Kurt Archer

Last night I arrived in Pak Pattan Sharif, which is about 2 and a half hours outside of Lahore, but if you’re like me and took the Niazi Bus, then expect it to take 7 hours. Yes 7 hours later at midnight I arrive in this town of less than 150,000 people. Instead of cars, I could hear crickets; instead of noise from the streets below I heard only silence. I struggled to find my way to the Mazaar, but once I reached I was greeted by the kindest hospitality, and the warmest food. A real treat indeed.

That night we slept under the stars, in real hand woven charpai’s, sleep came to me as a faint sound of crickets in the moon light.

This truly is an amazing place to start my journey, as I am surrounded by silence, and opportunity. The banes of busy life stress have all vanished, and I have been able to practice the power of Now.

Today we awoke with the light, enjoyed home cooked breakfast, real lassi, chai and khava. We then paid a visit to Baba Farid’s Mazaar, where I quickly became a sort of celebrity with my white skin. My entourage of 50 children-in-toe made it difficult to enjoy the silence, but the qawwali singers brought music to life, with such passion and expression exhuming from their devotion. An experience that can only be characterized as fez, or fayd, which means the overwhelming joy one has with their divine source.

The kids ended up being a blessing, as after wandering the street gulleys, the kids brought us up onto a hill overlooking the Mazaar and the whole of Pak Pattan Sharif, where we flew kites and took many pictures.

Read the rest of this entry »

It's been 2 years, 2 months and 2 days since Ive landed in Karachi, terrified, curious and excited all at the same time. I remember starting my AIESEC National Team Experience in Pakistan, by entering through the gates of Karachi wearing a Shalwar Kamize that a friend had given me in Dubai, then being surprised by Emad, Saba, and others who thought it was a funny joke to let me alone in the airport for 5 minutes and take pictures from afar.

Two years later, im wearing Salwar Kamize on a weekly basis, and feeling more than at home with myself in Karachi. However, today is my last day at home. Ive cleaned out my room, said my goodbyes and see you laters and packed my bags: i'm ready to go.

Now Airports are one of those places where people come and go, it creates a finality in our minds, a certain closure about leaving. Maybe its because after the short journey you find yourself in a completely different environment. Well this time I am doing things differently. I'm the first to leave Karachi by train. The slow gradual 23 hour long train ride gave me lots to reflect on, and much to be excited about for my journey ahead. There is something culturally romantic about leaving on a train in Pakistan, it sort of becomes a symbol of my journey and represents the non-closure of my experience – the fact that I will take with me everything I have learnt, loved and experienced along the way. It has prepared me more than ever for my journey into Asia.

I miss you all Karachi, your magic, your fast rhythm dance, your ever surprising days, and your ability to overcome any obstacle that is presented to you. I'll be back. Indeed, I will always be back to visit home.