After another thrilling test in one Multan, of the oldest cities in the world, it was time to move on to Karachi. Our guide Mehmood, who was nothing short of brilliant with all the amazing places he arranged for us to visit based on his exceptional knowledge was the key to the success of the tour.
We had several hours to kill before our flight and as nothing was in itinerary except for a free day he decided to take us to a local pottery enroute to the airport, some enjoyed it some less so. I was amongst the few who would rather be visiting a bazaar with all the colour, dust, smells, and motor bikes weaving their way between the smallest of spaces, people pushing carts, and donkeys pulling carts. I loved them. They were like a breath of fresh air. They were exciting, locals would want us to go in and have a photo in their shop, sounds great doesn’t it, and they are, only thing was we were at a brick kiln, I won’t talk about that as I said it was like extracting teeth!
We decided we would have an early lunch, it was 11:30, most of us had a late breakfast so took the opportunity to have a coffee and enjoy the sun, we then set of for the airport. A two hour journey ahead of our delayed flight. Suddenly a large bang to a rear tyre, luckily, we were close to a junction and located a garage close by. Not the sort of garage you would expect to find in the UK of course! The coach was secured with brick’s which stopped it from moving then it was jacked up. I guess in the uk the process would take five minutes but not in Pakistan! It was clearly evident from the start that this would take considerably longer than five minutes! Two or three guys looking came to assess the situation! As the clock was ticking more staff arrived to add to the confusion of a flat tyre so much so they that they managed to cross thread two of the bolts which held the tyre In position. Every few minutes, locals started to join us, some wanting selfies once again. Eventually after an hour we got on our way and then stopped for a surprise coffee break. To give you an idea of prices in Pakistan 3 coffees were 600 rupees which is £5.93 the amount to replace the inner tube including labour was 500 rupees which is £4.94! Incredible!
At every test match the cost of a coffee is more than the lunch! Anyway, our driver misjudged the mileage, before we knew it he was driving flat out down the motorway, it was as if James Hunt was at the whee,l happy to say we arrived in plenty of time for our flight where the airport process was once again a challenge.
In Karachi where we had two days of sightseeing, we first we visited the tomb of Jinnah which isn’t open to locals or tourists. Our great guide pulled a few strings. I have no idea how he did that but we were given permission to visit and were welcomed on our arrival by three local custodians we had no idea who they were but clearly dignitaries in some sort. The tomb Is guarded 24/7 by Pakistan forces who duty is in three blocks of four months. It was just amazing to be so honoured. it’s a word I’ve used a lot on this tour, but it truly was. We then visited the palace where Jinnah once lived . We had a tomb guide who spoke briefly about Jinnah’s love for art, he said was like a candle in the wind, everyone looked at me, I thought he’s a Pakistani he wouldn’t know Elton! But it’s a line used to celebrate a star, and clearly Jinnah was a star to the people of Pakistan.
Then we went to the coast and onto the beach to take in the Karachi sunset. The beach was huge in width, there were a lot of beggars, camels & horses to ride – even a snake charmer! A bit like some of the beaches in the Uk – thinking Blackpool without the kiss me quick hats!
The second day was an extremely interesting if you like tombs & graveyards! The day was spent visiting the tomb of Quaid before driving on to Thatta and the Chaukhandi tombs constructed between the 15th and 18th centuries look incredible. The sandstone carvings were spectacular, hardly weathered in all that time, then onto Shah Jahan Mosque and Malik graveyard with nearly a million tombs over 400 years old containing royalty and Sufis.
The following day was the final test in Karachi. England have broken many records and the cricketing world have been watching from afar with England’s new brand of cricket taking the world by storm. I think, when there is so much time left in matches, we should score more runs, but Stokes knows best. He has been a breath of fresh air to the team, and they all believe in him. So long as they don’t leave anything on the field Ben is happy. Pakistan finally wins the toss on a very flat wicket and rightfully batted. Wickets in Karachi always play well then after a day or two the start to take spin. England bowled well restricting them to 304. A brilliant effort on that wicket. England reached 354 on a fast but deteriorating, tricky surface. I thought those 50 runs would be crucial, but Pakistan batted like there were no demons in the wicket and reached 53 before losing their first wicket. Two more quickly fell with only one run added. England then put a tight squeeze on the Pakistanis taking regular wickets, Pakistan posting just 216. England went at it as you would expect with an aggressive style and won the final test by 8 wickets for an historic win. England to a man, have played excellent, exciting cricket. Every match was different and every time England found a way to win. Well done “Stokesy” and England! This was test cricket at its best and a historic 3-0 win in Pakistan.
With an early finish we visited the market and a museum. When we arrived at the museum, we had half an hour to kill as they were at lunch so Paul and I played some cricket with three young lads, and as always happens as soon as one of us peels off an armed policeman comes with us watching on. He took the photo with the young lads for us.
Lastly, I would like to say well done Pakistan, we had the most amazing time, you have been so welcoming and friendly. I didn’t know what to expect and went with caution. I would say it’s right up there with the best tours I’ve ever done, and the memories will live with me forever.
I would just like to say to all of you who have toured with us we hope you had a great Christmas and we wish you a safe new year.
All the best from
Sara, Richard, Ed, Dee (our book keeper) , Alex (IT man) and me Gary
