Give a Little Bit

Yesterday I began baking for the Christmas Eve dinner that we're having tonight at the Colonel's house, and then I decided that since I was already baking so many cupcakes, a few dozen more wouldn't hurt. And so that's what I did. I baked at least four dozen cupcakes for the local Pakistani guards who protect the Canadian compounds here in the Diplomatic Enclave.

And you know what? It felt so good, real good, to be able to do something for them, even if it was as small as a cupcake.

These guys work so hard, 23 days straight, 7 days off, 12 hour shifts, in the rain, in the cold, in the blistering heat, and all for $250 a month. Can you believe that? Most of them aren't from Islamabad, so they only get to see their families, who are hours away, on their week off, and are forced to live in tents while they're here working. It's really sad, but that's just life here, and they're used to it.

I, however, think of it more or less as slave labour and can't believe that anyone would have to live like this.

"The aim of mankind should be to make man kinder"

A job and a Christmas party.

Sorry that I haven't written in awhile, but I haven't had a whole lot to say.

I started work this past Wednesday. I am super excited about it, and I hope I'm good at it, as it will look amazing on my resume when I return to Canada, and hopefully will lead to something bigger and better.

On the first day I went to have lunch with the High Commissioner, who hosts a welcome lunch every 2 or 3 months for all the newcomers. It just so happened that it was on my first day, which was a bit nerve wracking but he's very easy to talk to and not at all intimidating.

Then yesterday I went to a luncheon at the Brit Club, I'm not entirely sure what it was for, but I think it was for everyone in the Immigration Departments, from all the missions in Islamabad. I met a really nice Norwegian guy and there was good food and free alcohol. :)

That night was the work Christmas party, which was a lot of fun! I dragged Rod along with me, and he got to meet some of my colleagues, there was a turkey feast, more free alcohol, a band, and we sang Christmas carols, which really helped to put me in the Christmas spirit. It's quite hard to get in that spirit when you're a Canadian and there's no snow and it's 15 degrees outside, the trees still have leaves on them, though they are losing them, there aren't any decorations on the houses. It's just really odd to be in a Muslim country during Christmas. But what can you do? 

Jobs and Needles and Things.

So I've found myself a full time position at a different Embassy here in Islamabad. Woohoo! I haven't started yet, as I'm waiting for my security clearance to come back, and I've just handed the paperwork in today. But hopefully that doesn't take too long, because I'd like to start work as soon as possible. Sitting at home doing nothing (ie. watching television shows, sleeping, and travel planning) is starting to get a little boring. However, once I do have a job, I'll probably miss all of this down time.

After handing my paperwork in today to the security department, I was told to go to the clinic for a checkup. So I get there, and suddenly I'm told that I must go out into the city for a chest x-ray and bloodwork. Say what? I've never heard of a job making you do that before now. I got a little upset at this news, because I'm terrified of blood and needles, for whatever reason.

But it went shockingly well!

Aside from the fact that the clinic was set up in such a way, that it was literally like going to the DMV. You take your number, you wait until they call your name, and then you go up to the counter, stick your arm out, and they take your blood. Yup, right in the waiting room. I may have shed a tear or two, only because I get myself so worked up over these things. But she was incredibly gentle, and the needle she used was so tiny that I could hardly feel it. It was like the tiniest poke ever, and did not hurt one bit. I was amazed! If only it were that easy all the time, I'd happily go every week to donate blood. And that's saying something!

But yay me for landing my ass a job! I thought the interview went well, but I didn't think I'd get it. And I'm very pleased that I did. Hopefully I'm good at it, and that they like me, and that I can continue to work there until we leave in 2014. Not to mention it'll look great on my resume :)

Oh, and we fired out domestic helper. It just wasn't working out, she wasn't doing what we wanted her to do, and I'm not sure if we'll hire another. I've never had to fire anyone before though, so that was kind of awkward.

Koh Samui

The final week of vacation was spent in Koh Samui, a beautiful tropical island paradise.

Here we got to visit the largest waterfall on the island, Namuang, we got to see Grandfather Rock (we couldn't find Grandmother), we went to a Muay Thai fight, set off a paper lantern into the night sky for good luck, and went parasailing, which was super awesome and exhilarating and you should totally try it one day!

 Roderick went after me and took the camera up with him

 Yup, that's me :)

 If you look closely, you'll see Rod in the pool

 Grandfather Rock ;)

Phuket

The second part of our journey in Thailand took us to Phuket; pronounced Poo-Ket!

