Artesiatag:www.bilalrafi.com,2008:/artesia//112008-10-18T10:20:46ZA pinch more than a blog, recipes from aafia's little black book, a track of where we've been trotting off to and pictures to go with.Movable Type 3.33No bombs needed!tag:www.bilalrafi.com,2008:/artesia//11.2522008-10-18T06:20:53Z2008-10-18T10:20:46ZWhere we were once threatened to be bombed back the stone age, it occurred to me today that we are already nearly there. And no bombs needed; thank you! A place where you can play on people's insecurity to such...www.bilalrafi.com
Where we were once threatened to be bombed back the stone age, it occurred to me today that we are already nearly there. And no bombs needed; thank you! A place where you can play on people's insecurity to such an extent that just by creating a false shortage of any commodity (be it wheat, rice, oil, fuel or Euro) you can make loads of money out of it. And this has actually happened in the last three months with each of the items mentioned in this exact order.
Why has this happened can be a lengthy debate on reasons beyond grasp and comprehension of us common folk. But i will only write about the most obvious ones.
Advances in human civilization have been plenty but few have progressed from luxury to absolute necessity. When deprived from such commodities, not only does a community suffer economically but also the individual enters the domain of constant mental frustration and torture. This leads to unwarranted confrontations be it at home, on the streets or while in queue at the bank.
Something similar has been systematically subjected to our people and sadly we call it 'adjusting to Pakistan'. Whether you demand quality as a consumer, accountability as a taxpayer or simply look forward to basic necessaties of life, you are termed as a rueful expat who has had his/her share of bainwashing while living abroad.
Where there is no desire for improvement, surely there is no messiah coming to the rescue.
I once had developed a conspiracy theory about one of my ex-employers where corporates (which can include governing bodies) gradually take away basic luxuries and any new employees never notice the difference. So over a period of time, the next generation is almost ignorant of their rights that have been taken away and they simply learn to live with what they are offered.
Its a dangerous trend and one that we can see taking place around us. Twelve hours of power outage each day means we're spending half of our life in the stone age, businesses suffer and people lose jobs, industrial output is crippled and basically there isn't much left. But we get bigger batteries for our UPS and switch to Gas for the generators. We adjust. Its the essenence of our desi culture - to compromise.
So our dear allies in the war against so called terror, have indeed driven us into the stone age but without using their precious bombs. All they needed was eight years of forgettable dictatorship followed by the people electing their own executioners.
Peri-sidenttag:www.bilalrafi.com,2008:/artesia//11.2512008-10-08T10:08:44Z2008-10-08T04:40:56ZInterestingly the media only focused on how our president ogled at the vice-president nominee and flirted with her. Probably it can simply be dismissed as a ridiculous attempt at impersonating an 'american attitude' where he tried to over compensate his...www.bilalrafi.com
Interestingly the media only focused on how our president ogled at the vice-president nominee and flirted with her. Probably it can simply be dismissed as a ridiculous attempt at impersonating an 'american attitude' where he tried to over compensate his 'ghunda' impression. The only other explanation is to believe into all the rumours being spread on SMS these days (and if you don't know what I mean, get on somone's distribution list!).
The point that has concerned me is why US before China and why didn't it make any news when (and if) he met Obama? And if he didn't why are we gambling all our chips on the Republicans???
Still the media attention on just one single point baffles me and leads me to conclude safely that if (Inshallah) things get better in Pakistan, it will put alot of TV channels out of work. Its sad but I think our recent media boom is a side effect of political and social turmoil in the country. Which now has become a chicken and egg story much like the decline of our film industry in the 80s at the hands of glorified violent characters. Whether the media reporting encourages more violence and distress or just reports something which is already there; don't think this can ever be answered.
So if the powers that be are listening, you can get rid of the 'hum sab umeed se hain' garbage by simply making things better in the country :) and let the channels starve to death.
