Islamabad Dreaming

Islamabad. The capital. The city reeks of power. This is the place where million dollar mansions are built in beautiful tree lined streets near endless acres of surrounding parkland.

Pakistan has created the ideal city where east meets west. There are museums, parklands and beautiful architecture. Wealth and power seem to flow together.

From an Australian perspective, it's like our capital, Canberra. A purpose built capital designed to house politicians and all other workers of parliment. Similar to Washington DC, there's a sense that the city has a job to do and you can feel it happening around you.

Mountains surround the city. The margualla hills overlook the city providing breathtaking views.

The trendy and hip, meet at the Randevenous cafe for strong cafe lattes.

Families shopping at Jinnah Supermarket for the latest designer wear.

The traffic is like that of any international city across the world with order, laws and sometimes, disorder.

The difference is that this city is at the center of the world's troubles and you can feel that too.

Everyone wants a piece of it, the east and the west. It's unlike any other.

Guards, soldiers and guns are part of the architecture. It's guarded. From the mountains tops, to the constant check points, everyone is on edge.

Mountains and hills surround the city, with Monal Restaurant sitting above. Have lunch at the cafe and look down at the working city.

Monkeys inhabit the hills and surrounding parkland. Always looking for food.

It's the home away home for children of migrants on holidays in Pakistan.

The Januaury air is cold like in Melbourne. Everywhere I looked, Islamabad reminded me of home.

Now that I am back home, the icy winter weather reminds me of this city. Guess I'm Islamabad dreaming...