360 Degrees

by Abdul Aziz Chaudhry (Pakistan)

A leap into the unknown Pakistan

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Travel, and an instant adrenaline rushed, yes it certainly did for I loved social interaction. A silenced voice was always inside of me that wanted me to know the unknown and explore the life. Strangled between thoughts, lost in contemplation I was looking for ways to explore until I finally set out with an aim to visit all provinces of Pakistan. A rhythmic melody delivered a symphonic cadence of sensation which reverberated in my inner soul, “Mountains are calling”. The ascend returned a cool breeze, as I found myself in the culmination of the white snowflakes and golden rays of the radiant sun, smiling like a perfect blend of prismatic world. I was in Shogran, my first stop. Clouds were hovering passed through me and raindrops sprinkled a shower of limitless blessing. I stood firm in utter surprise, as my hands reached the sky with eyes closed. I was in a state of transcendental meditation, the state I had longed and tried enough. But that day, I was forced by nature, as my soul got soaked in the unheard voices of beauty. I was submerged in the relentless state of thanksgiving. Sirri Piye, was the next worthwhile scenery, with its lush green mountains and hills. I was standing on the top of the mountain, embracing the cold winds and inhaling the peaceful air, where I was living my dream in moments. The next stop was, Narran, a small town amidst the lofty mountains. In no time, I got acquainted to the cheerful ambience of this town. Every place was so mesmerizing, the nights in the mountains were severely cold. However, the Riverside bonfire with freezing temperature was itself a vibrant gratification. Babusar Top was one of my favorite places, I have been in my entire life with a soothing view for the mind and soul, and the swirling wind that gifted me a moment to cherish for my life. Lahore was the next stop, with its delicious food and rich heritage, culture and museums. The hospitality was remarkable, and I loved the idea of touring the whole city and learning the local language and culture. Karachi was the following destination, the largest city of Pakistan, a financial, and industrial hub, and famous for its food. So, I travelled another thousand kilometers to the south of Pakistan as I had a special urge to taste its biryani and local food. I spent my time there, discovering the scenic beauty of beaches and museums. Paradise point became the connection of my existence to non-existence, where I achieved independence from the shackles of time and space. I was in another world but more importantly got to know what I was looking for from that unknown world in a single moment that life flows just like water waves, either you can mourn what’s lost or greet what’s coming. Undoubtedly travelling was the best thing that happened to me, which treaded me on the path of self-discovery as I wanted to find the life and experience the peace, we all look for. Forget what people say about wasting time just like I got to hear, just remember the time enjoyed wasting is not wasted. Travelling maybe followed by adversity, but that is what evolves us, the hard work we do to improve ourselves every day. Life is so unexpected, the things we refrain from to learn while staying in our normal course is the thing that stops us from going out there, meeting people, learning from them, understanding the values, experiencing the emotions and communicating through the feelings. Today, I see myself as a completely different person, evolved by adversity and travelling. I started loving the topics of emotions, kindness, life, philosophy and above all the warmth I feel while being surrounded by my people. My perspective changed from seeing through the rear mirror to windscreen, my moments filled with gratitude, and the life and nature I had ignored around me became more appealing and meaningful. To sum up, I would say, “Whenever you go out there, leave your cameras behind, just experience, listen to that silence and you will find your evolution and peace right inside you”.