Discovery

This story happened half a year ago, but I remembered it right away when came to stay at Alishan’s house in Islamabad.

It was in November 2008 when Jeremy, Joan and I went for vacation around Lahore and Islamabad.

Isloo was our last point. We spent good 2 days over there and then booked tickets back to travel by Daewoo bus. When it was time to go to the bus station, Joan and I (staying at Amna’s place) came to pick up Jeremy from Alishan’s house.

We knew we were already getting late, and Joan was getting nervous.

We arrived at Alishan’s. Jeremy had still to finish packing his bag, so he went upstairs. While he was gone, Alishan’s mother invited us to the lounge and asked if we wanted to have some tea.

As the most passionate tea lover, I thought that I would have some. “Yes please” :)

Joan didnt share my passion. “Katya, how can you have tea when we are late?!?!”

“Hm, whats wrong, Jeremy is still packing his stuff!” - I thought.

In that moment Jeremy came down with his bag. Tea was not ready yet though. Joan suggested that we do not wait any additional second and leave right away. We sat in the car. Tea was not ready yet.

I was about to give up on having it, when Alishan’s mom came with chai served on a tray. So, we are sitting in a car and about to leave, and there is a tea on a tray. I had to make strategic decision. Right away.

Aunty was insisting that we took tea in a car and drink it on the way, so I thought “why not”. Joan was furious…

I knew that Jeremy would support me with the tea idea. I was right - Jeremy took the tea in the car.

So we started to move. It was fine in the beginning, except the fact that driver didn’t drive fast being afraid that we spoil the tea on our clothes or smth. It would have been fine, if Jeremy hadnt gotten a call on his mobile.

So Jeremy picked up his phone and started talkin not being able to drink the tea any more. His cup was still full, so driver was moving the car VERY slowly not to disturb Jeremy!

We were getting extremely late, we all knew that.

Jeremy was talking for good twenty minutes, and when he was done, we breathed - “now we will move faster!”

We did, but time was still ahead of us. Eventually, we got late for the bus :) Waited for 1 hour and got new tickets for the next one.

But Joan remembered it to me forever :)

This time, staying at Alishan’s, Jeremy, Mariam and I experienced the same hospitality. Every day we are treated with delicious home made food. Aunty even found out what food we eat in Russia and cooked some of my favorite: smashed potatoes, boiled rice with vegetables, Russian salad and non-spicy chicken.

I thought Russian people are hospitable. Come to Pakistan man :-)