Life in London – I
I have been thinking to write about Life in London (or lets say UK) for quite some time. Now that winters are almost here and you hardly want to get out from the comfy of your room’s coziness, I thought to give it a hit. It’s been over 7 months since I’m living in this land of cold. Cold hearts. Not the weather.
When in Pakistan, you will find lots of people around you going totally excited at the name of anywhere off-Pakistan. Not India, Bangladesh or Sri Lanka obviously. Well sorry to disappoint you, its nothing fancy.
جو سکھ اپنے چوبارے …. او نہ بلخ نہ بخارے
(Jo sukh apnay chobaray – O na Balkh Na Bukharay)
How true. But its not bad either. Considering the situation back in Pakistan, everyone wants to run out for the safety of their families and themselves, i.e., if one can.
When I landed on Heathrow, happy sun of going winters greeted me with a smile. And also a delighted husband. The weather was almost the same that I left back in Islamabad. The part of London where we live looks very similar to F-7 & F-6 areas of Islamabad. So thankfully, I had no problems in adjusting. I was at home from the moment I stepped out of plane. The roads were wide here (not in London city at all). Trees of beautiful cherry blossoms were flower loaded.
After two three days, when I was done with all the dishes I knew to make i.e., Chicken Karahi, Dal Chawal & Yummylicious Pasta, I started panicking what to cook next. Aloo anday was my first dish - thats what hubby dear suggested, otherwise it was a dish of laughter more for me before. It went fine. And till now I think I can cook almost everything. Tried Haleem. Made mouth-watering Biryani just yesterday. Beef shashlik. Chicken Roast. Chicken Tikkas. Manchurian. Chikar Cholay. Kheer. Firni. Pineapple delight. And the usual stuff … daal, vegies et al.
Cooking is one of those popularly over-rated things, from back home, that you will find everyone wary about. From mothers to daughters. From in-laws to out-laws.Honestly, if you like doing what you do its not difficult at all. Becomes more of fun. An appreciator around would be a lovely addition of course. I say after doing a number of dawats 
Talking of people, I found all sorts here. Friendly. Too Friendly. And Snobs. I take time to befriend someone but its only after arriving here that I know, its the most difficult task for me. You can get acquainted but you can’t be friends all of a sudden. Aunties are nice and fine. Girls here of my age (or a few years plus minus) are not my type. There interests and talk is totally opposite to something of my interest.
Finally, I conjured up enough energy to write something. I dont want to bore you with a never-ending tale. The second episode about people and places: desis and goray will follow shortly.
Yesterday, I saw PIA’s plane in air going over me. The triggering point behind this post. I never thought sight of PIA’s plane would make me happy.It did. That’s what happen when you are in Pardes.
ps: now I always need a picture to start a tale. Without it, words won’t pour out. And apologies for not a regular visitor of your blogs … a bit slow on this side of life.
pps: now off for my haazri to each and every blog so that you start coming here too 
