city. As we passed through the bar, we came to the desserts area, and we already made up our mind as to what we wanted: both of us are chocoholics! :-) The whole idea of dining at Spectrum on One is experiencing Theatre Kitchens; depending on where you are seated, you can view the chefs preparing the meals in the open kitchens.
Browsing through the menu, which had about 20 pages, it seemed more like a small novella. Since I was in a new place, I decided to take something different, and I opted for the Chicken L'Orange. Adam went for the Duck too, but in another kind of sauce. He ordered his special wine too. I stuck with the fancy glass of water. The food was presented so stylishly, I almost didn't want to eat it. I wanted to capture the amazing presentation of my duck in the dark brown sauce, with tangy orange pieces on top of it. Once I took the first bite, I was in heaven. So divine was the taste of my meal, I took about a complete hour to eat my meal, relishing the taste and aroma of the duck.
Surprisingly, I was so stuffed with my meal for it was so rich in taste and made for an amazing culinary experience. We ordered the awesome dessert platter, where we have a sampling of the five of the best desserts in one platter. That alone took us 30 minutes to finish. So heavenly it was, I wanted to just eat more and more of it.
By the time we were done, it was 12:30am. We spent about 4 hours having a dinner. Longer than I thought, but what took us so long was the time we spent talking. I never had such a stimulating, interesting and fun conversation in one sitting with someone, but with Adam I was transported to another world. We talked about Dubai, architecture, art, musems, meeting famous people, travelling, Middle East, technology, movies, books, tv shows, poverty, life in Saudi Arabia and South Africa, climate change, human rights issues, politics, war in iraq, political situation in Pakistan, life's ups and downs, challenges, overcoming adversity, spirituality and religion, our dreams, hopes and goals, our fascination for chocolates and our favorite chocolates ever and the list just goes on and on.
I am certainly sad to leave Adam behind in Dubai, but he has his plans to leave Dubai and move on to a better place. Adam, thanks for your friendship for the last one year, and I will truly cherish it. There are only a few people in my life who make me want to be a better person, and you are one of them.
Mansur
I have to just share with you what happened last night. A dear friend of mine Adam from South Africa had promised to treat me out to dinner for my birthday. Since he found out I was leaving Dubai too, he decided to do a double treat for me. He claimed his favorite place to eat was Ravi's, which is a local Pakistani restaurant, where the main meal costs around 10dhs. So I was prepared to go to someplace like that, or maybe, just maybe, we might end up going to Chilis or TGIF.
It was with much surprise when he messaged me and told me to come to Spectrum on One at the Fairmont hotel. I was flabbergasted. That's supposed to be an expensive place. I called him up and told him to not go out of his way: let's keep it simple. He refused to budge, and insisted we go there. I had never been there so I was quite excited.
We showed up there at 830pm, and let me tell you what an experience it was. The restaurant is located on the first floor of the Fairmont Hotel, and the minute we entered, the waitress confirmed our reservation, and proceeded to show us around the restaurant. "It's part of the experience," Adam told me. The waitress took us through the passageways, stopping at certain points. This was a multi-cultural cuisine restaurant. We stopped at the Arabic place first, where we could see the open kitchen. Then came the Chinese open kitchen, followed by Japanese and Indian. The bar was so divine, it made me want to start drinking, sitting at the bar with amazing views towards the city. As we passed through the bar, we came to the desserts area, and we already made up our mind as to what we wanted: both of us are chocoholics! :-) The whole idea of dining at Spectrum on One is experiencing Theatre Kitchens; depending on where you are seated, you can view the chefs preparing the meals in the open kitchens.
Browsing through the menu, which had about 20 pages, it seemed more like a small novella. Since I was in a new place, I decided to take something different, and I opted for the Chicken L'Orange. Adam went for the Duck too, but in another kind of sauce. He ordered his special wine too. I stuck with the fancy glass of water. The food was presented so stylishly, I almost didn't want to eat it. I wanted to capture the amazing presentation of my duck in the dark brown sauce, with tangy orange pieces on top of it. Once I took the first bite, I was in heaven. So divine was the taste of my meal, I took about a complete hour to eat my meal, relishing the taste and aroma of the duck.
Surprisingly, I was so stuffed with my meal for it was so rich in taste and made for an amazing culinary experience. We ordered the awesome dessert platter, where we have a sampling of the five of the best desserts in one platter. That alone took us 30 minutes to finish. So heavenly it was, I wanted to just eat more and more of it.
