Lahore

I'm struggling to write something that will do justice to this fine city. Given the very low number of posts on FT about Pakistan or Lahore I feel especially responsible for writing something decent instead of my usual rambles I make up as I post.

Being spring the weather is very dry and hot during the day (close to 100F) and mild to warm at night (in the 70s F). The city is very dusty.

The airport is not far from the city centre - about 20-30 minutes ride away.

I stayed at Holiday Inn Lahore which is located on the edge of the city centre with many attractions within walking distance (as well as the stock exchange and some businesses for those who visit for business reasons). Even though I have no priority club status I was given an upgrade to an club room. The hotel provides minivan pickup and dropoff at the airport. I found the location to be excellent, the rooms okay (although showing signs of age) and service extremely friendly if perhaps not the most efficient. The breakfast was good with both western and Pakistan/Indian food options.

The walled old city is a good 30 minutes walk away. Quite uncomfortable in the heat and noise (not to mention having to keep a constant eye out for traffic - vehicular, horse/donkey, and people). Alternatively it is a cheap ride by taxi or (polluting) rickshaw.

I found Lahore fort to be more impressive than its counterpart in Delhi, despite the changes made over the years. The mosques, palaces and gardens throughout the central city are also very nice. The city feels like it is dripping with history from the Moghal era right through Sikh and British colonisation.

Everyone I met, without exception, was extremely friendly. There were very few western tourists (I didn't meet/see any in my brief stay). I never felt unsafe although I did get out of my comfort zone wandering some back alley run down areas. As with any large city, there probably are some areas where it is unwise to go.

I am glad I went and didn't listen to those who thought I was mad. Next time I'll try to go back in winter when it is cooler. I enjoyed my stay much more than Delhi for example.