Past Pupils Reunion - Murree

A couple of past pupils, from the boarding school days in Murree, decided it was time they had a reunion. 

In a very short space of time they organised it.  What a celebration it turned out to be!

 

Over 120 past students attended from 'Year of 1967' to 'Year of 2007'. 

2007 was the last year for boarders.  Then they had a yearly roll of 180 compared with the day-school roll today of roughly 900.  

The 'girls' were dropped off by their drivers.






Registration took place on the area outside the Principal's office.

 

 The lunch was catered for by outside caterers.  Unfortunately I didn't get a photo of the long table filled with silver tureens of spicy foods and delicious breads and desserts.  I had taken so many photos that morning that the battery in my phone had died.  Gr r r r!  That happens from time to time. 

Afternoon tea was provided for by the 'girls' themselves, much like what's done in New Zealand with our 'bring a plate'.  There were lots of specialty pasteries and sweets to enjoy.

 

I made several new friends that weekend ... and now have good contacts should I ever need a lawyer while in Pakistan ... or have a need to apply for another entry visa!!!!

 

The evening ended with a bonfire.  The workers prepared it on the volleyball court in such a way that it did no damage to the surface of the court.  I've got my fingers crossed that the videos will play when I post them.

 

No! I published the blog, quickly checked it and then took it down again as, sadly, the videos didn't play. 

 

 

 

The Workers

I picked up a tummy bug last week.
I'm really not sure how.  I've put it down to having lots of oily food.
Anyhow, thankfully it's well out of my system now and I'm fighting fit again this week!

School keeps me out of mischief.
We were, however, closed yesterday.
The Bishop of Rawilpindi/Islamabad died suddenly on Monday. 
Out of respect for him all Catholic schools in the Diocese closed for his funeral. 
A couple of the Sisters went down to the funeral Mass from here.
I joined them. 
I take every opportunity given to go wherever I can, and see all I can.
Armed with my new-found travel pill the trip down to the Cathedral took an hour and a half.
The morning light on the hills was wonderful ... clear and bright ... a real treat.
There was huge gathering to celebrate the Bishop's life.  He was a man with a great love for the poor.

The simple wooden coffin was placed in the prepared grave at the side of the Cathedral.  Hundreds filed past leaving wreaths of flowers and throwing handfuls of dirt into the open grave.

 

Lunch was served to all the priests and Sisters, in a large marquee, on the grounds of the Presentation Sisters' Convent.  I met a few Irish missionaries amongst them ... all bright, jolly people I'm pleased to say! 

I didn't indulge in the biryani.  I was warned that it was very spicy. 

 

We went back to CJM in Islamabad to freshen up.  Sister Marian had some grocery shopping to do for the house here so myself and another Sister took the opportunity of treating ourselves to a coffee in the Mall.  It was an excellent cappuccino, with added cream ... the best I've had since coming here.

 

 

There are a couple of paw-paw trees in the garden at Islamabad.  I believe they'll soon be ripe.

 

The trip back up to Murree was great.  The traffic was so much heavier in the late afternoon.  Our driver did an amazing job ducking and diving, overtaking the umpteen trucks, all decorated with the  now familiar to me 'truck art' of Pakistan.  Talk about driving for the other drivers! 

Absolutely hair-raising!

 

I had put together this little video of the workers all being busy one Saturday morning recently.
I thought I'd 'treat' you with it now!!  Enjoy!


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A Glimpse of Murree

On Sunday after Mass, Maria, a teacher from the senior school, and I walked to another teacher's home.  We had been invited to lunch.

Ayesha, our hostess, was to send her car to pick us up but that plan changed as the roadway around her house had been ripped up and was ready for re-sealing.  She felt her little car didn't need to be rattled about!

Secretly, I was delighted.
For weeks I had been wanting to take photos of our little hill station town, Murree. 

This was my opportunity!


Take a walk with me!

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Goats on the road ... and 'shops' packed with items.

We passed several traders selling biryani, pita bread, samosas and pakoras. 
A young man had a tray of fish to sell.  His boss had just brought it up from Islamabad. 
I wonder how fresh it really was ... we're miles from the sea!