By the time we were done, it was 12:30am. We spent about 4 hours having a dinner. Longer than I thought, but what took us so long was the time we spent talking. I never had such a stimulating, interesting and fun conversation in one sitting with someone, but with Adam I was transported to another world. We talked about Dubai, architecture, art, musems, meeting famous people, travelling, Middle East, technology, movies, books, tv shows, poverty, life in Saudi Arabia and South Africa, climate change, human rights issues, politics, war in iraq, political situation in Pakistan, life's ups and downs, challenges, overcoming adversity, spirituality and religion, our dreams, hopes and goals, our fascination for chocolates and our favorite chocolates ever and the list just goes on and on.
I am certainly sad to leave Adam behind in Dubai, but he has his plans to leave Dubai and move on to a better place. Adam, thanks for your friendship for the last one year, and I will truly cherish it. There are only a few people in my life who make me want to be a better person, and you are one of them.
Mansur
Monday, May 21, 2007
Not The End...!
Hello friends,
I have decided to not close down my blog. However, I will be taking a long break from it because I will be relocating countries soon. Will keep you updated if I can.
Mansur
I have decided to not close down my blog. However, I will be taking a long break from it because I will be relocating countries soon. Will keep you updated if I can.
Mansur
Saturday, May 12, 2007
The End....?
Hey friends,
I am planning on closing down this blog, since I am maintaining another blog elsewhere on the blogosphere. I plan on compiling a book out of all my entries posted here. Maybe one day I will reveal my other blog to you all too. As for now, I want to close down Life of Mansur.
Mansur
I am planning on closing down this blog, since I am maintaining another blog elsewhere on the blogosphere. I plan on compiling a book out of all my entries posted here. Maybe one day I will reveal my other blog to you all too. As for now, I want to close down Life of Mansur.
Mansur
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
Paulo Coelho's Book Signing
Hello friends,
Here are a couple of pictures from the time when Paulo Coelho was visiting Dubai for the book signing of The Witch of Portobello. I am amost finishing up his book, and I am loving every single page of it. I didn't like his previous one a lot, but he's made a comeback. I love his words and his books, primarily because of the relatability factor. I can apply his words to my life and make sense out of my complicated life. He brings about this sense of peace, stability, calmness and happiness.
Mansur
Here are a couple of pictures from the time when Paulo Coelho was visiting Dubai for the book signing of The Witch of Portobello. I am amost finishing up his book, and I am loving every single page of it. I didn't like his previous one a lot, but he's made a comeback. I love his words and his books, primarily because of the relatability factor. I can apply his words to my life and make sense out of my complicated life. He brings about this sense of peace, stability, calmness and happiness.
Mansur
Monday, April 30, 2007
Islamic Pick-up Lines
Hey friends,
Someone sent me this email with the title Islamic pick up lines. I was certainly amazed that someone came up with this list. A lot of them I have read before in mass forwarded emails, and Islamic words have been substituted into them. Some of the words are Arabic/ Urdu words, and I am assuming some Pakistani guy/ girl came up with this list. Let me know what you think about it!
Mansur
1. I'm looking for the "Made In Jannah" tag
2. Are those legs halal?
3.OMG!! I just saw part of your hair, now your obligated to marry me..
4. Wanna pray in jamaat? shoulder to shoulder, feet to feet?"
5.wanna date? i bought a whole box when i went to madinah"
6. Marry me so I don't have to lower my gaze everytime you walk into the room..
7. Girl you fine, I see that praying 5 times a day has really payed off
8. Girl when i saw you i said mashallah, then i said inshallah
9. Would you like to help me wake up for Fajr?
10. Are you a Shiite? Because when I saw you, I said to myself, "She aiight"
11.You’re so fine, I wanna marry you, get 10 kids with you and pray domestic jamaah for the rest of our lives.
12. "U thief. u know, its wrong to steal in islam""how am i a thief?""u stole my heart"
13. Are your feet tired? Because you've been performing Tawaaf in my mind all day long?
14. How would you like to help me fulfill half of my deen?
15. "Nice ankles. Very nice"
16. Girl...I know its haraam "paying" so much "interest" in you...but I can't help myself...17.wanna ride shotgun on my camel?
18.Girl you fine, TAKBEER
19. Girl you're so hot, you make Shaytan sweat.
20. You are the noor of my eyes.
21. Hey do you want to pray together? Should I call you or Nudge you?
22.Your face shines with so much noor that it could launch a thousand (Jihadi) ships
23. Have your ammi call my ammi
24. You are the reason hijab was mandated.
25. You are the coolness of my eyes.
26. I didn't trip over my robe, I fell for you.
27. You're so beautiful, You would make hur-al-ayn jealous.
28. I have some sort of sickness but Allah*swt* has created a cure, thats you.
29. Sister, I'm not drunk, just intoxicated by you.
30. Any cup of water that you pour for me will taste like Zam Zam.
31. The noor on your face is soo strong, I think I'm going to go blind!
32. "Hey I'm a nice muslim boy and you seem like a nice muslim girl, so what do you say we make a halal match?"
