Islamabad - Week Thirty-Four

Camellia oleifera - the gardener (Tur Lali) presented this flower to me as I exited the motor pool vehicle this afternoon. It smells divine.

Islamabad - Week Thirty-Three

Monsoon.

As I write this, it's 6:00 a.m. and it's pouring buckets outside. July through August is monsoon season, so we can expect a lot of rain. I love the rain, and so far, it's mostly rained at night here. Unfortunately, it doesn't really cool things off, it just makes it muggy.

On the commute last week.

Islamabad - Week Thirty-Two

Islamabad recently built a new airport, complete with artwork. I've flown in and out a couple of times, and I'm surprised at how empty the place is. I like to think it's optimism that led the government to build an airport that has far more capacity than travelers!

Tile art.

Metal art.

Wood art.

All those chairs, and six passengers.

Outside of the airport.

New Jersey - Week Thirty-One

R and I went to New Jersey for the 4th of July week and spent a relaxing few days at his family's lake place in the northern part of the state. R grew up going there throughout his childhood, but since we've lived a nomadic lifestyle during our 30+ years together, we don't often have the chance to enjoy its serenity and beauty. Years may go by without a visit, so it was really great to be able to spend time with H and L - and the extended family - there.

After being in Pakistan over seven months, and being removed from life in the U.S., I'm really struck by how I had forgotten how easy everything is in America. The calm, orderly traffic, the feeling of safety, the variety of fresh, clean fruit (not to mention fresh, clean water), all of the things. It makes me pretty nostalgic.

Lake Wildwood, from a canoe.

Part of the Appalachian Trail in northern NJ.

Me and the girls.