We then turned into the Bazaar. 
What a sea of colour! 
I was tempted to buy a scarf or two but Maria said they were asking too much. 
We were simply on the outskirts of the town and could get a better bargain another day! 
Good, we'll have another opportunity to see the heart of the town ... and perhaps do some shopping!

The little girl, walking alone, was happy to have her photo taken but quickly wrapped herself in her black dupatta/shoulder cloth first.

Maria thought the four little children, perhaps Pashtun or Afghan refugees, were from the derelict houses we passed.  There are known to be many squatters in this part of town.

Next door to Ayesha's home is a mosque. 
The men were keen to have their photos taken, but instead of taking a photo Maria began taking a video on my phone!  She felt most uncomfortable amongst these men and quickly whisked me off.

We were reminded of the mosque a couple of times while visiting as the imam uses a loud speaker when he's calling the faithful to prayer ... we were almost deafened! 

Lunch was delicious ... thick chicken soup, biryani, a yoghurt dish, chicken patties, kebabs and freshly baked naan bread.

Ayesha used to work for PIA (Pakistan International Airlines) and has travelled a lot. 
Maria knows Cheryl, my Pakistani friend who lives in Montreal, so there was lots to share and talk about. 
Many friends called over the course of the afternoon. 
I had a wonderfully relaxed time.

Lawerence College



Life has become rather routine for me now.

 

School begins at 8:00 am each day and goes through to 2:00 pm. 

Friday, being the Muslim holy day, classes finish at 12 noon.  

 

The seniors have an assembly close to their classrooms and the junior school meets on 'The Flat'.

Since my morning classes begin in the junior school I join them for their assembly which consists of a short prayer and the pledging of  their allegiance to the flag of Pakistan. 

One of the teachers has given me the words to the national anthem written in Roman-Urdu (the Urdu language written in Roman script).  I haven't yet memorised the words but can sing along happily, from my sheet, with everybody else! 

 

Classes are formal and a lot of rote learning takes place.

I must say that an excellent foundation is given by a great team of dedicated teachers.

 

From Class 6 upwards the children begin to show some independence in their learning.

It's at this level that you can see them beginning to think for themselves.  I feel quite 'at home' with the older students.  I only teach English.

 

 

 

About ten days ago Sister Marian received an invitation from Lawerence College for herself, and a companion, to attend their Performing Arts Show.  Sister knows the principal quite well (private schools in the area have a good relationship).  I had passed by the college a number of times, had seen the high security at the gates and noted the razor wire on their boundrary fence, extending over kilometres, so was delighted to be the chosen 'companion'! 

 

Lawerence College is Pakistan's oldest independent public boarding school. 

Like us here, it is located in the foothills of the Himalayas ... not very far down the road from CJM. 

It is built on 150 acres and many of the students are from families who have been educated there over a number of generations, most of them well-to-do families who have connections with Government and Army.  I believe the High Commissioner in Wellington is a past pupil.

 

We were given a very warm reception.

Any 'foreigner' seems to hold a fascination for Pakistanis. 

I have been told I must return and visit the classes. 

I'll await that invitation!!

 

The evening was most enjoyable and the performances of the boys ... short dramas, dance and song ... very entertaining.
 

The Guest of Honour, an Old Gallian, holds a high position in the Pakistan Army so the security was truly unbelieveable ... soldiers with guns in SUV's around the entrance, soldiers at every bend of the long drive up to the college buildings, large guns mounted on vehicles here and there and military police.

 

 

The clock tower





Two proud Gallians

The entrance to the auditorium

The college crest






Two of the invited guests that night! 
Above is the edge of the tent that
had long tables set up with finger food
and above that is the area where the
military police were gathering.

 

 

A well polished choir

 

The boys performed an amazing dance

 

The first curtain announcing the Annual Performing Arts Show

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

St Claudine's Day and Fun Day

We celebrated Foundress's Day on Wednesday last with the students, from all sections, presenting poems, songs, little plays and tableaux based on the life of Claudine Thevenet, the French nun who began the Congregation of Jesus and Mary, in Lyons, almost 200 years ago.