32.Allah created everything in pairs, so what are you doing single?
33.Sister For a moment I thought I had died and gone to heaven. Now I see that I am very much alive, and heaven has been brought to me.
34.Our parents engaged us when we were little, they must have forgotten to tell you.
35.I'd like to be more than just your brother in Islam.
36.To watch you pray is a sin of its own.
37.Will my platinum VISA cover your dowry?
38.You can't play basketball with a hijab on, marry me, and we will go one-on-one our entire life. 39. Muslims are supposed to have many children, and I am willing to do my part...
40. Will you help the cause of the Ummah by helping me fulfill my deen?
41.What school of thought do you follow because I thought about you all through school.
42.Do you believe in the hereafter? Oh you do? Then you know what I'm hereafter.
43.It must be Laylatul Qadr. Because that's the night that angels come down from Heaven.
44.I've had to fast every day since the day that I first saw you.
45.I must have died a shaheed and gone to heaven because you are my 72 virgins all in one.
46.I know Halal meat does a body good, but damn, how much you been eatin.
47.Would you like to share my prayer-mat?
48.I'm not sure of the Nikah process. Can you help me through it?
49.I just made dua for YOU
50.I think I just lost my wudu by the sight of you.
51. I'm not staring, I'm just enjoying my first and only allowed look.
52.Sister, you are a hijabi fitnah.
53.I'm new here, can you take me to the closest masjid?
54.You make me realise why we're asked to lower our gaze so much
55.I love the way your Abaya flows when you walk
56.I dont need mahr...YOU are my mahr
57.Do u remember me?...from the alam al-arwah?
58.Is it me or is it getting a lil halal in here?
59.Assalamu alaikum, so what time does a hur al-ayn like you have to be back in paradise?
60.Black is definately your color.
61.Girl if lookin at u is gunnah then i don't want to get any sawab
62."I hope everything I can't see is as hot as everything I can see."
Someone sent me this email with the title Islamic pick up lines. I was certainly amazed that someone came up with this list. A lot of them I have read before in mass forwarded emails, and Islamic words have been substituted into them. Some of the words are Arabic/ Urdu words, and I am assuming some Pakistani guy/ girl came up with this list. Let me know what you think about it!
Mansur
1. I'm looking for the "Made In Jannah" tag
2. Are those legs halal?
3.OMG!! I just saw part of your hair, now your obligated to marry me..
4. Wanna pray in jamaat? shoulder to shoulder, feet to feet?"
5.wanna date? i bought a whole box when i went to madinah"
6. Marry me so I don't have to lower my gaze everytime you walk into the room..
7. Girl you fine, I see that praying 5 times a day has really payed off
8. Girl when i saw you i said mashallah, then i said inshallah
9. Would you like to help me wake up for Fajr?
10. Are you a Shiite? Because when I saw you, I said to myself, "She aiight"
11.You’re so fine, I wanna marry you, get 10 kids with you and pray domestic jamaah for the rest of our lives.
12. "U thief. u know, its wrong to steal in islam""how am i a thief?""u stole my heart"
13. Are your feet tired? Because you've been performing Tawaaf in my mind all day long?
14. How would you like to help me fulfill half of my deen?
15. "Nice ankles. Very nice"
16. Girl...I know its haraam "paying" so much "interest" in you...but I can't help myself...17.wanna ride shotgun on my camel?
18.Girl you fine, TAKBEER
19. Girl you're so hot, you make Shaytan sweat.
20. You are the noor of my eyes.
21. Hey do you want to pray together? Should I call you or Nudge you?
22.Your face shines with so much noor that it could launch a thousand (Jihadi) ships
23. Have your ammi call my ammi
24. You are the reason hijab was mandated.
25. You are the coolness of my eyes.
26. I didn't trip over my robe, I fell for you.
27. You're so beautiful, You would make hur-al-ayn jealous.
28. I have some sort of sickness but Allah*swt* has created a cure, thats you.
29. Sister, I'm not drunk, just intoxicated by you.
30. Any cup of water that you pour for me will taste like Zam Zam.
31. The noor on your face is soo strong, I think I'm going to go blind!
32. "Hey I'm a nice muslim boy and you seem like a nice muslim girl, so what do you say we make a halal match?"
32.Allah created everything in pairs, so what are you doing single?
33.Sister For a moment I thought I had died and gone to heaven. Now I see that I am very much alive, and heaven has been brought to me.
34.Our parents engaged us when we were little, they must have forgotten to tell you.
35.I'd like to be more than just your brother in Islam.
36.To watch you pray is a sin of its own.
37.Will my platinum VISA cover your dowry?
38.You can't play basketball with a hijab on, marry me, and we will go one-on-one our entire life. 39. Muslims are supposed to have many children, and I am willing to do my part...