Eid Sa'eedtag:www.bilalrafi.com,2008:/artesia//11.2502008-10-06T03:10:33Z2008-10-06T03:38:04ZEid in Lahore this year was certainly everything I had expected it to be (no pun intended!). From the late announcement just before midnight, to the sweltering heat, the hustle bustle of Lahore and totally crappy Eid programming by Geo;...www.bilalrafi.com
Eid in Lahore this year was certainly everything I had expected it to be (no pun intended!). From the late announcement just before midnight, to the sweltering heat, the hustle bustle of Lahore and totally crappy Eid programming by Geo; it was anything but uneventful. I tried to make the most of my first Eid in Pakistan after a couple of years, so for a change didn't spend Eid day at work or in bed.
We'd actually been out really late considering it was a Ramadan night and just got the surprise call around midnight saying that Eid had been announced. This led to a frantic phase of grocery shopping and working in the kitchen till 2am. After the initial cursing and complaining phase, I finally figured that it was in fact a good thing. Spending half of a five day long weekend in Ramadan is nearly not as much fun :)
All in all it was a lot of fun meeting up with everyone in Lahore and call up friends and family. Surprisingly the phone networks behaved pretty well on Eid day (as compared to the total crash everyone faced at the time of Eid announcement the previous night). My ISP was pretty much idle so got the most out of my connection downloading last week's shows and Smallville's previous season.
I even got dust off my camera and took a few family pictures which came out quite good. But it was hard keeping everyone still since it was quite warm outdoors, even in the evenings.
The weekend was so eventful, that i didn't even get time to finish off Crysis :)
Solaris Internals - Core Kernel Componentstag:www.bilalrafi.com,2008:/artesia//11.2492008-09-24T07:32:54Z2008-09-24T07:59:33ZThis book is about the internals of Sun’s Solaris Operating Environment. The rapid growth of Solaris has created a large number of users, software developers, systems administrators, performance analysts, and other members of the technical community, all of whom require...www.bilalrafi.com
This book is about the internals of Sun’s Solaris Operating Environment. The rapid growth of Solaris has created a large number of users, software developers, systems administrators, performance analysts, and other members of the technical community, all of whom require in-depth knowledge about the environment in which they work.
Since the focus of this book is the internals of the Solaris kernel, the book provides a great deal of information on the architecture of the kernel and the major data structures and algorithms implemented in the operating system.
Part One: Introduction
Chapter 1 — An Introduction to Solaris
Chapter 2 — Kernel Services
Chapter 3 — Kernel Synchronization Primitives
Chapter 4 — Kernel Bootstrap and Initialization
Part Two: The Solaris Memory System
Chapter 5 — Solaris Memory Architecture
Chapter 6 — Kernel Memory
Chapter 7 — Memory Monitoring
Part Three: Processes, Threads, and IPC
Chapter 8 — The Solaris Multithreaded Process Architecture
Chapter 9 — The Solaris Kernel Dispatcher
Chapter 10 — Interprocess Communication
Part Four: The Solaris File I/O System
Chapter 11 — Solaris Files and File I/O
Chapter 12 — File System Overview
Chapter 13 — File System Framework
Chapter 14 — The Unix File System
Chapter 15 — Solaris File System Cache
ISBN: 0-13-022496-0
Click if you'd like to buy Solaris Internals]]>
This changes everythingtag:www.bilalrafi.com,2008:/artesia//11.2472008-09-21T04:07:00Z2008-09-21T04:24:49ZLast night, a couple of frantic phone calls and text messages assured that none of our friends and loved ones were at the Marriot when the terrible blast took place. But still it wasn't quite enough. For anyone who has...www.bilalrafi.com
Last night, a couple of frantic phone calls and text messages assured that none of our friends and loved ones were at the Marriot when the terrible blast took place. But still it wasn't quite enough. For anyone who has lived in Islamabad, Marriot has been a frequent stopover whether its for dinners, conferences, meeting up at the coffee shop or just some wierd totally expensive exhibition where you'd go anyway. Much didn't happen in Islamabad those days :)
Today with the scenes of carnage on screens everywhere, i keep trying to remember the faces of security guards at the gate who'd always help in getting the car parked on the left side (where normally they'd do valet parking); or the tall guy in the red jacket who was always at the door with a huge welcoming smile; or the polite young girl at the metal detector who was stationed there to check hand bags and purses.
