Canadian biker girl shares her sentiments after riding across Pakistan

(Web Desk) – Pakistan has always faced the problem of negative imaging abroad. Inhabited with the most hospitable populace, breath taking landscapes, the country awaits an image rebranding through the lense of congenial voyagers all set to take a soulful journey that will be a life altering experience.

Rosie Gabrielle is one such adventure loving back packer, who doesn’t believe in preconceived notions and is set on finding the truth herself.

 This is Pakistan. This is the country of Peace and Love. And this is my unedited experience so far. As a solo female traveling by motorcycle,  she said.

 

 

 

 

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Pakistan has been a place I’ve been wanting to visit for years. There was an inquisitive charm luring me to experience the real side of the country and find out first hand just what it was like there. Unlike what the media has to say about Pakistan, the travelers I’ve spoken to have only ever had amazing things to say about it. This winter I had a few options of where I could set off to.I was waiting for the universe to give me a gesture of which direction that would be. So when I received an invitation message from @huzaifaubaid to join a group heading to Pakistan, I took that as my sign, and jumped at the opportunity! Typically I travel alone, but I thought this would be a great way to experience a new dynamic of travel, and I really admired Huzaifa’s passion behind his project @pakistan_awaits . Huzaifa is a Pakistani living in Oman. Proud and passionate about his country, he wanted the world to see the real essence of Pakistan, the people, and what it has to offer. To promote a positive image and to change the perspective that that media has portrayed. After discussing his ideas with some friends and joining a small team @pakistan_awaits was born. They had their first venture to Pakistan with a small group of 3 earlier this year. In just a short time, they expanded to 7 individuals who would be part of this wonderful project. To experience the culture and to share our true feelings. It was a grand week full of lots of adventure. It’s been a long time since I traveled in a group and had my own challenges. But I learnt so much. And humbly grateful for this beautiful opportunity. It’s incredibly inspiring to see a young man take such a bold initiative. To see past obstacles, challenges and faced with opposition. To see forth his vision and to not give up. Dreams are not built in a day. It takes time, perseverance and a will to keep going. Great change can be made and manifested. It doesn’t take a nation, but a single courageous heart. . Follow @pakistan_awaits and share the vision of a new future for Pakistan. . I will now be continuing on my own across the country over the next few months. I’m excited to share all of my experiences with you all.

The Canadian biker girl has fallen in love with the soul of the country which is warm and loving, ready to take care of anyone who sets foot in its enchanting territory.

 

 

 

 

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WHAT BROKE ME INTO TEARS . I’ve had So many amazing experiences so far here in Pakistan. One that was particularly special was my time at the Bullah Shah Tomb in Kasur. The shrine was built after the death of The Sufi Poet and people from all parts of Pakistan came to pray there. In Islamic culture, it’s typical that men and women Pray in separate areas. I met the elder who was guardian of the tomb she blessed me, and told me how to pray there. After offering my prayers, the woman informed me she was a descendent of Bullah Shah, then took me inside the tomb where only men are permitted. This was a HUGE honor and privilege, something unique. Standing in this room, I could feel the intense pulses of energy. My channel was clear and direct. It was a message that all beings would be as one. That there was no separation between you or I. That the veins of life stretched out and connected each of us, flowing the energy of love and oneness. I returned back that evening, to continue my prayers in this magical place. And it was then that it struck me so deep. Tears began to role down my cheek. I, as a foreign female, who is non Muslim, have been so accepted into this culture. Without judgment, without question. I’ve been treated as family and given So MUCH love, and kindness, so genuine and pure in heart. My heart hurt. Deeply. Knowing that this world, has such a negative view on Muslim people and of Pakistan. That they have NO idea what Islam is actually about or the true heart of these people. That THEY are the ones terrorizing these beautiful peaceful souls. If they only knew. That Muslims, and Pakistani people, are model citizens for the entire WORLD. For all of humanity. That Islam is peace and LOVE. And I, traveling as a solo female here in Pakistan, have only received the highest of care and attention, from all people. This is how we SHOULD be to one another. But this is not how it is in the west. There is too much fear, anger, hate. Which is what lead me to my desperate cry on my stories last week. The world needs to wake up. This is NOT how we were meant to live. And I hope that by me sharing, people will be inspired to open their hearts.

 

“Countless smiles and cheers of joy as I pass people and they realize it’s a female riding. Numerous offers to stay in locals homes wherever I stop, families are always inviting me to stay with them. When I stop for chai or snacks at a store, most often someone will buy it for me, or the owner will not let me pay, saying I’m a guest in their country and they would love to gift this to me. Food food and more food! wherever I go, I’m offered to eat wonderful home cooked food or offered gifts of food from street vendors as I pass by.”

 

 

 

 

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From your ancient cities, exquisite architecture, Bustling streets and incredible culture. From the tantalizing food to the gracious smiles and humbling hospitality PAKISTAN  You have stolen my HEART

 

Rosie across her journey through Pakistan has found people generous to the core offering her food, snacks a place to rest, care and respect.

“Everyone wants to say hello and ask where I’m from and are curious what I think about Pakistan. They want me to know that Islam is a Peace and love and that I am accepted just the way I am. I’ve been gifted many things now by the people and families I stay with and been given the highest attention and hospitality, even if they don’t have much to give, they make sure I’m happy. And they give with their whole hearts. So many beautiful connections & heart felt moments; I have truly fallen in love with the people here.”

