“Pakistan 🇵🇰 ~Thandiani, Shimla Hill, and Former Osama Bin Laden Compound”

• November 11, 2020
• By Pen
• 0 Comment

We headed out this morning, to see what we could see. We hired a local driver, and he did a great job. I do not recall his given name, or the spelling in Urdu, but I do remember his name means “Life,” in English. I can remember that! H said I could call him that. He spoke pretty good English, which is always nice, when touring.

Our first destination, outside of Abbottabad, was to climb the mountain of the Miranjani Range towards Thandiani. We were so close, when we got stopped by a guard, who told us we had to turn around and leave. If we were Pakistani naturals, this would not have been the case, and this is not have anything against Americans, because any foreign national would have been turned around. Apparently, the Army has a secure property up on the mountain “somewhere,” and we were not allowed to go anywhere near it. Since this compound houses their missiles, I get it. Due to the heavy layer of, dust, and pollution, the vista views would not have been that spectacular, anyway. Because we were almost to the top, we got plenty of photos, that were clearer, just below the peak.

From there, we made our way back down the mountain, passing by the same amazing small villages, and pretty views, we saw on the way up. The fact adults and children, alike wear traditional clothing, it makes it that much more special to people watch. Much of the city of Abbottabad is a Military institution, so we were banned from taking many photos. In addition, in some areas, Daryl was banned from taking photos of women, whereas I had permission to take photos of both genders. There were plenty of photos ops for all, though, on this, today. In addition to the wood burning and coal burning, we discovered there are a few rock queries which are also contributing to the major thick layer of visible bad air quality, which is hovering over the city. Its not always like this, but we just happen to be catching our visit on one of those days.

We went back through the main city of Abbotabad, and after our driver asked a few locals where to find the Bin Laden Compound, we drove right to it. It was a bit of wonder, getting out and walking the grounds. There is not much to see, so it was more of a feeling. Its definitely the place, as I remember very well, in 2011, seeing the photos and the news coverage on this secret mission to take Osama out. Our purpose to come here, to this city was not for this purpose, solely, but when in Rome…as they say.

Next up, on our way back to the guesthouse, Daryl shopped to buy a traditional hat he saw on many locals. Daryl is really not a hat guy, but I like this hat on him. Of course he can’t wear hats for at least six months, due to his hair procedure, so the hat will be there when he is ready.

We got back to our room and got some dinner. We were starving! We had a big day for sure. Lots to take in with the culture around us. Internet is not very fast, and loading photos takes so much time. Here is is, already time for bed, and I haven’t got this blog post done.

Tomorrow, we leave again in the morning, and our driver; Life, will drive us to a couple of other places, outside of Abbottabad. Kashmir is too far to do in a day trip, and the Silk Road is even further, so we will find another driver with a rack on the top of his car for our luggage and we will go to Kashmnir, next, and try to find lodging.