To travel is in my blood. If I am alive and the blood is running in my veins, I’ll travel.

SWITZERLAND-CROATIA:

ZÜRICH-PULA

After waking up on a Saturday morning, when my cousin asked me what should we do? I asked him back, what he wants to do. He replied – Travel. I said well, we can drive to Croatia. After an hour, we were on the Swiss motorway driving south. According to google travel maps, the travel time from Zürich to Pula, The western coastal city of Croatia was around 7 hrs but we got stuck for nearly 3 hours in traffic jam just before the Gotthard tunnel but we finally made it to Pula at around mid night. Thanks to GPS, we were able to find the youth hotel and slept there by paying just 22€ each. 

Croatia became the 69^th country visited by me. The travel spirit that has been quite subdued in the last past 7 months became alive. I was again the same crazy traveller who did the by land trip from Europe to Pakistan last year and experienced so many adventures.

PULA

The next morning, I was the first one to wake up. I went out and saw that our hostel is right on the beach – on Adriatic coast. WOW! That was the word that came out of my mouth. Light blue sky, turquoise crystal clear water, light breeze blowing, lush green forest kissing the edge of the white stony beach. What a lovely morning!  I immediate decided, that I am not going back today with them. I told them with my decision at the breakfast table. For the moment they were surprised but later we went together to explore the old town of Pula and everything was fine. Pula has worlds second oldest largest amphitheatre after the Colosseum in Rome. The old town was quite impressive the cobbled streets and houses dating back to 10 B.C!

At lunch, i said good bye to my cousin and Josh. They started their long drive back to Geneva and I was all set to travel – A little more ;) I went to the bus station and looked up at the board for the buses going out of Pula today. As soon as I saw the name of Sarajevo – I decided – I am going there. Some people take days or rather weeks to decide where will they go and on contrary, the born travellers take a few seconds. The name Sarajevo, brought back the memories of my teenage when i used to read about political situation there and the role of Pakistani army as UN Peace Keepers. The bus was leaving at 6pm and i had already seen Pula so i took a bus to the next big city, Rijeka and took the city to Sarajevo for the overnight bus from there.

OPATIJA

On my bus from Pula to Rijeka, i saw some spectacular beauty of Croatian coast line. Especially around the city called Opatija which is just 15 mins out of Rijeka. It reminded me of Monaco but much bigger and luxurious. The palm trees, lush green mountains in surroundings and the rugged coastline with huge wave was al perfect for a great summer holiday. This is certainly one of the plces that I would definitely return one day.

RIJEKA

Rijeka was nice but nothing special to talk about. It has a few buildings from Roman era, a place and a church but that’s it. Rijeka has a train station from where you can catch a train to Zagreb – The Croatian capital or a train going south to Split.  What was interesting for me was the ship building yard. It was the first time in my life that a saw a half built ship and massive size of cranes being used to add the remaining parts of to the ship.

CROATIA-BOSNIA-HERZIGOVINIA

My bus to the capital of Bosnia-Herzegovina called Sarajevo, left on-time at 8.20pm. Bus was ordinary and the journey was long. The Croatian-Bosnian is non-Schengen border as both the countries are not part of the E.U but both these countries accept German nationals to enter on a German National Identity Card.  I had no problem getting in.

VISOKO

The bus arrived at 5.30 am in Visoko – a town 28 km out of Sarajevo and i hopped off the bus. I remembered watching a You-Tube documentary film about the probable discovery of 3 pyramids in this town so i was quite anxious to know the latest. It was quite early in the morning so i roamed around. It was not difficult for me to find one of those 3 pyramids-to-be as i could see the slanting sides of a hill at 45° angle. The child instead I got excited and finally after having a coffee in a local restaurant, i took a taxi up on the Sunca Pyramid – Pyramid of the Sun. Interestingly I was the only tourist in town. The road going up that hill did nearly not exist and the taxi stopped ¾ up the hill. Then the driver pointed out a path that was heading up to the top of the hill where i could see some people standing. I paid him and started climbing the hill. Initially it looked quite easy but to my surprise the hill was very steep. Moreover, the higher i went, the stronger the wind was blowing. By the time, i reached the top, the wind was so strong that i fear that if i took a single step forward, it would blow me away to the valley of Visoko right below me :P I felt quite a relief to be at the top of the hill when i saw some archaeologists working. I saw that they have discovered that the top of hill is all made of special white stones and it was easy to realise that it was all man-made. The view from the top of the valley below me and all around the hill was breathtaking. On the walk down the hill, i met a Bosnian Archaeologist who gave me more info about the latest excavations. She told me that it has been proven that these are not the pyramids but the castles built before the Ottomans conquered the region.  She and her colleague were very friendly and helpful as they also drove me back to Visoko. I thanked her for the interesting conversation we had on archaeological sites in Bosnia and took the next bus to Sarajevo.

SARAJEVO

I arrived around 10am on a Monday in Sarajevo. The Bazaars and markets were opening. There was hustle and bustle of the city. My first task was to find out the buses or trains going to Switzerland or Italy. But to my surprise, there were No busses going to either of those countries. Well, there was one for Paris that leaves once a week and i could have got off in the city closest to Geneva but i couldn’t wait for another 3 days for the bus so i decided to book a bus ticket through Eurolines for the same night at 10pm for Zagreb – The Capital of Croatia. It was 60 KM (approx. 30€). The train ticket for the same journey was 7 KM (3.5€) cheaper but they only accepted CASH that i didn’t have on me so i choose Bus. After sorting out the ticket for my next destination, it was time to explore Sarajevo. I went to tourist information office where the guy was quite friendly. They have maps with selected “walking routes” to explore the city along with its history. I also asked him where I can find WLAN and where to eat the best and cheapest traditional food of the region.

