Serendib Travel

Lahore, Pakistan.

We didn’t have a lot of time or energy for sightseeing (I’d gotten off a plane at 3 a.m. earlier that day), so we didn’t end up doing the tour of the restored Shahi Hammam (a Persian-style bath house), but we did stop by and take some exterior pics. Lots more gorgeous pictures here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shahi_Hammam

Decorative architecture and design is everywhere. If you like stars and flowers, Lahore has you covered. Pakistan.

Pakistan

Usman had us stop at a baithak. What is a baithak, you ask? Essentially a public parlor, I think — it’s a sitting room where anyone is welcome to sit down and hang out and chat. They had some local art available for sale, and a menu for ordering chai and snacks. So it’s sort

This temple tree is haunted by a spirit, or so says the older gentleman who told us its story, which involved the silver hand of Fatima and a flag snatched away and returned. Don’t cross the tree spirits, folks. Lahore, Pakistan.

Usman tells us the narrow streets of the Walled City are magical at night — I believe it. Lahore, Pakistan.

Enter the Walled City of Lahore through the Delhi Gate, and find some local artist souvenirs (as well as standard tourist tat) at the store built into the gate / wall. Then start your wander!

Delhi Gate faces back towards Delhi — in Delhi, there’s Lahore Gate, which faces towards Lahore. Standing by the gate, with my friends, was a little heartbreaking. There should be free commerce between the two gates, a flow of people and goods and stories. Instead, when I post these photos, I keep seeing comments from