readersdigest.co.in 97capital. I was so excited about being
there that I soaked in everything in
my surroundings with the wonder of
a child in a fairyland.
The Avari Hotel where we were
staying was beautiful, with its
tastefully traditional decor and huge,
green lawns. Food had always been
at the centre of all my conversations
on Lahore, so we soon left for Model
Town, the abode of the famous Bhaiya
Kabab. This was my first meal in the
city and one that will always stay with
me. It was a small place really, nothing
fancy, but I was to learn soon why it
had such a reputation. We ordered
the food in the car, and minutes
later arrived the most scrumptious
seekh kebabs, accompanied by a
finger-licking tamarind chutney and
kulchas. This local bread resembled
the khameeri roti, sesame seeds
added. The food was so delicious that
I just could not stop eating—so muchso that my hosts were highly amused.
After this, we went on a tour of the new
Defence Housing Authority, Lahore,
which was like any posh south-Delhi
neighbourhood—only from the 1970s.
Empty, open roads and beautifully
manicured lawns and trees lined the
area—all quite enchanting.Old-World Charm
At night, I realized, I had been given
a room in the ladies’ wing of the
hotel. Apparently the women guests
could also opt for lady attendants and
service staff, if desired. Honestly, I was
a bit amused—the old-world charm,
mixed with the modern amenities,
was delightful. In fact, this coexistence
of the modern with the traditional
was something I was to get used to
in Pakistan. In the morning, I noticed
that the hotel rooms had their own
24-hour radio, so as I sat by my
window overlooking the swimmingDecorated trucks
in Lahore look like
new brides.
A sari shop
in Anarkali Bazaar