Playing Dress-Up in Pakistan

Before I blog about India I realized I should talk about how I got there. 


My parents moved to Islamabad, Pakistan in 1995.  Since they (we) had lived in Bangkok in the 80's, it wasn't too much of a shock.  I had so wanted to go with them to Pakistan but I had just landed my first real design job and couldn't leave and my allotted one week vacation per year just wasn't long enough to get there and back.  A year and a half later,  I bought a one way ticket to Islamabad and quit my job.  I just couldn't pass up this opportunity.  I imagined myself landing at my parents pad for awhile then becoming a nomadic gypsy artist for a year or two... not knowing where I might land and settle.  Then, the day after I quit my job I met my husband to be. Two months later, after my sister and I boarded the plane, I opened the card and parting gift he had given me on the way to the airport.  A love letter and a lovely handmade glass heart.  Well, my nomadic year only lasted two and a half months.  I guess the heart worked!


My two months in Pakistan was fabulous.  I met so many wonderful people and had incredible experiences of which I will share in upcoming posts.  My trip ended with my close friend Jessica flying to meet me in Islamabad and the two of us setting off to Rajasthan India together for a two week adventure.  I seems like a long time ago now!  


First little story....

After a fun evening with a Pakistani couple my parents had become friends with, the wife invited us back to play dress up.  When we arrived, she brought out an antique chest filled with stunning antique saris that had been in her family for generations as well as royal looking antique jewerly.  We felt like real princesses.  My dad even left work early to come see us all dressed up and take photos.  Notice the mandala on my forehead and necklace.....all diamonds and 24k gold.   My mom's necklace....solid gold.  The shimmer of the saris.....solid silver and gold threads.