Going Loco in Karachi

For once, everything went smoothly, too smoothly by my way of reckoning. I was knocked off by the punctuality, impeccable business class-service, no lost baggage, no glitches, my weirdo radar didn’t make a beep, even my ears didn’t pop! The way my journeys and travel plans work out, this was clearly a miracle. It was perfect.

It was short-lived. Grrrrrr!!

I should have known better, than be taken in by the false security of one peaceful journey. It was just the prelude to my senses being assaulted by the chaos that is called KARACHI! The cocoon was ripped open by the first car that nearly creamed me on my way out of the Jinnah Airport. I know Dubai traffic is a nightmare, but it’s a streamlined nightmare. Karachi traffic is driving bumper cars with the hiccups. Dodge, bump, yell, hit, swerve, cuss, and I am not even doing the driving! I just keep me eyes open for the spit missiles that certain imbeciles let loose with no respect for others. Fellow blogger, Viking Mike’s idea of furries on the roof of my car made the drive to work and back so much more interesting.

The pollution and fumes are giving me a rash, not to mention the dryness in the air. Speaking of air, it squeezed the life out of my tonsils! I have the worst sore throat imaginable. Not to mention the hot water and honey that singed my tongue hair. Owwwwweeee. Everything I’ve eaten today tasted like saw-dust, so am eating like there is no tomorrow. My head is not very happy with the piling pounds, but my body is ecstatic with the ‘extra meat’. For the life of me I cannot diet, even my brain rebels at the thought, the only alternate was to take out my rarely used walking shoes. For the past five months the only exercise I may have done is gone shopping. Hey what can I say, I am a woman! Anyways, after fifteen minutes of a slight brisk walk, my ankles were sobbing, I distinctly heard a groan from the vicinity of the right knee, muscles were wailing for the torture to stop. In this out and out war of the mind versus the body, the mind is wining hands down. Hope the blubber melts! I have to say that,Tree-Elf has provided motivation. Every time my body wants to collapse, my mind gleefully paints a picture of Tree-Elf running full out. Shudder. Since I am not willing to subject myself to that torture - yet – I continue with brisk walking.

At this point it is crucial to bring in the relatives. Now that’s a different kind of pain. On my arrival, my Grandparents house was filled to the rafters with aunts, uncles and the several dozen cousins. One chacchi (dad’s brother’s wife) was on a discourse about her capabilities and abilities in a bid to impress the her competition, i.e. the other aunts. Show off! A cousin’s proposal was accepted, I asked if she even talked to the guy and she said she hadn’t. Humph! The teens were discussing cell phones; the men were tossing business woes, while the women were stirring the gossip cauldron. An everyday occurrence in this house but for me it was a shock. In two months had forgotten how chaotic it can get, how completely nerve wrecking, its like trying to play volley ball with ice-skates on. Volley, slip, bruise, return volley, get a grip, focus, balance, volley, fall, volley, volley, volley (that’s 3 aunts tossing questions at the same time) I stayed for an hour, made my excuses then head for my room.

Am really missing home and Bubloo-the-cat’s warmth against my legs. Two nights in a row see me up and channel surfing until the wee hours then running to work, usually late but very punctual about heading back. For the past two days am going loco trying to re-orient myself, had to harass the telecom guys to fix the phone-lines, mosquitoes are drawing blood – half a pint per bite!, car repairs, the needs of several people that depend on me for their living, the relatives shenanigans are making me see red, even the weather is grating on my nerves and work has piled sky high, so I bring it home, only: NO electricity. The generator coughed and puffed and on a final groan gave out. Poor baby. Relief, I was delighted with the quiet, the peace, this was my chance to light up several candles. So here I am, plunked down on my bean-bag, writing this post the old-fashioned way. The shadows are waltzing with the flames, there is a breeze coming in through the window, leaves are being moon-kissed, the darkened corners beckon but head bent I let the ink flow.

My heart is quiet.