While in Phuket, we went on two boat excursions to the Phi Phi Islands, where we got to see the places where the movies 'The Beach' and 'James Bond: Man with the Golden Gun' were filmed. We got to snorkel, go sea canoeing through caves, shop, eat some amazing food, and just admire the beauty of the Islands.

Phuket was way better than Bangkok, and if you ever go to Thailand, I highly recommend visiting this place! I fell in love. 

Bangkok

Well, we're back from our two week holiday in Thailand. It was great to get away, as the hubby really needed a vacation, and he's never really been on a proper holiday before, aside from our road trip to Boston in the summer. All the other "vacations" were work related, Afghanistan, Germany and Cyprus. So this was an exciting one for us!

Before we arrived in Pakistan, we knew that Thailand would be our first vacation. Rod had heard lots of great things about it, and once we arrived here, everyone was telling us that we must go there first. It's close, it's cheap, and it's just a beautiful place to visit!

Our first stop was Bangkok. I am happy that I had the chance to see it, but I don't think I'd want to pay to go back. It's nice, yes, but it's a big city and I'm more into beaches, nature, etc. It was interesting though, stinky, dirty, full of hookers and LadyBoys, great for shopping, and full of delicious restaurants!

For those wondering what LadyBoys are, they're basically someone who was born a man, but lives their life as a woman. We would call them transgendered. In Thailand, it's perfectly normal and ok for someone to have this lifestyle, and they're actually thought of as a third sex, which I found to be very interesting! Now if only every country could be so open to this.

While in Bangkok, we visited Nana, which is basically the Red Light District. Full of hookers, strip clubs, and old men looking to have a good time. I've actually never seen so many old white men with hot young Asians in my life! They're everywhere, but good on them I suppose. I've never been to a strip club and sort of wanted to test it out, but we never had the chance as we were in bed early each night and up at 6am.

We took a day trip to Ayutthaya, which was founded in 1350 and now just a bunch of ruins.

After our trip to Ayutthaya, we stopped in at Bang Pa-In Palace, but a massive storm came in quick so unfortunately we didn't get to see all of it.

Another day we went to see a floating market. We took a traditional long boat through the canals to get to the floating market, which was just amazing. I was in awe, and it is probably one of the coolest things I've ever seen or done. Basically, people set up shops alongside the canals, and tourists and locals alike get in the boats and float along from one shop to the other, buying things that they need, or don't need.

We were only in Bangkok for a couple of days, and that was enough I thought. Glad I've had the opportunity to see it as it really is an interesting place! 

Things you take for granted

I never realized how important natural gas was, until now.

For the past two weeks, our house has been without gas. Apparently there was a gas leak in the pipes somewhere on the compound that we live in, so we've all been without it, until today when it was finally fixed.

So for the past two weeks, I've had to take my laundry over to another compound and do it there (and I've always lived in a house, and have had my own laundry, so this was quite inconvenient for me and something I am not used to at all). I've had to take my showers in the Club changing rooms. I've had to eat at the Club every single night, and morning, if I feel like eating breakfast. And before this gas line incident, I was only home for a week or so from my 3 week trip to Dubai, so I've literally only had a couple of home cooked meals in well over a month. And now it will be even longer, as we are going on holiday tomorrow.

When we were out the other night to pick up a few things (ie. pirated DVD's from the local shop, Illusions. Totally illegal but who can resist $1 DVD's?) there was a massive lineup at the gas station for gas. Apparently there is a gas shortage in this country, and not due to any natural disasters either. Simply because it's a third world country, and very poor. So for 3 days of the week, the gas stations are all shut down to conserve gas. Who knew? Certainly not I, as we don't own a vehicle and have drivers drive us everywhere. And that's another thing. It's sort of nice, and convenient, being chauffeured around, especially in a place that you are unfamiliar with, but you do start to miss having your own freedom, and just getting in the car and going for a drive.

Anyway, back to the gas situation. In the winter months, the government turns off the gas for a couple of hours every day to conserve it even more. This is something we weren't told before coming here, and such an inconvenience, but I guess that's why we're getting paid the big bucks. For all of these inconveniences. Fortunately for us though, our heaters are electric so the only thing we'll be missing for those few hours a day is hot showers, a stove (and oven) and laundry. Hopefully they don't turn it off when you really need to use those things.

The government also turns off the electricity all year round, whenever they feel like it, which is a couple hours every day. We don't really notice this though, unless we're out in public, because there are generators here. I don't even know what I would do without the generators. You don't realize how much you rely on these simple things, and you definitely do take them for granted.

I sometimes think to myself, how did I get here? What is the purpose for this adventure? And maybe it's to appreciate life more, and not to take anything for granted. Life could always be so much worse, and I am very grateful for the life that I have been blessed with.