The school has a strong tradition of fostering the values that Claudine believed in: tolerance, patience, courage, sincerity, forgiveness, and a love and care for the poor and those less fortunate than ourselves.

A tiny percentage of the school roll is Christian so seeing the Muslim students throwing themselves whole heartedly into the celebrations was great, proclaiming the sayings of Claudine, and singing the hymn, "Great and Glorious Claudine".  I found it all quite moving.  (You'll find that hymn on YouTube, should you be intereted!).

I took so many photos that day ... and the following day. 

The second day was called Fun Day. 
To begin with the senior school staged their items. 
The programme on the previous day would have been far too long, especially for the younger pupils, had the seniors' performances been included then.

While that was going on little food stalls were being set up on the grounds.
The ice cream man came, the gol gappa and biryani* man came, the school canteen man had his drinks and chippies on sale, Pizza Hut was there, the coffee vendor and the burger man all came to sell!
There was a real festive atmosphere around.
All the children had money to spend. 
They were tired little bunnies going home that day!


* Biryani is a Pakistani/Indian mixed rice dish.  The combination of rice and meat, cooked separately is then combined with spices and seasonings.  This is put into a large vessel, layered, with yoghurt added and sealed firmly to trap the aromas.  The Biryani is then cooked over a slow fire/dum.  Biryani is ofter reserved for special occasions...weddings, birthdays, festivals...  
The Sisters sometimes have it as a main dish in a meal.  It's far too spicy for me so I'll be given a simpler form! (See how I'm being spoiled?)

You'll see the big container of Biryani in the 'Food' photo video.




I hope you won't find the number of little videos too much.  It's just that I have so many photos I want to share with you!

Enjoy.





https://quik.gopro.com/v/y2ooxPyIh3/ ........  We're Ready


https://quik.gopro.com/v/DnNSVue5I0/  .....  On Stage


https://quik.gopro.com/v/S9jkVVztTv/  .......  Fashion and Flair


https://quik.gopro.com/v/pq9tif7Sji/  ............ Food


https://quik.gopro.com/v/qEmpmx6cTF/ ..... The Students


https://quik.gopro.com/v/nMbdGBldnH/ ...... The Fun Day Fun!

The Barbecue

We had a barbecue after school closed on Friday.

The Sisters put it on for the staff as a "Thank You" for all the hard work they  put into the preparation, and then the presentation, of the class items for World Peace Day.

 

The barbecue was all set out at a property next door called Oxford Villa.  This property used to belong to the Sisters but many years ago the Bishop bought it.  It's ideal for gatherings of all kinds, retreats, seminars etc. and can accommodate a large number of    people.

 

The rain came and everything had to be transferred indoors.

                                                              

 

The workers prepared the barbecue.

 

The chicken was marinated in spices,

 

(the food here is, to my taste, quite hot)

 

so as usual my chicken quarter was kept

 

aside and cooked separately ... it was so

 

tender and succulent.  I've no idea how

 

they managed it.  Salads, chippies and

 

soft drinks were also served.

 

                                                                                      

After the eating came the dancing.   I believe that as young Muslim women they don't get the opportunity to let their hair down so when they feel comfortable in their surroundings, (they know the Sisters are quite liberal in their thinking) they really enjoy themselves.

The music was loud!  One of the office staff was DJ and he was the only male in the room ... or should I say ... in the doorway.

The other men all stayed in the kitchen.  In this culture men and women don't mix socially and they certainly don't dance together.

There was so much laughter amongst 'the girls'.  They danced around with one another, no inhibitions, and really enjoyed themselves. 

Selfies were the order of the day and, my word, do they know how to pose. The few hours we spent at Oxford House were really refreshing!

The men folk           

 

 

 

International Day of Peace

 

The school celebrated World Day of Peace, along with so many others, on Wednesday,September 21.

 

Weatherwise it was a perfect morning.  

We were so lucky. 

By midday, after everything had been cleared away, the heavens opened. 

