I arrived to Karachi via Pakistan International Airlines yesturday morning. I have only heard horror stories about PIA, so I was not looking forward to flying with them. Here are a few things I noticed during my flight: the cabin crew were all male. There was only one female, who was responsible for making overhead announcements. I found this to be very interesting because on all the flights I have taken, the cabin crew have always been female. However, I have also noticed that when the female cabin crew wear skirts as their uniform, male passenger's eyes tend to wander. Regardless, the cabin crew were very curteous and polite. One of the attendants noticed I was not drinking enough water so he handed me a whole 2L water bottle to keep during the flight. Before take off, a verse of the Quran was recited. I apologize but I am not qualified in Quranic readings to decipher which verse it was. I am assuming it was on 'safe travels.'

As I was being driven from the airport to the AKU guest house, I had gripped on to the door handle rather tightly. It was absolute chaos! I have never seen anything like this in Canada. There is no concept of traffic lights (minimal at least) or a speed limit. It is literally free for all. Everyone shares the same lane-does not matter whether you are in a car, motorcycle or bicycle. In fact, lane marks are not even visible! It looks like chaos to a foreigner but this is 'normal' for the locals. Karachi is a town that never sleeps and hence, the traffic never eases. It is surprising to me that there are not that many motor vehicle accidents as I had expected. If this was the case in Canada, I am sure we would have 20 car pile ups! It is important to point out here that the local karachi drivers do not speed and they are vigilent. They carefully scan the road prior to switching lanes, making U-turns or braking because they have tom especially when there is no proper road system. The drivers honk to let the surrounding cars know they are switching lanes or prior to turning a corner. To cross the road is taking a risk on life-in my opinion at least. Yet the locals cross roads so easily! I merely crossed a small alley and almost got hit by a motorcycle. It must take mad skills to be able to drive and jay walk in Karachi-something which I must learn to do in order to ensure my survival.

I received a tour of the Aga Khan University today. I must say, this university is the most beautiful university I have ever seen! Mind you I have not seen many...Nevertheless, I love the abundant use of water through water channels, fountains and pools. Lush greenery also surrounds the university-every corner has a variety of plants. I love the use of red bricks and marble as well. It adds a sense of sophistication yet calmness. Reminds me of the Al-Hambra and it's use of red bricks. We also visited the heart of the AKU, which is the sports center. It has 4 tennis courts, two squash courts, a swimming pool, cricket field, track, weight training room and separate aerobics room for ladies and gents. And lets not forget the gymnasium! The gymnasium is where not only volleyball/basketball/table tennis/badminton matches are held but also where examinations take place. The ground is covered with maple wood and the top part of the walls are covered with tapesteries. However, these are not just any tapestaries. They not only provide a cultural flavor but they each have a sound system behind them to filter the noise and hence drown it so there is no echo.
Near the sports center, there is a glass wall with the names of donors who have selflessly given their resources for a wonderful cause. The University has a medical college as well as a nursing school. It is also working on opening up an Arts and science faculty in the new few years which will be bigger than the university itself!. Can't wait!