Ok folks, just a quick update to note that I have finally arrived at my destination - Islamabad, my new home for the next 1-3 years. I arrived on Friday evening (23rd April 2010) just a little after 10 pm and am now settled in my new apartment, which I'm sharing with 2 other colleagues in what is known as Staff House 2.
Islamabad is an interesting place. I'm impressed with the roads - wide boulevards and highways. Traffic isn't as chaotic as I expected it to be. The houses that I've seen in this city so far are MASSIVE. The streets are relatively clean and the views of the Margala Hills are just magnificent. I have however, been told that Islamabad is not representative of Pakistan at all and is a rather "fake" city. Islamabad's twin city, Rawalpindi, which is located about 15-20 km away is quite the opposite, or so I'm told.
From what I gather, Islamabad is a planned city that was built some time in the 1960s. The city is divided into "Sectors" and each sector is self-contained with its own markets/bazaars. One thing that I do like about this place is that there are hardly any shopping malls here. Coming from Malaysia where almost everything is located in one shopping mall or another, it is nice to see smaller businesses thrive in an urban environment.
I will write more on this subject later as I have to leave the office now. Till the next post, khuda haafiz.
So glad you started this blog Noel! Sounds like you're settling in quite well. Keep on posting those observations =)
ReplyDeleteHi there, good to hear that you arrived safely ad you are settling in. Looking forward to follow your "adventures". Greetz from Germany and take care!
ReplyDeletehey, lovely place man! looks better than your condo in month kiara:) enjoy!
ReplyDelete