There was thunder and torrential rain. 

The rain was so heavy that the vans, that collect the children, were allowed onto the property. 

 

 

I've put some of my photos into a few short videos so that you can get a feel for the day we had. 

 

 

 

 

This is how the day began.

 



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The entertainment

 

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The Audience

 

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The Fashion

 

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Clearing Away

 

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This final video was sent to me from Lahore.

The teacher who sent it to me taught me how to make the little video clips I send you but you can see, from what she has produced, that I've a long way to go before I can reach her skills ... and standard. 

 

 (Thank you, Silwat, for all you've shared with me. 

My blogs would be rather dull if you hadn't come into my life!)

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

Islamabad



Our first 'port of call', on arrival in Islamabad, was the Pakistan Monument and Heritage Museum. There were a number of people visiting but these two gentlemen, brothers, were very pleased to have their photos taken.  Their son struck up a conversation with us.  He told me he'd very much like to study engineering in New Zealand but didn't have enough funds.  As soon as our driver heard this he stopped the conversation.  He knew the direction it was going in ...

The monument itself  (photo below) is shaped as a blooming flower comprising four petals, built of granite representing the unity of the Pakistan people.  The inner walls of the petals are decorated with murals pertaining to Pakistan's history.
The museum includes a wax museum also depicting important events in the country's history.
   

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 

 



This is Sister Mariam, an American Jesus and Mary Sister who has been working in Pakistan for fifty years.
She has worked in setting up centres and schools for the poor.
At present she is in charge of the community of four sisters in Islamabad and also runs the school there.
Khatoon-e-Fatima School is the name of the school ... khatoon, in urdu, meaning 'lady'.
The school teaches girls and boys from age 4 - 16.  Lessons are in urdu, children also learn english and the school is open to
Muslims as well as Christians.
The children come from the slums of Islamabad and are brought to school by the school bus.
A uniform is compulsory to be admitted into the classroom which mean there is absolutely no discrimination made between the pupils.  They all turn up clean and tidy.
The school has a number of sponsors who help with providing uniforms.
Adolescent girls aged 12 - 15 are often removed from school in order to work, help at home or get married so the sisters try to give them every opportunity to realise the dreams they have for a brighter future.



 

You'll recognise the national flag of Pakistan            This is the uniform cabinet on the wall of the on ot the walkways

with the white star and crescent on a

                                                                                    in the school.  As I visited on Sunday last I didn't see the school in

green rectangle with a vertcal white strip                   

at the hoist.                                                                  action.  You can see though that all CJM schools have the same

The green represents Islam and the majority

Muslims.  The white, one fourth,                                uniform apart from the crest.

represents the minority.

                                                                                                        

These Christian women, working at the Monument, came forward
 to introduce themselves to the Sisters.  They then spoke to the man       
in th ticket office and we were given free entry.  Bless them!

 

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On the Road from Murree to Islamabad

The road between Murree and Islamabad is a good tar-sealed road. 

One stretch of it, down the road from us and close to Lawerence College, an elite boarding school for boys, took two years to complete with labourers doing the initial digging and clearing. 

The large machinery was only brought in when the drains and road itself needed to be laid.  It was only completed last year and this particular stretch of re-constructed road cuts twenty minutes off the journey down to Islamabad.

The twists and turns are numerous and there are many hair-pin bends on it. 

It's quite a beautiful a drive ... I can say that now that I take the 'magic' tablet!

The mountain side is green, covered in pines and oaks, with creeks and streams running alongside.

On Saturday I went to Islamabad. 

It was only an overnight stay as the drivers from both houses had arranged their Eid holiday and were unavailable after Sunday evening. 

The driver from here took three of us down and the driver from Islamabad had me back up the hill in time for tea on Sunday.

The short video I have prepared shows you a little truck of animals being taken to slaughter; the open market where people were able to buy the animals they were sacrificing as part of their Eid celebration; and, on a happier note, a decorated truck ... a typical sight on the roads of Pakistan, and a road-side stall selling umbrellas and scarves (dupattas).