<3

Thanksgiving

On Monday night, the Canada Club held a belated thanksgiving dinner, since all the spouses were away in Dubai for the first one.

It was really nice to all be together, and have a "family dinner". We may not all be family, but it sure feels like it! We fight, we laugh, we cry, and we take care of one another. We're really fortunate that the mission here is so small. Others are huge and it doesn't really allow you to get close to many people. Take D for instance, he's here on temporary duty for 6 weeks from the embassy in London. There, he has no friends, no club, no social life, and he hates it! So as crazy as it can be here in Islamabad at times, we're really lucky.

After all it was a great big world...

I should totally be going to sleep right now, or at least cuddled up in bed with my lover, as I have work at 7am tomorrow (and can I just say how much I love my current job? I'm sad that it's only a short contract), but I'm too excited to sleep!

Most of the time when I have nothing better to do, I travel plan! Expedia.ca, TripAdvisor.ca, Gadventures.com and google maps are my best friends right now. We haven't even gone on our first vacation together yet (I went to Dubai without him), which is coming up very soon, and I'm already planning out the other trips that we'll take while we're here.

January/February 2013: to be determined
May/June 2013: Euro Trip! (Czech Republic, Austria, Croatia and Italy)
September/October 2013: Africa (exact countries to be determined)

Then the following year, somewhere between January-April, we'll go to the Maldives. And then there's the house hunting trip to whichever province we'll be posted to, most likely sometime in June, and then it's back to Canada for good in July 2014.

Do any of you guys know anyone who's been on a Euro trip? I'd like some first hand experience and suggestions, if possible. I have a budget in mind, and I'd just like to find out if it's realistic or not. Of course, I've been to Europe before, heck, I lived there, but I was on a super strict budget at that time. I didn't pay for hotels, I didn't do a whole lot of things that cost me any money, other than eat and drink. So it's a totally different ball game this time around. So if you know of someone and could get some info for me, that would be fabulous! Or if you have heard of a great website for Euro trips that I haven't, send it my way :)

And if you could send me some recommendations for another place to travel to, that'd be great as well. 

Libra Jewellers

During our first tour of Islamabad, nearly 3 months ago now, we were taken to Libra Jewellers. We had a quick look around and soon forgot about it. Then a couple of weeks ago, D went to pick up a necklace he had made for his wife while we were out and about. Of course, we got to browsing and looking at all the gems and Roderick decided that we should have some things made for me. 

The best part about it is that (like everything else here) you can design it yourself. You get to pick out the gem stones, the setting, the size, the colour, the shape, everything! And it's so affordable! At first, I had a purple amethyst necklace made. The jeweller thought that I was crazy for the way I wanted it to be set (it almost looks like a heart) as he would have set it the other way, to look like a triangle. But I'm so happy with the way it turned out, and am now patiently waiting for the heart shaped earrings that I'm having made to match. Then I had an earring and necklace set made up, of green peridot, because it's my favourite colour. And how amazing do they look with my green shalwar kameez? :) 

Yep, I am spoiled rotten.

Our Engagement

After going through my blog and making some edits, I realized that I never did post about our engagement. Strange! I thought I had. Oh well, here it is, better late than never.

Roderick and I woke up early and hit the road for Cape Cod/Chatham, MA. The lady we stayed with, Maria, had recommended it. It was a tiny little vacation town, full of rich people who spend their summers there in lavish beach homes. The town was gorgeous and we found a fairly empty beach, away from all the tourists. We walked down towards the water and as it was incredibly hot out (it must've been at least 100 degrees Fahrenheit the days we were in Boston - way too hot for me!) the water was calling my name. I had stupidly forgotten my bathing suit so we decided to go into town and find one, have lunch and go for a swim.

Being a rich town, all the bathing suits were like $100, but I did manage to find a bikini bottom for relatively cheap and Rod bought some swim trunks.

We then went to lunch at the Squire. A delicious restaurant with great service and license plates all over the walls. I got the Santa Fe melt and Rod ordered chicken parm. We each had a beer, then walked back to the beach where we did a bit of swimming. Well, he swam, I waded. It was really cold and I didn't want to get my bra wet, as I didn't know if the salt water would ruin it. There was a small channel with a sandbar across the way, so the water was really calm and full of SEALS! I was amazed. I've never seen any marine animal in the wild before, except for manatees and crocs in Florida. But I've never seen seals, whales or dolphins so it was a pretty incredible experience for me. 

