 We
stopped for gas on the road up to the Shangla pass. These two gentleman
insisted that I sit with them and have a few orange slices. They spoke
no English, but showed me how to put a pinch of salt on each slice. The
oranges were very good that way. |
 While
cruising down the Grand Trunk Road, we picked up a huge piece of metal
in our tire. After changing the tire, and driving on, we stopped at this
small tire repair shop. It consisted of a few crow bars, lots of spare
tubes and a compressor. While this young boy fixes the tire, dad and grandpa
sat on their charpoy and supervised. The kid did a great job, and we were
back on the road in about 15 minutes. Not even enough time to have a cup
of tea. |
 Instead
of semis, in Pakistan the roads are filled with these lorries. The carry
everything from logs to stones to vegetables. They are decorated with
colorful symbols and words. Each truck is unique and truly a work of art. |
 Mingora
is the main town in the Swat valley. It is set at the foot of the mountains,
and is a great stopping point on the way back from the North. The bazaars
are huge, and crowded, very exciting. Our hotel was about the highest
building in the town. It made for a great view in the evening. |
 Most
food can be purchased from these roadside vendors, without getting out
of the car. I told Fazal and Air (the driver) that we call it drive-through.
The oranges in Pakistan are much better than what we get in the US. They
were very fresh and juicy even though it was winter. |
 This
is a typical roadside cafe. Everyone sits on charpoys and the food is
served on the small tables. Charpoys are basically rope beds that double
as couches or chairs. The menu usually consists of one or two items that
are made in large pots, or on a grill. Every meal ends with tea and gupchupping. |
 This
guy works at the restaurant and is cutting the meat into bite size chunks.
He whacks off a large chunk with a cleaver. Then he draws the meat across
the knife. He holds the knife, blade up with his foot. It seems like a
safe and efficient way to cut up the stew meat. |
 Air,
Mark and Fazal on Shangla Pass. This is the connector road from Besham
to Swat. The terrain looks just like home in Colorado. The road is not
quite a four wheel drive road, but did require care while driving. Air
did a great job and I never felt that we were going to careen off any
cliffs. |