They make up the bulk of last night's innocent victims of a horrendous crime committed with meticulous planning and precision. But I'm amazed that inspite of such pre-meditation, all they were able to target were 40+ dead Pakistanis who were probably barely above the poverty line and the only bread winners of their families.
The hotel, like WTC in New York has now sustained enough hits to turn it into a monument of freedom and liberty. Freedom from those who refuse to see beyond their narrow tunnel vision and with ears tuned to poisonous propaganda being spewed out by religious and militant fanatics.
Pakistan's 9/11 has just occurred and its about time we rethink our strategy and our support towards this increasing breed of militant islamists who make to distinction nor any regret at targeting and killing scores of unarmed innocent people. Lets stop blaming everything on America and just try to realize that a twisted and ugly version of our religion has spawned a new sect of people who don't consider anyone else worthy of living.
Faraz Reborn!tag:www.bilalrafi.com,2008:/artesia//11.2462008-08-25T04:15:07Z2008-09-06T16:40:44ZEver heard of the new revolution on the popular social scene? I'm talking about the mass SMS chain messaging where everyone gets the chance to vent their disgust at general happenings in the world and enjoy anonymity behind the argument...www.bilalrafi.com
Ever heard of the new revolution on the popular social scene? I'm talking about the mass SMS chain messaging where everyone gets the chance to vent their disgust at general happenings in the world and enjoy anonymity behind the argument that they were just forwarding a chain message. It was deemed an excellent way for movements to gain popularity during the chief justice drama (rather a soap opera with about 200+ episodes). Now there is a new player in town and his name is Faraz!
the urdu poet for the masses. His word was simple and true to many hearts. It surely struck notes to mine many many times. Two of his most popular and well recognized excerpts are copied below:
Ab key bichray to shayad kabhi khwabon mein milein,
Jis tarah sukhay huay phool kitabon mein milein;
Tu khuda hai na mera ishq farishton jaisa
Dono insaan hain to kyon itnay hijabon mein milein.
Ranjish hi sahi dil ko dujhaney ke liye aa
Aa phir se mujhey chor ke jaaney ke liye aa,
Kis kis ko bataein ge judayee ka sabab hum
Tu mujh se khafe hai toh zamaney ke liye aa
May his soul rest in peace.]]>
Thirteentag:www.bilalrafi.com,2008:/artesia//11.2452008-08-17T10:45:58Z2008-08-17T11:38:09ZThe mysterious doctor who starts with the mock reality drama in House MD Season 4, is really good looking and a very talented actress. Of course the whole mystery thing about her not even having a name helps create the...www.bilalrafi.com
The mysterious doctor who starts with the mock reality drama in House MD Season 4, is really good looking and a very talented actress. Of course the whole mystery thing about her not even having a name helps create the drama but still she plays it really well. The ultimate competition to stay in the show with CB and subsequent unraveling of some of the enigmas around her are cool.
Olivia Wilde has long and deep family roots in media and journalism. It came as quite a shock to find out that she's a natural blond, although I think she looks much much better in dark hair. She is a vocal supporter of Obama's election campaign and even her myspace page mostly speaks of the same. Here are some of her pictures that I've been able to find from the internet.
]]>
The Book of Wirelesstag:www.bilalrafi.com,2008:/artesia//11.2442008-08-10T15:09:51Z2008-08-10T15:21:04ZThis is a book for people who want to use the Internet everywhere—not just in the office or in the room at home where there’s a telephone or cable connection, but in the backyard, at the public library, at a...www.bilalrafi.com
This is a book for people who want to use the Internet everywhere—not just in the office or in the room at home where there’s a telephone or cable connection, but in the backyard, at the public library, at a highway rest area, or in a hotel lobby. In this book you will learn how to choose the
best wireless data service for your particular needs, how to set up your computer for wireless, and how to design and install your own wireless network.