 

 

 

 

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This is Ali, a shop keeper at the Walled city in Lahore. A couple weeks ago we came here to visit the area. Our bikes were parked just opposite Ali’s shop and took rest at the wall After a long ride. Ali served us some Peshawari kava (tea) and some goodies from his shop. Afterwards, we tried to pay for the tea, but he didn’t accept it. He said that as a guest in his country, it was his honor to host me and gift this to me. I kindly thanked him and we chatted for some time. He asked how my experience was so far in Pakistan, I said it was amazing, that the people were truly so wonderful! He explained to me that, yes, Pakistan was safe and the people were about peace. And that life is about love and connectivity, that whatever the energy you put out, is what you will receive, so we must care for one another. I couldn’t agree more. And this has been my mantra my whole life. People ask all the time if I’m afraid traveling alone or have ever encountered someone bad. In 14 years, all I have received is love and kindness. Because I see everyone as equal, I treat everyone with respect and connect to the hearts of the people. People are not bad, they have just been through hard times. If they are triggered, they may react from the space of fear and trauma. But, if you send love and create a safe space for them, you will see the real human heart. We were created for oneness. We were created to love. Yesterday, I went back to surprise my friend Ali with a printed photo I took of him. To show him my appreciation of his kind heart, his beautiful being. This is what life is about. These small gestures and connections. Every moment in your day, you have the opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life, to connect with them, love them, and show you care. Whether it be a cup of tea, a smile or a kind gesture. Take the time to connect with one another and feel the difference in the energy around you and within your heart let the people of Pakistan be a model of love for the world Oh and if you didn’t see my Instagram stories this is the bike I will be crossing Pakistan on.

 

Curious to know about her travel experience, people have expressed great hurt at being misjudged and falsely tagged as dangerous.

 

 

 

 

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PAKISTAN When someone mentions this country; what are your initial thoughts? What are the general feelings and images, that that media portrays about Pakistan? . I can tell you -in my experience, there aren’t many good things said. “It’s dangerous, they are terrorists, you will be raped or killed, it’s filthy, you will be treated badly as a female”, were just a few of the “cautions” that were told to me when I mentioned to people that I wanted to come to Pakistan. And these judgments came from all over the world and from many people. This is the misconception, this is the issue. And this is what I’m here to change. The only news that sells is bad news. So the media over dramatizes things, sells lies and instills fear in the minds of the masses so it has control and something to sell. Has Pakistan had an unfortunate past and been through devastation, yes. But now the country is free again and open to experience the true heart of this place. Are there still dangerous areas? Every country has their questionable places and you need to use common discernment. You wouldn’t walk in a back alley in NYC at 3 am and expect to be "okay. So being informed and aware any place you go is advisable. But listen to the right sources. People are very quick to tell you the bad things, even if they aren’t true. I’m not going to sugar coat things and only tell you fluffy good stories, but I will definitely focus more on the positive aspect of what I personally see and my experiences here. Which are; I feel exceptionally safe here. As a woman I do not feel objectified or looked down on. I am highly respected by everyone I meet. I’m not judged. The hospitality here is unlike any place I’ve ever visited. The people are so pure, genuine and kind; and that’s every person I’ve met- from the passing of individuals on the street, to people who welcome me in their home. Every single person I’ve met has been a gracious beautiful soul. The food is amazing and the culture is so diverse. Very soon I’ll be leaving on my bike to cross the country to share with you the REAL Pakistan. Not the crap you see in the news. Never believe what you hear until you’ve experienced it firsthand.

 

 This is Pakistan. This is the country of Peace and Love. And this is my unedited experience so far, as a solo female, traveling by motorcycle. Pakistan has suffered greatly in past years due to the continuous negative image the media portrays. Since many years now, they aren’t used to seeing tourists. So they’re overjoyed to see a foreigner. Not because I‘m anyone special, but because it gives them hope. Hope that Pakistan will once again be recognized for the beautiful country it is and the true heart of the people will be seen. People have labeled Pakistan as dangerous or that the people aren’t good. And I’ve seen how that personally affects the people here, it brings them to tears to have such accusations, and it breaks my heart to know what is said and how they’re treated abroad having experienced the culture first hand and how they’ve treated me. 

Rosie, through her travel log has dispelled many misconceptions, fed to her to stop her from making the journey but when she landed in Pakistan, she was taken over by an enthusiasm that couldn’t be expressed in words.

"Welcome to Pakistan," she cheers.

 

 

 

 

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PAKISTAN: My first impression . . Before coming to Pakistan, I was asked; Why? Why would you go there? What’s so good about this country? I was told it was too DANGEROUS. That the people were bad and I would not be able to travel alone there, and I would be mistreated as a woman. I was fed fear driven lies from the media and people who followed the propaganda, never having the personal experience for themselves in this country. So, what is the truth? what is my personal experience and first impression of Pakistan and the people..... My heart is bursting. Words cannot even express the amount of joy in my heart that I have experienced from the love and generosity of these people. I knew coming here that I would encounter “nice” people. I was told from many fellow travelers just how great the people were here. But what I encountered was not this. There are no words in the English language that can describe the essence of the Pakistani people. Since arriving, I have witnessed the most sincere and deepest kindness and generosity from the local people. Respectful, honorable, gracious individuals, who have no intentions other than to serve others and to treat everyone as family and as one. I am so excited to share my experiences throughout my travels here. Soon, I will be picking up a bike and traveling extensively across the country, sharing with you the true heart of Pakistan. The PEOPLE. I hope to change the mindsets that have been conditioned and indoctrinated to think negative views on this country. Follow me on this beautiful journey and see the true side of this country. WELCOME TO PAKISTAN 

 

By

Saadia Ali