A Dreamland called Passu

A Dreamland called Passu, originally uploaded by !ShT!aQ aHmEd.

A dreamland called Passu is a fascinating place with amazing diversity of places, people and customs. Passu is the mixing bowl of ancient civilization and dream of nature lovers, well known about its extraordinary contrast of landscapes in the world. For many, Passu is one of the most beautiful village of Pakistan. Situated in the spectacular Karakorum mountains on the old silk route at the west bank of Hunza River near the border with china.

Passu is considered the worlds heights landmass, where there is nothing below 2500 meters ,Passu is surrounded by some of the world most famous peaks, glaciers and lakes, such as Passu peak, Shisper peak, Batura, and the most remarkable is Passu cathedral peak 6500, right in front of you.

In the shadow of lofty mountains are the Passu glacier with white skin and Batura glacier with black, both at the length of 56km, which is the fifth largest glacier of the world.

Taken: One wet afternoon while standing at the step of Hussaini (Pasu) Bridge, Upper Hunza, Pasu Village, Northern Areas of Pakistan.

Louder Beats

Louder Beats, originally uploaded by !ShT!aQ aHmEd.

Whenever we talk about the celebration, music is a vital part. Apart from all those synthesizers, electronic guitars, and percussions is the Traditional Drums of Pakistan. Especially in Punjab’s rich colors of tradition drums would never loose its popularity.

Dhool, a two-headed, tunable wood drum. It is held horizontally and played with the sticks & hands for folk music, dances and festivals. The beat of this particular instrument is matchless. Known for its energetic beats, which could not be experienced from any speaker and sub woofer system Dhool is able to put any one into the trance. This is equal for Man and the Beast.

Taken: National Horse Dance Competition, Race Course Ground, Rawalpindi, Pakistan

Unleashed…

Unleashed…, originally uploaded by !ShT!aQ aHmEd.

I am talking about a true appreciation and connection with what is around you – truly feeling present in the moment you are alive in – this moment of your time.

I am not speaking about the attribution of why or how things have been created, but that they ARE. It is not about where you are going after this life, but truly experiencing where you are right now. This is not in conflict with any religion; in fact it plays a major role in most of them. It is the act of truly appreciating what is given.

I find, I enter this space most often in wild nature. Places deep inside open to connections I don’t have to forge with thought. If you open to feeling these connections, I believe you feel a deeper understanding of being alive than in any other way. It is your heritage. It is your nature, or whatever you call them.

Here I unleash the view, which has captured my mind for so long. I have been wandering in these valleys for lifetime in my dreams. Here at this very day, I share with you, the piece of myself. I unleash a rear view of Hunza & Nagar.

Taken: On 24th of August (Independence Day) while walking around Melishkar (among the highest village, far above Altit), Central Hunza. From here you can have a glimpse of these mighty wonderful peaks. You can also continue your trek upwards to Ultar glacier from here.

View On Black

Khussa Shoes

Khussa Shoes, originally uploaded by !ShT!aQ aHmEd.

A Tradition continues as this Traditional Pakistani shoes made by craftmen engaged in this art for generations. Elegent Pairs with Embroidery and crafted by hand are most hot item among young and old alike. These shoes give a distinctive style to personality. Casual Wear, Comfortable and cool to say a few words. Born in history of land of five rivers, it is almost impossible to quote the origination of this kind.

The people of the subcontinent are very traditional by nature. Pakistanis also possess a very rich cultural heritage. Among the list of our traditional heritage is the popular Khussa shoes which is worn by men as well as women.

At the Lahore Museum, there is a variety of archaic shoes (Khussas) which were popular in ancient times displayed in the Islamic Gallery. These centuries’ old-fashioned shoes became most popular in the subcontinent during the Mughal Era. They came to be known as Salim Shahi after the nickname of Emperor Jehangir.

Footwear is considered an extension of one’s personality. Well-maintained footwear says things about the owner, with cleanliness as the most important concern. Although the intricacy of this craft may have been lost to modernization, their influences are still present in shoes today.

Most of the Khussas are made in the country-side . The shoe is very popular in the villages. Village cobbler makes Khussas on order for the peasants who know its comfort and durability.

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Journey, Stops & Destination

Journey, Stops & Destination, originally uploaded by !ShT!aQ aHmEd.

I know what it means to us. We have accomplished a lot in our lives and have seen quite a few places. Every time we do something we feel as though we are on a Journey. It is not the Destination itself that we are fascinated with it is the Journey as to how we are going to get there and the items leading up to that point.

Where are you right now on your Journey? Are you just beginning? Are you somewhere down the road? Take inventory of where you are at in this moment in time. If you do not see yourself on a Journey somewhere, stop and take the time to write one down before you go any further. Take small steps…it will become clearer as time goes by. Do not take the Journey for granted…it is everything you learn on those Journeys that makes you who you are today.

Life is a journey marked with the highest mountaintops and lowest valleys, winding roads, steep hills and slippery slopes. It’s certainly okay to have goals, ambitions, and a destination in mind — in fact, it’s encouraged; however, it is equally important not to lose sight of the good things offered on the journey.

