6 cms, 13 gates and Corollas

7

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Felt like the Yankee in King Arthur's Court the moment I landed in Lahore. Tall, hefty immigration officers and policemen greeting us at every nook and cranny! Alongwith the other 20-odd journos, our group least resembled Team India. Yaani ki...

"Amitabh sir khushnumaz hain toh", asked Asad Jaan, puffing on his tobacco stick, while driving us to PC (Pearl Continental). The car stereo blared "Kal Ho Na Ho", as we sped away from the lofty Allama Iqbal Airport. Hmm, time for Mr. Bhardwaj, my accompanying cameraman to blurt out "gaana kam kijiye". Poor Rajesh. Here he was, in the land of aggro-cricket, and was being asked about Bolly's Oakwood!! "Varaye Meherbani", pat came Asad's snorter. The first of many to follow over the next few days.

Shock and surprise over, we walk into an elevator to find Sachin and Zaheer. Before I could strike up some polite conversation, they got out. Also noticed I was (and am) little taller than Zaheer. Stood tall from that moment onwards.

Pretty difficult to get a cell connection out here. The lady at AMEX was helpful though. Got currency, a new SIM card, and well, went out for coffee with her and discussed Vikram Seth, her favourite author. Moodpiece, what say. By the way, this is a city of Corollas. Everyone seems to have one. Is it the econominiums, or, well, aerodynamics? Must ask Asad.

Abdul Jalil has wonderful vocal chords. The "Chacha" of Pak cricket simply bowled me over with his high-decibel "action-replay". Did I notice a hint of tiredness in his eyes when he was giving a byte to a local TV channel?

Lahore, the city of 13 Gates. Managed to see a bit. Was gifted a map of Pakistan and couple of books at a book shop in Fotress stadium. Wowie, aint I in the right place. Have taken a liking to the biscuits they give with tea out here.

Met wonderful people. Nadeem handles security at PC, 12 year-old Irfan, sells tea near the Liberty Market, Shahid Hashmi, now my FPG (friend, philo and guide, works for AFP), Rashid at Food Street, Raza Khan, an ex-military man who speaks fluent Bengali, Azma my friend, the very friendly Ashar from the Geo network, gun-toting security personnel outside the CNN office here, Amar in the CNN office who got me a pain-killer at 2 in the morning, when I was dying of a bad bad toothache. The list goes on. Hate to think of India and Pakistan instead of "us".

Cricket is being played at its own pace, whatz happened to the pitches out here? Feel real bad for the likes of Shoaib. Sami didnt sizzle, but the kababs at Gawalmandi, yumm. Shahryar Khan saab gave me a couple of places to go and check out the food. Bought a pair of gogs near the stadium. Darn cheap. And good too.

A bit sleepless though. Played the piano with one hand at the PC...post midnight. A beautiful lady comes up to me. Is it like the movies? Come on, she just asked where I've learnt the art!

Need to go to look for a haircut now. Will tell you later about the wonderful work going on at the Lahore Gymnkhana Cricket Club. And a certain Mr. Rana, who's simply too good. And also Pakistan's greatest bowler. And a very nice family who took me out for dinner.

Must tell you this before I vanish. Here, an ordinary match-box is 6 cms long! And Asad drives us through in a Corolla! LXR 7219. Watch this space. I'll be back soon