I’ve been reading Dylan’s entry and replies with interest - I’m moving to a village near Pind Dadan Khan, on the edge of the Punjab plains, in September. I’m a single woman, and I’m going to be teacher training. I’ve never been to Pakistan before and haven’t a clue what to expect. What will life be like for a western woman in a rural area?
:)
Thats a bit harsh armughal. Shes merely asking what she should be prepared for. What if you had to move to a small village of China where they ate dogs and rats and didnt speak a word of English. 
Sorry Sarah, I have no idea. Im assuming it might be difficult, but Im sure people will treat you well. Pakistani people are usually quite warm and welcoming. Just remember to always be well covered up. You dont have to cover your face. Ive never been to a village of Punjab so I cant really help, maybe someone else can.
:) :) :)
armughal your work is getting to you. Take a deep breath.
better, catty???? :)
People will generally be very friendly and curious. Are you going to be staying in the village itself and who with?
I'm going to be staying in the village, living on my own. I'm used to living on my own, although I gather it's not the usual thing to do in Pakistan.
Well villages in Punjab don't usually have hotels, the houses all belong to people who live on the land there, so I'm assuming you've sorted out some accomodation? There's a book called 'Among Muslims' written by a Scottish woman, which was recommended by Madhanee. I can't remember the author's name but I read the book and it'll be an invaluable insight as it's a similar situation as yours.
Mr. Xtreme,
Yes, I've sorted out accomodation. I'm going with VSO - Voluntary Services Overseas - and they sort everything for me. Thanks for the book reccomendation - it sounds like it's what I need.
wear modest cloths :)
The book’s by Kathleen Jamie. Google zindabad :google:
good luck
It wouldn't be easy if you find it hard to sacrifice some of your creature comforts but an amzing experience nevertheless. Lovely people but vast cultural differences. Take your sense of humour along
you will be fine :)
Is it one of those GAP year things people go on before university?
My elder brother has gone to Morrocco, except for the language he's not had many problems, being a Muslim it's been easy for him, he can pray in Mosques and has Halaal food to eat. Although we're Pakistani, all Muslim countries are similar to some extent so it feels like home, just the "Adhaan" and the "Salaamun Alaykum" are enough to make us feel at home.
Punjabi villages are cool, the foods nice, the lush green orchards and the fields and the buffalos and swimming with my kaacha on in the water from those massive diesel hose pipes they use for watering the fields.
I’ve spent about 12 weeks in total in proper Punjab, it wasn’t a village more of a ranch sort of thing, absolutely loved it.
Just a friendly reminder, men wear modified skirts in villages of Punjab and it's uncustomary to wear underwear, so be careful not to sit directly across from a paindoo (native villager).
Actually the Dhoti is hardly ever seen nowadays, its been replaced by the Shalwar, you’ll only get the odd Kami-Kameen wearing them.
45 years ago when my grandfather bought some land and moved to Punjab the Punjabis would laugh at the Pathans for wearing Shalwar but now everyone is wearing them.
WoW Sarah, I m sure you will like it there. It will be hard at times but not as hard it may seem. Since you’re coming in summer, it will be quite hot here. that is one of the things you will find hard to cope with.
As far as covering up is concerned, I would recommend you get some shalwar Qameez’s before you go, especially the ones for summer they are very comfortable and you will fit right in if clothing is an issue. But you can stick to western if you wish.
I have never been to Dadan Khan so I don’t know how developed it is. But I m sure you will like it. But it will be very different from what you are use to, You will either like it or dislike it but I hope you have the best time. and Enjoy while you are in Pakistan 
So now I know it’s in punjab. But why is it “khan” then?
Well, before I thought you were some paki poster playing. But if you’re really moving there. Uh well, basically there shouldnt be a problem living alone but I really dont know 
Well, wouldnt it be quite boring for you as city life (Lahore) is much more interesting. I dont know how far Lahore would be from there but for me it would sure be harder living alone in a gaon.
I’m having a feeling of deja vu. Did you not post this topic yesterday and I replied to it as well. I remember someone posted a map of the Pind you are going to as well. Did your post get deleted 