WHAT soothes you after the initial disappointment of an unattractive airport is the absolute serenity in the streets of Islamabad, especially if you’ve just left the confusion of Karachi. The leaf canopy overhead as you explore the city, the flowers that scramble over sidewalks, the smiles, the mixture of foreigners and locals: all combine to suggest a pleasant experience soaking up the atmosphere of Pakistan’s capital city.
While there are many things to do and see in Islamabad, there is one that I wholeheartedly recommend — the Sunday Bazaar. In the midst of a shopping area are the little stalls of the bazaar within the city’s forested enclaves. While the dust and humidity can deter the most dedicated tourist, the bazaar in Islamabad is blessed with a breeze blowing off a nearby stream. Lapis lazuli is proudly displayed; the large circular semi-precious stone are strung together into necklaces. Cut and polished pieces are inlaid into little pill boxes, photo frames, figurines, and book ends. A range of products made from the deep blue stone are priced from at an incredible $10 to $20. My own purchase was a pair of cufflinks I bought for only $3.
Continuing through the bazaar, you will soon discover delicately embroidered Baluchi neck pieces, ready to be sewn onto an outfit to give it a new lease on life. On the same table, Swati beadwork offers its colorful splendor to an appreciative eye. Across from them, another hawker waits with worn-out camera equipment. While you could probably pick up a tripod stand or graduated color filter at an incredible bargain, don’t invest in anything mechanical. The seller will not recognize you once you’ve paid him so if the equipment doesn’t work, you can just keep it as a reminder of what not to buy at the Sunday Bazaar!
Ornate carpets and elaborately decorated furniture are sold at prices you find at bargain basement sales. The brass work is absolutely a steal. The mirror frames, the cutlery and crockery are a sea of gleaming, shimmering rose gold and are worth the photo opportunity — if not multiple purchases!
A tip from the bearded fellow selling the stuff: clean brass with lemon. Slice it into quarters, and rub the flesh and juice all over the tarnished area. Allow the juice to stand on the object for five minutes, and then wipe it off vigorously with an old, clean rag. I tried it — my brass urns have never been brighter. This also works for silver. Also, my budget, maid and the environment have never been happier than when we chucked Brasso off our grocery list!
Disclaimer: I am a resident and admirer of Karachi with its shopping centers, boutiques and incredibly trendy restaurants. On the other hand, Islamabad is in a class of its own when it comes to serenity and that’s a valuable commodity in Pakistan.