Originally posted on Building Bridges:
When my elder son Shahmeer went on his solo bicycle trip from Seattle to the Panama Canal he was 19. Saarem, my youngest was 13 then and he grew up listening to those stories. No wonder as soon as he turned 18 he wanted to go on his own trip. And what did he pick……none other than walking the famous… Continue reading He Plans to Walk the Appalachian Trail Again
I am debating whether to cancel my Moviepass membership. Couple of months ago I claimed it to be my best purchase ever. And don’t you agree? For just $10 month, a movie buff like me can watch as many movies as they like. I am a fan of cinema. Its a symbol of freedom and justice for me where dreams come true or at least … Continue reading Moviepass and #Metoo
In the wake of #Metoo moments, a working woman like me can’t help but think about her own experiences. I have been in the aviation industry for too long not to notice anything. To no one’s surprise aviation industry whether Pakistan or America is a male dominated industry and run like a “Big Boys Club” according to the “Big Boys” themselves. I started out as … Continue reading My take on #Metoo
Dubai happens to be in my favorite city list. I have been there twice and love its cosmopolitan air, cleanliness, modern transportation system, and above all an openness and acceptance of all cultures. Anyone can wear what they want and be who they are in Dubai. You will see both burqa clad and swim suit wearing women enjoying prestine beaches side by side ….with no … Continue reading Dubai Chalo……and that too with children
In as much as we all talk about the harms of being glued to your cell phones, when someone tries to get out of it no one likes it either. Last year my son switched from smart phone to a regular phone and he likes it that way. Yesterday taking inspiration from him I deactivated my Facebook account as well as Whatsapp groups. I wanted … Continue reading The Saga of Facebook and Whatsapp
When my elder son Shahmeer went on his solo bicycle trip from Seattle to the Panama Canal he was 19. Saarem, my youngest was 13 then and he grew up listening to those stories. No wonder as soon as he turned 18 he wanted to go on his own trip. And what did he pick……none other than walking the famous Appalachian Trail. He started out … Continue reading Its a wonderful day in the neighborhood
Its over a month since I returned from my 3 month long hiatus in Pakistan. Still the images of Masi Hasina’s house haunt me. The sky-high pile of kachra (trash) says to me “Iffat what good are you? Clean it up”. And her meager one charpaiee (bed) and nearly empty dirty kitchen counter top says “Fill me up Iffat, havent you seen your own stuffed … Continue reading Haunting Images
The challenges are the same whether you volunteer for “Big Brother Big Sister” in US or work with poor kids in Pakistan. The human heart and its maladies don’t change. I just wish there were more melodies than maladies. Today I went to visit Maasi Hasina’s home in Kachra colony to see if I can convince her 11 year old son to come get … Continue reading A Visit to Maasi Hasina’s Home
Warning: Read with Caution. Some may get a Heart Attack Reading Today’s Post. Most Pakistanis don’t get tired of complaining about the country and the Government. They all seem to know and that too with conviction how to run this country right. This includes chai wala, paan waala, office workers, your next door neighbors, and specially TV anchors. Since the purpose of this blog is … Continue reading Living in a Tax Heaven
Everyday Maasi Hasina and her daughter Shaista come and clean my home. Shaista is 10 and quitted school in 3rd grade to work with her mom. Hasina’s husband lives with his keep for last 8 years and barely comes to meet the family. Yet he manages to produce children with Hasina. She has 3 children 11 year old boy who baby-sits the 3 year … Continue reading The Ground Reality is Different
