This week I was lucky to be invited to Amin Gulgee’s opening of his rooftop space, which he has transformed into a playground of the senses. A la Gaudi, the whole area is covered with a mosaic made of colored bottles and shards of mirrors and matkas and all sorts of delightful objects. It was very hot even at sunset but the vibe was good and the whole place shimmered in the evening light. I don’t know if he’ll open it to the public – my guess is probably not – but it’s a little slice of otherworldliness which you can see as you drive by the Gulgee museum.

According to Dawn, the Nazim announced yesterday that the Shahrah-e-Quaideen flyover will be inaugurated on May 20th. Hopefully, that should help ease the flow of traffic at the SMCHS roundabout and make it easier to get to DHA. Which reminds me, has anyone noticed that there’s been a marked increase of traffic personnel at various intersections in the past two days? Who’s the big wig in town these days?

It is so damn HOT today. These are killer times…mid april to mid june!
Don’t believe me? Check it out yourself!
http://www.findlocalweather.com/forecast.php?icao=OPKC

Gun Smoke is the latest addition to the numerous eateries opening up in Karachi. Located at Zamzama, the most promising location considering the potential market, this new hang out is quite interesting.
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and i’m told “those were the days”…

photo credit: post cards
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Its in the air again. The dreaded, spring-summer viral flu that always strikes Karachittes when the weather’s changing. True, this is summer, but the undertones of spring still remain, especially during the night. Nevertheless, steer clear of all sick co-workers and send them home immediately. Wait till I get my hands on the co-worker who gave me this horrible flu that’s made my throat drier than the Sahara Desert. If you have sick classmates, banish them to the front of the classroom. That way, hopefully the teacher will get infected too and you’ll have no classes for at least 3 days. Now can someone hand me an antibiotic?

One of the many food joints my friends and I have discovered as students with extremely limited finances and huge appetites is Indus Foods, situated in Khadda Market. Must-try entrees include their biryani, nihari and aloo parathas. While it looks like your regular takeaway from the exterior, its actually quite clean and well ventilated inside. Even though the food is on the greasier side, a lunch there is enough to easily sustain you through the day. Head over to Indus Foods if you’re ever in the mood for a good old desi dish.

I remember that from the late 80s to the early 00s Karachi was one of those sleepy towns which do not see a lot of construction activity. Specially that, which had to be done by the government.

People did, sometimes by accident, build things. But, such construction as that of roads and bridges were kept strictly for emergencies and government money was not used in such a frivolous manner.

During all of my visits and all of my stays in Karachi over the last fifteen years I have not seen as much work on the roads in Karachi as I have seen over the last one year.

Maybe, just maybe, the people that be have decided to throw caution to the wind and throw money at such unacceptable quarters as public amenities and infrastructure.

Issues related to religion should always be discussed carefully as more often then not emotions run to extremes. That said, and with due respect, I honestly feel this years celebration of Eid Milad-un-Nabi has been carried a bit too far, with all major roads of Karachi lined with Blazing Green Tube Lights. Correct me if I am wrong there must be more then a couple thousand tubelights lining the streets.

Keep your City Green slogan was an emphasis on growing grass but I am very sure its not for planting tube lights across the city. Seems like quite a waste of resources

Did anyone see the lovely fireworks last night? They started at about ten fifteen last night and ended at ten twenty-five (rather short display) and they were absolutley beautiful. It’s been a long times since I’ve seen fireworks, and I don’t really remember seeing them at all in Karachi. I think the occasion may have been Eid-e-Milad-ul-Nabi (the prophet’s birthday) but I can’t be sure. Still, a treat for us on a Friday night.