40. Will you help the cause of the Ummah by helping me fulfill my deen?
41.What school of thought do you follow because I thought about you all through school.
42.Do you believe in the hereafter? Oh you do? Then you know what I'm hereafter.
43.It must be Laylatul Qadr. Because that's the night that angels come down from Heaven.
44.I've had to fast every day since the day that I first saw you.
45.I must have died a shaheed and gone to heaven because you are my 72 virgins all in one.
46.I know Halal meat does a body good, but damn, how much you been eatin.
47.Would you like to share my prayer-mat?
48.I'm not sure of the Nikah process. Can you help me through it?
49.I just made dua for YOU
50.I think I just lost my wudu by the sight of you.
51. I'm not staring, I'm just enjoying my first and only allowed look.
52.Sister, you are a hijabi fitnah.
53.I'm new here, can you take me to the closest masjid?
54.You make me realise why we're asked to lower our gaze so much
55.I love the way your Abaya flows when you walk
56.I dont need mahr...YOU are my mahr
57.Do u remember me?...from the alam al-arwah?
58.Is it me or is it getting a lil halal in here?
59.Assalamu alaikum, so what time does a hur al-ayn like you have to be back in paradise?
60.Black is definately your color.
61.Girl if lookin at u is gunnah then i don't want to get any sawab
62."I hope everything I can't see is as hot as everything I can see."
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Blogger's Block
Hello friends,
In case you are wondering where I am, I have a case of Blogger's Block. Don't know what to write.
Mansur
In case you are wondering where I am, I have a case of Blogger's Block. Don't know what to write.
Mansur
Movie:: Disturbia
Hey,
I just saw a movie that I totally fell in love with: Disturbia. Disturbia is, for those with proper movie knowledge, an updated version of Hitchcock's classic Rear Window, where the protagonist is home-bound in his wheelchair because of his lg injury, and gets to see what's happening in his neighbors homes. Disturbia puts its main protagonist under home arrest for an entire three months. Seems like a dream come true for many, but now for Kale. Kale bides his time playing games, surfing the net, watching tv and pigging out, but then is drawn to his new neighbor hottie who just moved in next door. Using his binoculars, he spies on her, and eventually begins to spies in on his neighbor, including several kids who secretly watch porn on their tv and a neighbor who seems morose.
A series of events leads Kale to believe that there is s serial killer living next door, but who will believe him till he has evidence. So he gets his best friend Roland, and eventually the new hottie girl on the block in his shenanigans. One things to lead to another, where all three are convinced that the next door neighbor is a serial killer. But then it turns out to be a case of misunderstanding.
Is Kale really imagining thing having been inside the house for weeks? Or is there really a serial killer next door? I won't spoil the answers, because I think the movie needs to be seen to truly appreciate the concept. This movie is a heavy dose of psychological-thriller-suspense movie with a lot of unintended humour.
Disturbia also poses a serious question about society. When does a simple observation becomes an act of voyeurism? Is people-watching voyeurism? Is it wrong to watch into the neighbor's house, even if there seems to be a murder going on? Disturbia poses all these questions, and in today's age when everyone seems to be hooked onto YouTube, maybe we all have a voyeuristic tendency in us after all.
Mansur
I just saw a movie that I totally fell in love with: Disturbia. Disturbia is, for those with proper movie knowledge, an updated version of Hitchcock's classic Rear Window, where the protagonist is home-bound in his wheelchair because of his lg injury, and gets to see what's happening in his neighbors homes. Disturbia puts its main protagonist under home arrest for an entire three months. Seems like a dream come true for many, but now for Kale. Kale bides his time playing games, surfing the net, watching tv and pigging out, but then is drawn to his new neighbor hottie who just moved in next door. Using his binoculars, he spies on her, and eventually begins to spies in on his neighbor, including several kids who secretly watch porn on their tv and a neighbor who seems morose.
A series of events leads Kale to believe that there is s serial killer living next door, but who will believe him till he has evidence. So he gets his best friend Roland, and eventually the new hottie girl on the block in his shenanigans. One things to lead to another, where all three are convinced that the next door neighbor is a serial killer. But then it turns out to be a case of misunderstanding.
Is Kale really imagining thing having been inside the house for weeks? Or is there really a serial killer next door? I won't spoil the answers, because I think the movie needs to be seen to truly appreciate the concept. This movie is a heavy dose of psychological-thriller-suspense movie with a lot of unintended humour.
Disturbia also poses a serious question about society. When does a simple observation becomes an act of voyeurism? Is people-watching voyeurism? Is it wrong to watch into the neighbor's house, even if there seems to be a murder going on? Disturbia poses all these questions, and in today's age when everyone seems to be hooked onto YouTube, maybe we all have a voyeuristic tendency in us after all.
Mansur
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