“Pakistan 🇵🇰 ~Lets Explore Lahore”

• November 1, 2020
• By Pen
• 4 Comments

We had a really interesting plan for the day, but it went belly-up on us. Sometimes things happen, that are out of our control, and it can be a tad disappointing. Our touring is off to a slow start, but we will keep trying. We look forward to tomorrow, when we go for a city tour.

Yesterday, when our tour got cancelled to visit Wagha Border, we found a driver, and traveled to the location on our own. We made it the border and got in line, to wait for the gate to open, without issue. We were there to watch the “Lowering of the Flag Ceremony;” put on by both India and Pakistan, at the only land border between the two countries. It is a rather unique display to witness, and I’ve never heard of anything like this kind of Ceremony between countries, anywhere. The ceremony runs each and everyday of the year, 24/7/365 and begins about 45 minutes before sunset…..Well, except for today, when we went there. 😏 How is that for luck?

We were not the only ones turned away at the gate, either; being told the ceremony was cancelled. To be clear, the border crossing was not closed, but either the Flag Ceremony was not put on, or it continued like normal, but the public was not allowed to witness. We have no idea. After we got back to our guesthouse, I got busy trying to find an email contact that I could use to possibly reach out to the border authorities, and ask when the ceremony will be able to be viewed by guest, again. Its a two-hour round trip, a $26 cost, and non-refundable.

During the drive, plus wait time at the border, we took in the scenes around us. We watched the people going a bout their daily lives and began getting a little more familiar with Pakistan, at least in Lahore. We were standing in line at the border, when locals began talking with Darly. From there, we were asked if they could take selfies together. We had lots of photos taken and it was fun and relaxing. It’s always good to know we are approachable, when we visit new locations.

Since we paid for a driver, and there was no waiting on his part; as in “he was to wait for the 45 minute ceremony to take place, then return us back to our guesthouse”….anyway, we asked him to stop at KFC, so we could buy chicken to eat, and be able to eat cold in our hotel room later, as well. For 15 pieces of chicken, the total was $24! Its the first time we bought food, since we arrived. We would get the same in Istanbul Turkey, and even get 20 pieces for six bucks. So, we will be watching the prices for food a bit closer. That’s unreal!

Tomorrow, we will be gone in the morning for an all-day tour around Lahore. We will see our friend again, and go all together. It will be fun to hang out and take in the cultural adventure of Lahore.