Islamabad - Week Thirty-Nine

A week in the life. The embassy said goodbye to our wonderful ambassador, David Hale, who left post to serve as the Under Secretary for Political Affairs in the State Department. I admire Mr. Hale, whom I've found to be practical, articulate, and super-smart. I know he'll do a great job for the country in his role.

Last Saturday, I went to brunch with friends to Khoka Khola - a favorite for Pakistani food. Can I just say, "YUM!"

And then there was a reception at the DCM's house, where my colleagues and I enjoyed a nice evening unwinding from work. 

Islamabad - Week Thirty-Eight

The Islamabad Model College for Girls. I saw a sign like this the first week or so that I arrived at post, and my reaction was, "What?" I later learned that it is not, in fact, a college to teach Pakistani girls the art of modeling, but is a model school - with standards to which other schools should aspire - for girls. The literacy rate in Pakistan is 58% - and just 33% of women are literate - so it's encouraging to see progress.

Islamabad - Week Thirty-Seven

I pass this gazebo at the end of my street twice every day, going to and from work. Today, I asked the driver to slow down so I could take a photo through the car window. The park is a little derelict, and the whole scene struck me as melancholy and a bit lonesome.

Islamabad - Week Thirty-Six

Pakistan is getting ready for their national day on August 14.

Islamabad - Week Thirty-Five

With my wonderful Pakistani colleagues. Gorgeous, each one.