I have been planning this trip for some years now and hope to make it in 2006 because I have been able to trace some old friends of my family through a leading writer from Pakistan who knows both sides. Some of the people I look forward to meeting are friends of my late grandfather and are very old. My family tree on my father’s side has been catalogued quite well but that on my mother’s side has not since she married my father and moved to India. This may help me fill some blanks in on that side.
I would greatly appreciate suggestions on places to visit in Karachi, Lahore and Hyderabad, three cities of importance to my family and where I plan on going. Also, any tips on travelling to Pakistan in general would be more than welcome. Would it be possible, for example, to hire a car and drive on my own? Would it be advisable to do this for someone with an American driver’s license?
Also, as someone who relishes good food and is an amateur chef, I would request suggestions on eating places where traditional food is available in these three cities. Please help me plan this trip with your suggestions - I shall be very grateful for your help and may write a book or even shoot an amateur documentary on this. All help will be gratefully acknowledged. I have been to many countries and have lived in several parts of the world, but this is a trip that I look forward to. There is a saying that you learn about affection only from friends and relatives of the family on your mother’s side. Friends and relatives on your father’s side are usually only connected with business. This is why this trip is going to be special.
Thanks in advance and best wishes to everyone here.