I included a picture of myself wearing a kameez, kindly given to me by the Sisters, with one of my own scarves. 

You'll notice that I've had a hair cut ... it's so short. 

If Tania, my hairdresser, had seen me in the salon chair ... I really thought I was going to be shorn before I said, "Enough!"

The good thing is that everybody here likes it and I won't have to have another cut till Christmas!!

I'll tell you about my sightseeing in Islamabad in my next post.

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Out of School ... Murree

There's always lots of activity when the 'home' bell sounds!

The van drivers come onto the grounds, just inside the gate, and gather the children they are responsible for. 
The children seem to pile in on top of one another while the driver takes their bags and ties them securely on the roof racks. 
There doesn't seem to be a limit to the number of passengers each van can take.

I hope the little video clip I made, from photos I took on Friday last, gives you an idea of the action!



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Murree CJM

The property here in Murree, my home for the next three months at least, covers 23 acres.

Because we're on the foothills of the Himalayas it was developed on rather steep, sloping terrain.

From my room, on the second floor, I counted 147 steps down to the senior school where I take classes in the afternoons and, to go 'the extra mile' to the hockey field, there are another 26 steps!  Add to that the walkways in between, some quite steep, and you'll see that I've got a good daily exercise regime without even trying to keep fit!

It's a beautiful property ... trees, flower gardens, walks, impressive buildings and beautiful scenery.  The hills are layered upon one another and stretch as far as the eye can see.  At night we can see the lights of Rawalpindi and Islamabad in the distance below us. 

Weatherwise we're just about at the end of the monsoon season. 

The days can be fine and sunny, 20* or so. 

By late afternoon the fog can roll up the hills and, before we know it, the rain is torrential and a thunderstorm has got us it its grip ... rolling thunder and constant lightening. 

I believe autumn is a beautiful season.  That will be late September and October.

 

 

The school, from pre-prep to Year 10, has roughly 850 students, 47 teachers, 33 ancillary staff and helpers, with 3 men in managenment. 

Here too we have security guards, all ex army. 

There are three or four on duty every day and at night there are always two protecting the six Sisters ... and myself. 

A number of the workers have accommodation on the property.

                                                                                

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The Eid Holiday

Confident.  The teacher in the middle was married last week.  Her husband has gone back to his work in Dubai.

Some of the seniors came up to join in the fun after their badminton class.

 

 

The sport's teacher, the only male on the staff, got a huge cheer when he strutted his stuff!

 

 

You may have found my last entry a little 'heavy' so that's the reason I'm giving you a nice selection of photos that I took today.

Classes in pre-prep, prep and the junior school finished at 11:00 am to get everybody into the spirit of Eid. 

(On Fridays school always finishes at 12 noon because of the Muslim holy day.) 

The children prepared simple items to share and entertain us with. 

The teachers joined in the fun sharing a joke or two with he children and then walking the catwalk! 

I think they came dressed in their best today.  Each one looked stunning ... one more beautiful than the other.

 

 

 

 

As usual, the placement of my pictures has caused me some grief!

They seem to have a mind of their own when I upload them.  They go wherever they please regardless of where I want them!

  

 

 

It all began with a welcome!

                   

Some of the audience

Eid is an Islamic festival which commemorates the willingness of Abraham to follow God's commmand to sacrifice his son.

If the families can afford it they buy an animal to be sacrificed ... a cow, a goat, a camel or a sheep.  They have it killed by a local butcher or, in some cases, the slaughter house.  They then share the meat among family and friends ... and the poor.

The children made cards in class with "Eid Mubarak" ...  Happy Eid on them, in much the same way as our children make Christmas cards.
And, like all children, there were some in the class who wanted to give their card to the teacher.  I received a number!

Performing a dance

Attentive.



A real pro!


The photos at the top were supposed to be down here!
 

                                            

                                                                   

School is out till Thursday next.  The majority of teachers are Muslim.  They are delightful young women.  They greeted us all warmly before they left for their Eid celebrations.

I've just heard that I'm going to Islamadad tomorrow.

I'll be there for a couple of nights and will do some sightseeing.   Yipee!