”Jovago Pakistan” recently interviewed “Will“, who is a British travel blogger.
He is a foreigner who visited Pakistan in recent times. He also participated in Jovago’s roundup post “Perfect Destinations for Solo Male Travelers“. Here is his interesting story of and about Pakistan.
Our first question is who is Will?
Howdy! I’ve been on the road for nine years, traveling on an extreme budget in search of the meaning of life and the perfect mountain! Originally, I’m from the UK but I am very rarely in Europe.
How many countries you have visited so far?
I don’t really count countries but I think it must be over seventy.
How do you finance your trips?
Originally, I had no money at all; I hitchhiked and slept rough all around the world picking up random jobs on farms, in bars and in roles of dubious merit.
These days, I fund my adventures through my travel blog –www.thebrokebackpacker.com
Any 3 money saving tips while traveling you would like to share?
Couchsurfing, hitchhiking and cooking your own food are the three best ways to save cash!
What do you like the most about traveling?
When you travel, you meet new people for the first time every day; they know nothing about you and you have an opportunity to reinvent yourself, to promote the happier, friendlier, more outgoing side of your personality and to learn from new people, cultures and experiences.
What do you dislike the most about traveling?
I sometimes miss home… I miss being able to drink water from the tap, my dogs, decent English cider, reliable WiFi…
What was the primary reason to visit Pakistan?
So many people had told me that Pakistan was a dangerridden hellhole and I suppose curiosity got the better of me; I had met a few Pakistanis in Europe and they had always been very polite, respectful people so I figured I should give the country a chance and see what it was really like on the ground; this turned out to be one of the best decisions I ever made.
What was your perception about Pakistan before your trip?
In all honesty; I half expected it to be very dangerous.
How will you describe your trip to Pakistan in three words?
Illuminating, unforgettable, totally goddamn unique
What makes Pakistan different from countries you have visited so far?
From an adventurer’s point of view, Pakistan has everything!
This is a land of towering peaks and colorful traditions, of ancient fortresses and friendly people. I’m a bit of a history buff and Pakistan is simply heaving with fascinating historical sites as well as some of the best trekking in the world.
The police and army presence at first seem intimidating but I quickly got used to it and only ever encountered friendly police and army personal. Pakistan is a country where it is very easy to travel on the cheap as Pakistanis are so damn hospitable that it’s hard to pay for anything when you are with Pakistani friends. In every country I visit, I make local friends but in
In every country I visit, I make local friends but in Pakistan, I have made some true friends for life – the Pakistani people are simply the most fun people I have met whilst traveling in Asia.
Which cities you have visited in Pakistan? Which one you liked the most? And why?
Lahore Lahori… This is my favorite city in Pakistan! I spend most of my time in the mountains around Hunza, this is the most beautiful part of the country…
If you get a chance to visit Pakistan again, which 3 destinations you would like to visit?
I first visited in March and now I am back in the country again for six weeks; I have justexplored Swat, an amazing place and next up I am heading up north to revisit the fairy meadows and to check out Skardu and Deosai – I’m super excited
What were some of the problems you faced in Pakistan as a foreigner?
Getting the Pakistani visa was an absolute pain in the ass; it is very hard to get the visa at all and can only be done from your home country which presents a real challenge to those who are already traveling.
What will be your answer if anyone asks you, “Why Should I visit Pakistan?”
I wrote an article all about this…. http://www.thebrokebackpacker.com/traveltopakistan/
You must have researched on Pakistan before visiting. What is different in the real Pakistan?
I never research a country much before going; I like to have a real adventure experience and throw myself in at the deep end!
Out of the different types of cuisines you had in Pakistan, which one was your favorite?
I’m a sucker for lassis…
Share one of your most memorable moment or incident in/about Pakistan.
I spent nearly a week living in a tiny village with a local family in Hunza, there was no electricity but there was stunning views of the mountains and I had a truly amazing time trekking, getting to know the locals, practicing the local lingo and exploring the nearby glaciers…
Pakistan really is an incredible countryfor those who are adrenaline junkies!
Any ending note for readers?
A huge thankyou to the Pakistani people, and in particular The Karakoram Club, for making my stay so unforgettable ☺
I think these kinds of people can really spreads the beauty and peace all around Pakistan among the world and should recommend other people to come here..