The Book of Wireless]]>
Salt Range Expeditiontag:www.bilalrafi.com,2008:/artesia//11.2432008-08-05T03:58:55Z2008-08-08T11:36:18ZImagine 770 kilometers of almost non-stop driving, spanning over 18 hours and covering both ends of the salt range; in a saloon car! This was last weekend. We set off looking for a far flung wet land bordering Sakesar mountain...www.bilalrafi.com
Imagine 770 kilometers of almost non-stop driving, spanning over 18 hours and covering both ends of the salt range; in a saloon car! This was last weekend. We set off looking for a far flung wet land bordering Sakesar mountain and ended up traveling through mountains and valleys visiting numerous villages and exploring new roads/tracks. It was quite an unexpected adventure indeed.
This was a very small road in really bad shape but lasted for about 20KM, eventually merging into the main road going towards Khushab. We re-fuelled at Khushab, stopped for directions and headed into the mountains. This is where the real scenic part started. The climb through the salt range was steep and there were dozens of turns. It seems the road was developed from an old track and just followed the natural contours of the mountains.
The descent to the other side was amazing as we entered a lush green valley. This place is known as Soan-Sakesar valley and comprises of pastures of green fields and small villages. The only town on this side of the range is Naushera (not to be confused with the place in NWFP). We finally reached Uchaali lake at about 1pm.
The view was breathtaking but there were absolutely no facilities there. So its not a tourist spot. A unique feature was a small road (only wide enough for a car to pass) leading INTO the lake. Its a bit weird because the road just ends at a small hut. We sat there for some time taking in the view and getting some pics.
Moving on from there, we first attempted to travel up the Sakesar top but were immediately stopped by security personnel. It was quite a disappointing end to our exploration. Dejected and tired, we returned but on an impulse took a turn after Naushera towards Sodhi gardens. Its a wildlife park and the road was another adventure.
We had very little clue where we were going but it took us to Kalar Kahar (the point where motorway crosses the salt range). On meeting a local guide at the tourism office, we decided not to turn back towards Lahore, but move ahead to the eastern part of the same mountains.
This took us through some developed areas (huge cement factories) and we made a stopover at Katas Raj. Once a majestic focal point of Hindu culture, this place is now undergoing a desperate restoration effort. The pictures came out quite nice. We had lunch at a small garden next to the Fort.
Onwards, we crossed the salt range one last time through the town of Chua Saiden Shah and descended upon Khewra salt mines around 7pm. These are one of the largest deposits of rock salt in the world. The tour was really good and lasted for an hour.
We left Khewra in the dark and took an unusually straight road that led us back the the exact same spot where we had left the motorway. Essentially we had made a complete circle from west to east around the salt range.]]>
Time for an upgrade!tag:www.bilalrafi.com,2008:/artesia//11.2292008-07-08T03:32:54Z2008-07-28T06:30:58ZAfter about 12 years, I finally switched back to Intel for my desktop. One of the main reasons was that AMD related price drops are not reflected properly in our local market, specially when it comes to motherboards. I was...www.bilalrafi.com
galaxy. Probably the only Pakistani retailer who has a website with prices getting updated on a daily basis! So I finally decided to burn some more money on an upgrade, quite falsely convincing myself that this one will last for atleast a couple of years, atleast!]]>
Specs:
===================
CPU: E8400 3.0GHz Intel Wolfdale
Mobo: XFX nForece 680iLT
RAM: Corsair 2GB DDR800 (DHX Kit)
Graphics: XFX 9600GT 512MB DDR3
PSU: Coolermaster Real Power 460W
Casing: EZ Machines ATX
Display: Samsung 226BW 22" LCD
HDD: WD 80GB + 400GB SATA2
ODD: Sony Dual Layer DVD burner + ASUS SATA DVD ROM
So far my experience has been quite satisfying, as I've already tested the setup with both Win XP and Vista. Gaming runs pretty cool as well even though I saved a few bucks at the last minute, by going for the 9600GT instead of all the cool 9800s lying around in the shop. Crysis runs at medium/high specs and looks beautiful, while Dirt just looks amazing with full settings.