Taken: One Autumn Morning Near Ghanol, Kaghan Valley, NWFP, Pakistan.
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Tour de Force

Tour de Force, originally uploaded by !ShT!aQ aHmEd.

Like most things in life, there is nothing really new; it has all been done before in some form or another. Even if the concept you have is remotely new.

The trick is to plan the trip, apply the energy necessary to accomplish the results. You will find that if you use this principal, you will begin to achieve your goals faster and faster, no matter what they are.

Winners hold a clear view of what they want to achieve. By having a plan and keeping the outcome clearly in mind, they are less likely to become sidetracked and lured into actions that waste precious time. They rest occasionally, enjoying the scenery and excitement of the journey. Yet when in motion, they keep their eyes on the path ahead, focusing on the outcome they want to achieve.

Taken: Annual Tent Pegging & Horse Dance Competition, Race Course Ground, Rawalpindi, Punjab, Pakistan.

Antique & Unique

Antique & Unique, originally uploaded by !ShT!aQ aHmEd.

After all, we very loosely use the term antique for any object that has lived past its popularity. It has always been a puzzle to me when an object, somewhat aged, can be termed an antique.

There are those, of course, who have what they call an “eye”; they have a natural ability to spot the “real thing” in the midst of a roomful of rubbish, but they are few and far between.

In my opinion anything which have been crafted aesthetically and have a measure of craftsmanship in them should be called Antique… as Antique sound very much like Unique.. The close study of these unique objects reveal that they carry with them a lot of knowledge and information from the era in which they were made.

Only the Beholder and a person with an “eye” knows the actual worth of the Antique. For others it may be something worthy to retire and most probably be found in Garage Junk. Just like this wonderful Iron can speak the history of our tradition for many.

Taken: Unique Art Gallery, Lok Virsa Museum, Islambad, Pakistan.

Susurration

Susurration, originally uploaded by !ShT!aQ aHmEd.

That which you call color and that which we call light is ever moving, changing, expanding, and radiating. The spectrum of colors is so broad that the human eye and understanding cannot begin to imagine, envision, that which is real.

As memory slips away, I remember one wonderful morning filled with out of the world colors… My curiosity awaken me early to witness the most vibrant colors of nature. The dome of sky and formations around me took me to another world. World filled with thoughts of Fairy Tales and heavens… After being lost for I don’t know how much time in that fantasy, my connection to the real world appears in the frame… Here I wrote something..

“If you were to see yourself as I see you, your breath would be taken away. You would be overwhelmed with the magnificence, the radiance, and the glory, of who and what you are.”

And So it is

Taken: One wonderful morning in Hunza, at the roof of Darbar Hotel, Karimabad, Where I witness something like the sunrise from the west…

Simplicity & Complexity

Simplicity & Complexity, originally uploaded by !ShT!aQ aHmEd.

In many ways, you probably know how to live a simple life, but do you want to? Many want the complexity and constant drama of their lives. This is something we each have to look at honestly. However, some of us really want simplicity, and some would want it if they knew what it felt like to live more simply and at peace.

With all these computing around me, all those little gadgets, all those cars parked around office, burning of fuels at traffic signals, new of terrorist attacks around the world, economy going down, prices rising up… with all that is said and done… When I just feel there is nothing left for me in this complex world, I return to where I always feel like home… I am back to Karoor… That Jutts clans with their simple yet organized way of living make me feel simple… Simple as it is at the core level.. Just less than a 40 min drive from the twin city is this wonderful place.

Taken: Just when you cross Simly Dam, one can see this colony on the way to Karoor & Ban. A sure sight for those who knows the blessing of simplicity..

No Winners, Only Players

No Winners, Only Players, originally uploaded by !ShT!aQ aHmEd.

Let me again start with a notion here…

“We are all caught up in this game called life.”

Right about know I am guessing you may be pretty upset and considering closing this article but I am also guessing you are a bit intrigued by my comment.

It is normal to feel emotionally low sometimes, especially during difficult and trying moments. To dwell in that condition, however, even when the storm has faded away, is unreasonable.

Just keep in mind that there are no winners, only players, some people play the game simply for the joy of the game. some give up and wait for their turn to lay down forever. But Few are lost in the middle. Learning to love the game, and play it with all their heart.

People are trying to win the game of life, but what does winning mean? When does one know they have won at the game of life? The only victory that matters is the victory you choose for yourself. The only purpose of the game is the purpose you give yourself.

Very rarely do people make a decisions simply because they would enjoy the journey of the path they choose. Though we do find people who truly enjoy the journey of life they are on. Far and few are the people who are playing the game of life with all they have. Taking risk to create something they feel is worthy and noble. People who give what they have, and find joy and pleasure out of it.

Imagine laying your head down at night knowing that you just lived one more day full of fulfillment. Remember to give life everything you are, and everything you have. Enjoy the game as you play it. Play it because you get joy out of the game.

Just leave that ego game and try not to focus so hard on trying to win. Just live it up.

Taken: One wonderful evening in lawn of Pine Park Hotel, Shogran when my friends are all living it up with the game.