Kayani's View from the Other Side

Visit to Islamabad; Khanpur Dam

kayani — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 17:17:26 +0000

In Islamabad’s vicinity there are number of locations that can help you calm down and give you a moment to appreciate nature. One of the places is Khanpur Dam, a fresh water reservoir. Well whats’ so exciting about that. ”The boat ride” . Seriously, its so much fun.

Boat owner: Only 600 ($10) rupees for one hour boat ride, sir. I will take you there, there there et al.

Me: The last guy was asking for 400 rupees and you 600. why?

Boat owner: “well you know sir his boat is old and makes lot of noise. You don’t want to be disturbed by noise when you are out their enjoying the scenery. Do you?” He continues, “My boat is new, runs on petrol, got nice cushioned seats”, and so the bragging continues.

To sum up we got a boat at 260 rupees for an hour long trip.

Well one thing is for sure, we did enjoy the sceneray.

Do you know that Khanpur dam was built over a village. People of the village were moved to another location, though. Now, when the water in the Dam goes below the required level, you can see the remains of the village. I got the chance to look at one of the remains of a Masjid on our boat ride.

An Island, so to speak in the middle of the Khanpur Dam

This Masjid is partially drowned in the water for half of the year. Regular prayers are not held here as people don’t have an easy access to it.

The goat posed for us, I couldn’t deny a her a photo shoot. I knew, I would feel bad about it later.

On your way back you can find shabby shops or restaurants, where you can get snacks or deep fried fresh water fish.

Sights of Islamabad-Captial of Pakistan

kayani — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 15:17:18 +0000

Islamabad and Rawalpindi are twin cities of Pakistan. These two cites are divided by just a road. Things that are legal on one side of the road are illegal on the other side.

The twin cities have two distinct environments. Islamabad being clean, quite and sober (no life after sunset); where as Rawalpindi has all the traffic, pollution and the zing.

When you are in Islamabad you cannot miss seeing Fasial Masjid. Due to its’ distinct architecture, it can be seen from miles away.

Faisal Masjid can accommodate 3,00,000 worshipers in its main hall, alone.

The next best thing is visiting Margalla Hills, which are at the backdrop of Faisal Masjid.

Daman-e-Koah is a Park in Margalla Hills, at an altitude of 2100 feet and one can have an amazing view of Islamabad. A musician playing Rubab (a traditional musical Instrument) and the sound of the chords swaying with direction of the a cool breeze made each moment a lasting one. Too bad, the musician was camera shy and didn’t want his picture taken.

Park at the Base

A view that is popular with every ameture photographer

If you are in a muslim country you will always find a dedicated place for muslim worshippers to pray, be it malls, amuzement parks, hotels you just name it. Daman E Koh is no different

Masjid for Worshippers

You can find refreshments children play area et al. But here is what you wouldn’t find in any other part of the world a Paan seller. Dressed like the people in the era of Mughals. Though it looked funny but interesting aswell; not forgetting this guy means business charged us 40% extra for a pan.

Paan Seller ... the (you name it)

At last the view from the top. Though there are North and south sides but here I will only add one.

A glimpse of Islamabad from the top.

Oh not forgetting, an unwanted guest. This chap didn’t leave until we gave him a snack. Whew

An Unwanted guest

Visit to Islamabad, Pakistan

kayani — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 20:53:28 +0000

To say the least about Pakistan; I would say it is a color(colour) loving country. I will prove you why.: Church in the background, with the art work done by local art college in the foreground

: Hair braides. Local girls like to wear them on special occasions like weddings

: This used to be JUST A BOAT. Now this ride has been pimped Pakistani style.

: This is a work of an artist. Vase completely handmade at dirt cheap price

So what do you think. Am I right?? Still more to come stay connected.

Eid Al Fitr

kayani — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 15:54:22 +0000

Eid day is quite busy. Starts off with the prayers and than guest come visiting all day. Here are some pics for you; will get back to you once the Eid Rush is over.

EID MUBARAK to you all.

You can find some more picshereand here

Eid Prayers in Dubai.

Eid Al Fitr Eve

kayani — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 07:12:27 +0000

Eid Al Fitr (The Eid After Ramadan) has quite a charm in its own. Muslims follow the moon for its calender, the Eid is declared on the new moon’s sighting, therefore, no one is for sure whether the new moon will appear after the 29th day of Ramadan or the 30th. So, on 29th Ramadan, everyone is on their toes glued to the TV, Radio or whatever source they have available to get the latest. Once the Eid is declared than you can imagine, everyone is out in the markets to do the last minute shopping. If the Eid is not declared, than people have one more day to fast and to do the shopping.

This year the Eid is declared on the 29th Ramadan, so we have Eid tomorrow. Now you can imagine whats happening out their in the market. Below are some of the pics from Dubai and Pakistan

Sweets are out

.... more sweets

Warm Welcome .... South Style

More of Illegal Parking ... you know what happens next.

The name is what got my attention. Saloons are full as well

From Rawalpindi, Pakistan.

... another one from Pakistan

Eid Mubarak to Everyone

End of Ramadan …. Lesson’s Learnt

kayani — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 13:02:55 +0000

As the temperature in Dubai soars to 50 Degrees Celsius in summer, I had this fear that during Ramadan I will be flipping and turning in my bed due to hunger and thirst. But, now we are at the end of the month of Ramdan and I look back things I have learnt are

No matter how little or how much I stuff myself up, I am still bound to get hungry by 10 AM. So be patient, things will come to you with their own sweet time.

Human being do bad deeds which are plain unnecessary and one can live without them. But we still do them because most of the bad deeds have become our habits.

Well that’s what I have learnt. If you want to share your thoughts please do so?

Ramadan, month of Giving

kayani — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 05:18:30 +0000

Every Muslim has to pay minimum of 2.5% of their savings as a Zakaat(Almsgiving) annually. This charity can be given to the needy people, starting from the closed relatives and friends and neighbors so on and so forth.

During the Ramadan Tents are all over DXB to collect food, clothing et al for the needy.

ahaaa ....... and how can the retailers miss the chance of making money during the "blessed" month

The essence of Ramadan

kayani — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 18:58:46 +0000

During the Month of Ramadan, the gates of Heaven are wide open

The presence of Muslims in the Masjid, can be seen way after the prayer times.

..... getting attached to the Holy Qura'an and asking for forgiveness

The nights of Ramadan are filled with the light of guidance.

Ramadan Spirit In the Air.

kayani — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 11:50:52 +0000

Chairs Up !!

In majority of the Muslim World, almost all the food outlets are closed during the day in the Holy Month of Ramadan. But to serve Non Muslims “Take Away” services are always available.

Nope.The workers are not on strike.

Iftar

kayani — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 05:02:47 +0000

Sunset is the time of Iftar; Iftar is the time when mulism’s break their fast. So, if you are in an area where muslims are in majority than you will see Masjids (muslims place of worship) having a complete setup for Iftar.

In a community service such as above; the Iftar Spread has Dates, Fruits, Juice, water and a hot meal.

Prophet Mohammed said that one who gives food for a fasting person to break his fast, he will receive the same reward as of the him (fasting person).

Dates a "must" for Iftar.

Ramdan Kareem