Now I just need to hook up another 226BW display and go for a nice sinewave UPS to cater for 8 hours of power outage every day :)
Update: 22-July
===================
I have *notice the smug look on my face* finally bought the proper UPS for my gadgets and gizmos. Arrived today and got it hooked up with my LCD TV immediately. Its SUCH a satisfying moment when my PS3 character is hanging from some tree shooting after dozens of approaching thugs and suddenly the power is cut. But no worries! As my game keeps rolling on hehe thanks to the 1.5kVA Compaq UPS.
Its a neat little monster hooked up to 2x80mAH liquid batteries. Currently I'm running a 40" LCD TV, PS3, Sony Home Theater, Nintendo Wii, CPU, 22" LCD monitor, Sony Hi-Fi, WiMax modem, Wifi access point and my VOIP cordless phone. Still gives more than an hour's backup and the recharge time is moderate (lives through 60 min power outage every two/three hours).
Life has definitely improved :)]]>
Losttag:www.bilalrafi.com,2008:/artesia//11.2302008-06-29T13:33:57Z2008-07-08T05:04:02ZThe ever growing mystery shrouded in confusion and misdirection has run to the end of its fourth successful season. I started watching it in a very skeptic mood, but by the 10th episode, I'm unwillingly hooked. Specially now that some...www.bilalrafi.com
The ever growing mystery shrouded in confusion and misdirection has run to the end of its fourth successful season. I started watching it in a very skeptic mood, but by the 10th episode, I'm unwillingly hooked. Specially now that some of the answers are apparently making their way through to the audience. Although I fail to guess how JJ Abrams will make a connection to some of the mysteries shown in the early days.
Will write another update when I finish my season this week :)
Update:
-----------------------
WOW! Finally a season finale that lived upto its expectations! I'm glad alot of questions raised in season 3/4 have been answered and some of the most frustrating gaps have been filled. Including the one about Claire being Jack's half sister. I mean whats with that?!
I want to get answers to atleast the following and speculations are welcome in comments :)
1. Who owns the island and subsequently lost it to Dharma?
2. Is Ben working for a bigger party or is just a renegade from Whittmore's empire?
3. Who is Aaron's father? Will someone approach him in a similar way as Richard approached Locke?
4. What is Jack's destiny?]]>
As you sow; so shall ye not reap?tag:www.bilalrafi.com,2008:/artesia//11.2282008-01-30T03:51:27Z2008-03-10T05:18:34ZQuite a disaster, one would say, that an agricultural country runs short of domestic wheat demand. Add to it, the fact that some projected a mega bumper crop this year; based on which the powers that be, exported our actual...www.bilalrafi.com
Quite a disaster, one would say, that an agricultural country runs short of domestic wheat demand. Add to it, the fact that some projected a mega bumper crop this year; based on which the powers that be, exported our actual wheat produce to other countries. End result, queues of people at stores, short fall of wheat supply to flour mills and typical hoarding and looting scenarios that follow any shortage in our society. But the big question is; does all the hoo-haa of post election triumphant politicians actually amount to anything tangible for the people?
Just yesterday, heard my dad comment that if the people think Asif Zardari is better than you, then you must have done something really really terrible. It may also means that our people unfortunately suffer from long term memory loss, as they conveniently forget doings of the corrupt and invite them on stage for another round.
I'm kind of sad for Makhdoom Amin Fahim, who might have even seriously listed down things he will do first after becoming PM. But he has just become the first victim of this twisted game of politics. I have a feeling that slowly everyone around BB will slowly become sidelined while Mr Z is in charge of the party.
The Sharif's on the other hand probably suffer from another dilemma; they raised the restoration of judges slogan so many times, that now they can't back down from it. But at the same time, the PPP cannot afford to get into confrontation with the President and risk losing the power they have secured after a very very long time. They don't have any other martyrs left to sacrifice next time around for a sympathy vote.
