On 10 March 2016, I received an unexpected call from a Senior State Official. After the greetings, he said: “I’m supposed to travel to Islamabad to speak in a Leadership Conference. I can’t make it due to my official duties. Can you fill in for my spot? I’m sure the audience will enjoy listening to you.” Without hesitation, I said: Yes. It would be my pleasure. He connected me with the conference organizers to plan my trip details. On 15 March 2016, I took off to Islamabad!
The hotel chauffeur received me at the airport and assisted me with the Check-in process in the luxurious Islamabad Serena Hotel. It was beyond my expectations. I was so pleased with my stay; the hotel has a vast garden full of Jasmines. I smelled their beautiful aroma everywhere I walked.
The hotel had several restaurants. I wanted to try them all. That was the plan. However, when I dined at the Al-Maghreb Restaurant. I canceled the plan! The restaurant blew me away with its mouth-watering Middle Eastern food. The food delights were infused with spices, and the freshly baked bread was irresistible.
After satisfying my stomach, it was time to satisfy my soul. I went to the Concierge to explore the sightseeing options in the area. He recommended that I could visit the mountains to see the panoramic views of Islamabad. And again, I said yes. We agreed on the timing. And he allocated a chauffeur who spoke little Arabic because he worked in Saudi Arabia in the past. I thought that was great. A few hours later, I met my private chauffeur. He told me that we would visit the Faisal Mosque. Then, we will drive to Margalla Hills. And on the way back, we could stop at the Zoo. I told him, let’s go!
We stopped at Faisal Mosque. It is massive. It can occupy more than 50,000 worshippers. It was named after the late King Faisal bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, who ruled Saudi Arabia from 1964 to 1975. He paid the entire cost of building this architectural masterpiece of USD 120 Million as a gift to the people of Pakistan.
And now, to the main highlight of the tour – Margalla Hills. But first, let’s stop at the word “chauffeur.” What comes to your mind when you read it? Perhaps, you saw a gentleman dressed in a Black Suit, maybe, wore white gloves and a hat. No, I didn’t have what you imagined. It turned out I had a reckless driver. He drove so fast. I can deal with fast. But, not on a two-way narrow mountain road. It was like a rollercoaster ride. I embraced myself and hoped for the best. I told him why you don’t slow down a bit. I’m not in a hurry. Take your time. He replied, don’t worry, this is normal driving!
And after 30 minutes of “normal” driving, we arrived at the marvelous Margalla Hills at the height of 1604 meters (5,346 feet). The views were breathtaking. The breeze was so cool. The skies were so clear. I wished I had a professional camera with me to take more stunning pictures. There were so many monkeys on the hill. I approached one of them, taking a video. He turned aggressive and tried snatching my iPhone. I backed off. And told the driver, let’s go back to the hotel. Yes, I was for another treat of “normal” driving.
The next day, I spoke at the conference. When the proceedings finished, the organizers told me: “Get ready. In the evening, we will have dinner at one of the finest restaurants on the top of Margalla Hills.” I was delighted. I will see the lights of the city from the mountains. I always tell my friends, visit attractions during daylight, and night to have a full-circle experience. I was lucky to experience that with the marvelous Margalla Hills. It was much colder at night. And, in case you’re wondering, no, I didn’t have another round of “normal” driving!
