After some exciting travel adventures we reached Pakistan on Nov 27, 2008 at 4:30 AM. We were an hour early so called Inam and Apa Shamim. Inam and Adah came in two cars to haul our lugage but our lugage was sitting in Dubai. Next few days were spent recovering jet lag. Bombay tragedy occured during those days. Karachi was in the grip of communal riots. AFour days ater reaching Karachi we received our lugage.

Then came Eid ul Azha. Inam, and Muti in one car and Akbar and Asghar Farooqi in another car. We bargained and finally bought 11 bakras antd two cows. Inam hired a truck to haul the animals. He offer me to drive his car or go with the truck. Driving car was out of question under Karachi traffic conditions for me so I opted the truck. Then I discovered that I do not know exact directions to Inam's house. Kept looking for some landmarks. Asked the driver to slow down. He was in a rush to go back. Eventually we reached the destination. The next day was Eid. About 45 relatives met at Inam's house. Several time the food was served as new group of relatives arrived. Someone couted there were 15 people from overseas. Animals were sacrificed and DHA employee were picking up the animal waste.

Next day Inam went to nine relatives to meet Eid and distribute Adah's wedding invitations. It was an all day affair. Everyone was serving delicious food. Inspite of controlling food intake I got tummy upset. Second day of Eid the clan gathered at Talib's house. I went there only to be social.

Then wedding activities started. The day Sabiha's son was getting married Karachi was in the grip of voilence. We could not go for Wedding but following day was Valeema that we attended. There were 'dholkies' and young ones were singing and dancing. Few days later came Shahid's son wedding. But he Valeema was a washout. It was raining as much inside as outside as the Shamiyana was made of netting.I did not go but those who went were not feeling well the next day. Then came wedding of Mubashara (Urooj's sister-in-law) and next day was Ahad's Mehndi. Thameena had gone to Sialkoot to attend the Valeema of her siter. She had rushed bact to attend the Mehndi. Because of expected rain showers the pary was moved inside the house of the Bride. Then the Nikkah followed by Valeema. The weddings were over and so was our visit. We landed at Boston airport on Dec24 at 8:45 PM. We thanked Allah SWT for the safe return.

Inam had given some Baqar-khani and Gajar ka halwa. On Dec 26 there was mini party ot our house where Shami, Nadeed, Saif, Anita, Omair, Lubna and Assad enjoyed the chicken qorma, Baqar-khani, matar-polaoo and for sweet dish was a mixture of Gajar ka halwa and Zarda. Slowly and slowly everyone was gone and the two of us were left.

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