Happy(?) New Yeartag:www.bilalrafi.com,2008:/artesia//11.2272008-01-17T07:00:49Z2008-02-08T04:02:29ZThe recent post Benazir assassination events have proved to be shocking to most, if not all, Pakistanis. The surge in violence in the north, pathetic looting and inexcusable murders in the south, country-wide political instability and a warranted overall mistrust...www.bilalrafi.com
The recent post Benazir assassination events have proved to be shocking to most, if not all, Pakistanis. The surge in violence in the north, pathetic looting and inexcusable murders in the south, country-wide political instability and a warranted overall mistrust in the people are enough to dampen anyone's mood at the start of this year. But I'm sure there must have been many who'd have kept the newly formed 'tradition' of getting drunk and celebrating the advent of another foreseeable misery-filled year for Pakistan.
Things were not always like this, I am quite sure. I remember the times when all people had to worry about during this season was the fog, drink driving and some gossip about certain parties happening at certain farm houses that everyone else seemed to have been to!
Now when mosques are not safe for worshipers, streets are not safe for the police, courts are not safe for the judges and campaigning is not safe for politicians; when 'miscreants' are killing their fellow countrymen at every given chance; things have changed for sure.
General Zia used Islam as a political tool giving power and arms to those who were certain to misuse these. And those who benefited the most were so called Islamic parties and their 'well-wishers' in the establishment (read covert organizations).
I always say that General Zia is to blame for creating a false and controversial image of Islam in the eyes of general public. Now General Musharraf has done the same to the Army.
The 'enlightenment' of society brought about by the current leader has created a wide gap between a small group of people, who want to enjoy every freedom without the bounds of law or religion, and a large population who are surprised, rather shocked at their quickly eroding culture and values.
I would venture even further to claim that General Musharraf in his haste to modernize us, has embarked on a mission to ethnically cleanse Pakistan of all those who believe that religion and morality are not a personal thing but a community issue and need to be applied that way.
The deadly juggling acttag:www.bilalrafi.com,2007:/artesia//11.2092007-12-30T04:11:10Z2007-12-31T07:34:31ZThere was a new practice developed in eight century Persia where a tribe was renowned for providing volunteers who would proceed to kill a famous political or religion opponent. The killers were often drugged with 'hashish' and hence called hassassin...www.bilalrafi.com
assassin). These high profile killings of the ruling/opposing factions were thought of as a newly created weapon at that time and caused great political turmoil. The leader of this militant sect was held solely responsible for all acts and it is still quite unclear who motivated those assassinations. All of this sounds dangerously synonymous to what is ongoing in Pakistan these days.]]>
hell-bent northern miscreants is not satisfactory anymore, as the attacks are becoming more sophisticated and well co-ordinated by each day.
It amazes me at how well informed the recent attackers have been and this is the main reason for their high success ratio. It does seem too far fetched to believe that there are indeed many sympathizers in the current establishment who are providing support to such attacks. It is a very serious concern and one that should be on the highest priority list for this government.
This weekend our government has taken a leaf out of the American's foreign policy book, and through a recorded phone call and various other means they are trying to prove a futile point. It closely resembles the post 9/11 event where US government shared highly classified 'proof' of Al Qaeda involvement to allied administrations; proof that could not be revealed to general public!
Whether Benazir Bhutto died by a bullet wound or not, it does not reduce the significance of the event. It does not lighten any burden from the government for lack of security. And it does not nullify the fact that if she had remained inside the car, at least this assassination attempt would not have been successful.
But it also raises many more questions about the motive behind prolonging a largely unproductive debate on the exact cause of death.]]>
All the King's mentag:www.bilalrafi.com,2007:/artesia//11.2192007-12-19T06:15:29Z2007-12-26T04:15:29ZThese days it looks like only one political party is participating in the elections. This is quite evident from the heavily biased posters, banners, huge advertising campaigns on TV and in the streets. Maybe its taken the opposition by surprise,...www.bilalrafi.com
These days it looks like only one political party is participating in the elections. This is quite evident from the heavily biased posters, banners, huge advertising campaigns on TV and in the streets. Maybe its taken the opposition by surprise, or there is a twist to the tale. But without publicly 'contesting', the other parties cannot blame the government of any electorial conspiracy.
