Andrea Angelucci visited Pakistan and we discovered that this Italian archaeologist, blogger, artist, traveller and photographer can teach Pakistanis what to love so much more about Pakistan. Sometimes it helps to look at your country with a pair of fresh eyes. We often miss what stares us in the face, and we end up taking it for granted. But Andrea’s reaction to our culture, our heritage, our places of historical significance, our naturally scenic terrain, should make us realize that we do in fact, live in a heaven on earth. We might not see it that way sometimes, but Andrea’s love for our country makes us pause for a while, and appreciate the people, the food, the culture and the wonder that is Pakistan.
Here are 9 things we discovered that Andrea loves about Pakistan and how, through his immense love of a country, he can teach us too, how to love again too!
1. Pakistanis will always stand out because of their hospitality.
He appreciates our hospitable culture. He said he has never been treated so well in his life as he was in Pakistan – an ambassador of goodwill from the West?
2. We must preserve our heritage sites.
He treasures our historical sites. He used to dream about visiting Pakistani historical sites – a true ambassador for UNESCO supported heritage sites in Pakistan?
3. We must visit treasured sites and landmarks in Pakistan before we visit them abroad.
He visited Khewra Salt Mines – a boost to the local industry by promoting his travels on his blog?
4. Be Pakistani, Buy Pakistani and wear Pakistani when we travel abroad.
He directly supports our cotton growers and fashion/ textile industry. He loves Pakistani clothes and bought Kurtas and Ajraks to take with him to wear in Italy – The beginning of a trade fair/ fashion show in Italy?
5. Kashmiri Chai is a unique tea blend and we must learn how to make it!
He appreciates the drink of the region he visited and bought some to take home with him. He loves Kashmiri Chai and bought some to drink in Italy – encouraging fair trade? And here is a Kashmiri Chai Recipe for you!
6. Pakistani Oranges are the BEST!
He promoted our local fruit sellers. He loves Pakistani oranges and took some with him to Italy – finding a market overseas for our fresh produce?
7. We must explore nature within our country – the mountains beckon!
He plans to come back and visit K2 and Nanga Parbat – more publicity for Pakistani tourism through his blog?
8. We must promote our local music, arts and of course – Qawwali.
He promoted our music and the arts. He loves Qawwali – he helps promote Pakistani Arts & Culture on a global forum?
9. We must promote tourism in Pakistan.
He would love to organize holiday tours for Europeans in Pakistan – supporting the tourism industry might just improve our exchange rate; a boost for our economy?
Yes all is not perfect in this wonderland of ours, but we must be hopeful and work towards a common goal. As Andrea very rightly points out:
“The gap between poor and rich; there is still too much difference. I have seen in some cases an immense poverty. But I have also seen that things are improving rapidly, and I’m sure that in the future things will be completely different. I think the new phase you are going through is the beginning of a golden age.”
Let’s heed his words and try and move towards a Pakistan that an Italian traveler grew to love.
Shazia likes to pen her thoughts when she feels passionately about a life experience, a person or an event. She is mother to 3 lively boys and along with her husband, attempts to settle in her new country by taking German lessons so she is able to soak in the culture, language and spirit of the region.
“Wake up in the morning, take a deep breath and exhale! Keep on living with a passion that inspires others! “
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