Anyway, we were in the water and Rod was kneeling because it was shallow, and his head was on my stomach and he was holding me. Then, he told me that he loved me and wanted to spend the rest of his life with me, and told me that I'd make him the happiest man if I'd marry him! He then picked me up and carried me onto the sand, grabbed a small black bag out of his shirt pocket and pulled out a gorgeous ring, which then proceeded to drop into the sand as I laughed hysterically due to my nerves (yeah I'm the type of person who'd laugh at a funeral).

Obviously I said yes!

So we spent a bit more time on the beach, then went for a drive, grabbed some smoothies, drove around looking at houses, then headed back to Boston. We went out to dinner at Ten Tables, which was very tiny, romantic and expensive! Perfect place to celebrate ;)

Afterwards, we decided to go for drinks at a local pub and proceeded to have jägerbombs and several whiskey sours, and beer. Made friends with an older man named Ron who had lots of cool stories to tell, and then left after the bar closed.


It was by far the best day of my life, and I am such a lucky girl <3

Home Sweet Home

I arrived back in Islamabad last Thursday after a 3 week stint in Dubai. While I'm more than grateful that I had the opportunity to visit Dubai (for free - I would have never gone if I had to pay for it), I am definitely happy to be back. I missed my hubby, my house, my bed, and just my normal life here. Whatever that is.

And can I just say that Emirates Business Class is pretty much amazing.

I had a ridiculous amount of leg room, and the seats reclined so much, that I could literally lay flat on my back (granted, I am only 5'3" but still). There was a privacy screen, so that when I was laying down, I couldn't see anyone else. Even when I was sitting up, I couldn't see my neighbour. So that was really nice! Especially since I was sitting next to a stranger. The food was amazing, and there was unlimited alcohol (however, I don't drink before or during flights because I don't want to get all messed up - although this time, I had half a glass of champagne before the flight as the Business Lounge had the expensive stuff, and I'd never tried it before). Not to mention that I am terrified of flying, but because business class is so nice, you're really relaxed, and I did not freak out or panic once. 

Too bad I can't afford to fly business class every time. But even then, some business classes aren't even that good. Like when I moved to the Netherlands, I think I flew Air Canada, and sorry to say, it wasn't that great. 

A Shoppers Paradise

It's true, Dubai is a shoppers paradise. Before my departure from Pakistan, everyone told me to "go shopping!" I didn't really think it would be as amazing as they made it out to be, but I was wrong, once again. It's got everything from Louis Vuitton, Fendi, Prada, all the other designers that you can think of, to Lush, Bath and Body Works, The Body Shop, Sephora, to Pull & Bear, Bershka, Oysho, and Women'Secret, and many, many more. So after being in Pakistan for two months, which literally has nothing, this was like being in heaven. And I went nuts!

Unfortunately for me, I overpacked (as usual), so now I really don't know how I'm going to fit all of my new purchases in my already stuffed suitcase. I've asked the others if anyone had any extra room for me, but I haven't heard back yet. Keeping my fingers crossed.

And since I have nothing better to do, I figure I'd show you all what I've purchased :) And remember, you can always click on the photo to make it bigger.

 Grey, Navy and Pink cardigans from Pull & Bear

 Pink Blazer and Black Peacoat also from Pull & Bear

 $6 skirts from Mercado

 4 of the same tops from Bershka. These are so comfy! 

 Seven Dwarfs pajamas from Oysho

 Thumper and Miss Bunny pajamas from Oysho

 Comfy yoga top from Oysho

 Chip and Dale hoody from Oysho

 Bambi undies from Oysho

 Super comfy slippers from Oysho

 Body wash from Bath and Body Works

 Lotions from Bath and Body Works

 THE Cutest magnets from Camel Company

 Another magnet from Camel Company

 A metal tray from some souvenir shop. I figure it would be useful on a table by the front door for keys or something? I also bought a wooden box with camels and "UAE" on the lid but it's wrapped in bubble wrap. 

 My purse was getting pretty heavy and hurting my shoulder so I decided to grab a backpack. They're always handy for traveling anyway. 

 You know you're getting old when you're on vacation in Dubai and buy cushion covers for your couch that's back in Canada and you won't see for another 2 years or more. Haha! 

 Billabong hats (2 for me, 1 for Roderick) from Studio R

 Callaway golf shirt and Fox shirt were both from Mercado, while the Nike workout shirt is from Sun & Sand Sport

 Quiksilver shirts for Rod from Studio R

Reebok workout shirts from Studio R. The little one is for me, obviously! 

Yep, looking at all this stuff, I definitely went a bit overboard! But the best part is? I didn't have to pay a dime, and neither did Rod. Thank you very much!