A very simple reason on this unbalaced campaign is the opposition's indecision on electorial boycott. This left their political workforce estranged with unclear actions and targets. After a very late decision to contest the elections, it was probably not enough time for PML(N) and other alliances to bring out their flags and paint the town.
For this blunder, I would clearly single out Imran Khan and blame the whole boycott fiasco on him. His party does not have any standing on the ground and a boycott to the elections would have suited him just fine.
But the same logic does not apply to the PPP which had always maintained its stance on elections after Benazir Bhutto's shameless pardon and return to Pakistan. Still the prolonged dialogue with other parties on the subject of boycott only added to the public's confusion.
The result is quite evident, atleast in major cities; all roads, markets and major inter-sections are loaded with banners and life-size painted posters of PML(Q) candidates. This is the sort of free ride Moonis Elahi probably always imagined to get for kick-starting his political career. Interestingly in his case, the posters are deployed all over the city of Lahore even though he's contesting from a much smaller provincial electorate.
One of the most interesting photos I've recently seen was published in Dawn, where a policeman in uniform is putting up posters for PML(Q). Saying the government machinery is supporting them is quite an understatement.
]]>
This was a very small road in really bad shape but lasted for about 20KM, eventually merging into the main road going towards Khushab. We re-fuelled at Khushab, stopped for directions and headed into the mountains. This is where the real scenic part started. The climb through the salt range was steep and there were dozens of turns. It seems the road was developed from an old track and just followed the natural contours of the mountains.
The descent to the other side was amazing as we entered a lush green valley. This place is known as Soan-Sakesar valley and comprises of pastures of green fields and small villages. The only town on this side of the range is Naushera (not to be confused with the place in NWFP). We finally reached Uchaali lake at about 1pm.
The view was breathtaking but there were absolutely no facilities there. So its not a tourist spot. A unique feature was a small road (only wide enough for a car to pass) leading INTO the lake. Its a bit weird because the road just ends at a small hut. We sat there for some time taking in the view and getting some pics.
Moving on from there, we first attempted to travel up the Sakesar top but were immediately stopped by security personnel. It was quite a disappointing end to our exploration. Dejected and tired, we returned but on an impulse took a turn after Naushera towards Sodhi gardens. Its a wildlife park and the road was another adventure.
We had very little clue where we were going but it took us to Kalar Kahar (the point where motorway crosses the salt range). On meeting a local guide at the tourism office, we decided not to turn back towards Lahore, but move ahead to the eastern part of the same mountains.
This took us through some developed areas (huge cement factories) and we made a stopover at Katas Raj. Once a majestic focal point of Hindu culture, this place is now undergoing a desperate restoration effort. The pictures came out quite nice. We had lunch at a small garden next to the Fort.
Onwards, we crossed the salt range one last time through the town of Chua Saiden Shah and descended upon Khewra salt mines around 7pm. These are one of the largest deposits of rock salt in the world. The tour was really good and lasted for an hour.
We left Khewra in the dark and took an unusually straight road that led us back the the exact same spot where we had left the motorway. Essentially we had made a complete circle from west to east around the salt range.]]>
Will write another update when I finish my season this week :)
Update:
-----------------------
WOW! Finally a season finale that lived upto its expectations! I'm glad alot of questions raised in season 3/4 have been answered and some of the most frustrating gaps have been filled. Including the one about Claire being Jack's half sister. I mean whats with that?!
I want to get answers to atleast the following and speculations are welcome in comments :)
1. Who owns the island and subsequently lost it to Dharma?
2. Is Ben working for a bigger party or is just a renegade from Whittmore's empire?
3. Who is Aaron's father? Will someone approach him in a similar way as Richard approached Locke?
4. What is Jack's destiny?]]>
Whether Benazir Bhutto died by a bullet wound or not, it does not reduce the significance of the event. It does not lighten any burden from the government for lack of security. And it does not nullify the fact that if she had remained inside the car, at least this assassination attempt would not have been successful.
But it also raises many more questions about the motive behind prolonging a largely unproductive debate on the exact cause of death.]]>