 

BOSNIA-HERZIGOVINIA-CROATIA

 

 

ZAGREB

 

CROATIA-SWITZERLAND

There is a silent storm developing within my heart and soul at the very core of my being. I've never experienced it before but now i am living a stormy life - where time & days do not have a particular value - what counts are the moment. Moments i spend cherishing life and the beauty of The God and His creations.

I am in Geneva, Switzerland. Living a very busy life. I've got a job that pays my bills. I've to work from 9am till 7pm and then i come home, eat, study and sleep. Every Saturday morning, when guys and girls of my age group are going home drunk from partying at the wee hour - i am marching towards the Geneva central station to catch the first 4.56 AM train connection to Zurich where i have my MBA classes the whole day. Then at 5PM i sit again in the train for nearly 3 hrs for the ride back to Geneva - Welcome to Umer' World. For next two years i have the same schedule!!!

I knew what i am getting into and i am happy with the way life is - BUSY! no time for travelling and spending money anywhere else. My university is super expensive and if i do not save enough money, i would never be able to pay the fees of 5,500 CHF every 4 months.

But i am very happy that finally i am back to studies and inshAllah after 2 hard lived boring years i will have 2 Masters Degrees because of my Swiss University's double degree programme with University of Southern Queensland, Australia.

I've recently joined Facebook and enjoying it. If u wanna keep in touch, add me in facebook as Umer Durrani.

Keep in touch....

Cheers
Umer.

Hello Friends from all over the world!

Yes it has been sometime that i wrote anything about my life. There were many reasons for it. But anyways, i am back here to write more :-)

The news is that i have got admission in University of Applied Sciences (HWZ) for the 2 years weekend program of Masters of Business Administration here in Zürich, Switzerland. So, i guess no more travelling on weekends :-)

It is a (fucking!) expense University and every 4 months semester i have to pay 5000 USD fees (30,000 USD in total). Right now i am unemployed and I am desperately looking for a job in a 1000 KM radius of Zürich because i know once i get a high paid job i can easiyl afford to travel every weekend by train to Zürich for my MBA Classes.

A lot of my friends contacted me to know how is my family in Pakistan due to current political and security situation in the country. Thanks for your concern but Lahore, where my family lives, has been safe and they all are fine (Alhamdulilah!).

Tomorrow i am going to London for a very short (2 days) trip as i have to bring some of my bags from there back to Zürich and manage some other administrative stuff. I still love London but HATE - really HATE the British Administration. Today i had to call 6 places and explain my case 8 times before someone gave me correct information about a simple form that i needed from a UK Governments office. The work is still now done as they have asked me to fill in another form and send so many documents FIRST and formally request that particular form. hahaha! they drive me crzay!!! like Crzay :-))))))

Zürich is still the same. Expense & organized. Cold & Beautiful! Yesterday there was spring festival called Fasnacht. I didnt know it until i arrived at the main station to meet my friend, Daniel Sigrist. It was a terrible weather - rainy & windy but people were still playing music, singing & wearing colourful costumes. Daniel took me out to a nice restaurant where we had ITALIAN Dinner. He paid as it was my birthday present from him. Thanks DANIEL!!!

Tonight i am going to meet my friend Rolf's sister, Silvana - a beautiful swiss girl from the mountains. Our friendship has recently grown and this is the first time that we are going out together to watch the latest movie called: Lion for Lambs!

That's all for now.... i will try to write again soon.

<<<< Many Hugsss & Kisses >>>>

Cheers,
Umer or Alex - whatever u prefer to call me :-)

8a.m Monday, 17^th September 2007: Montreal, Canada

I woke up in the morning and i knew what i wanted. I wanted to fly out of Canada towards EAST. I went on Montreal’s airport’s website and checked which are the flights out of it today. Luckily, i found that that there is Royal Jordanian’s direct flight to Amman, Jordan. That’s it! I called the airline’s office at 9a.m and asked for the availability and price for one way ticket from Montreal to Amman. I was told that the price is 766 CAD incl. Taxes and there are seats available. I called a cab and went straight to the airport on this lovely autumn morning. The ticket agent quote the same price. I gave him my passport and the money but as soon as he tried the reconfirm the booking – he got an error – No Seats Available! I couldn’t believe it. I called the airline and got the same information. My plan to go to Israel via Jordan was busted! I was a little disappointed as i really made up my mind to go to Israel. Now i must re-plan everything starting from WHERE AM I GOING! I knew that i really want to see my parents but the problem was that i needed a visa to go to Pakistan which i didn’t have. So, i went to the information desk again and asked them about all the flights from Montreal to Europe and Middle East. The next most suitable flight according to my budget was at 10pm (which meant that i had about 14 hrs to kill – Fuck!) but it was an amazing last minute offer – Just 217 CAD/105 GBP incl. Taxes one way flight to London. I knew that from London i can fly anywhere. Moreover, i have got my room, my friends and everything there so it would be good to see them all before i embark onto another big trip. I bought the ticket to London!!!

Tuesday, 7.30 am, 18^th September 2007: London, United Kingdom

Due to strong tail wind the flight to London was much faster than anyone expected it to be. It was just 5 hrs ad 45 mins. I arrived back home – Europe is what i call my home!  I went to my apartment and to see my friends. After a few hours there, i noticed that there is some kind of tension in the air. What happened in last 10 days in my absence changed my flatmates attitude towards me. At night, i got to know the whole story. I WAS SHOCKED! The guy whom i helped a lot to settle in London, whom i trusted so much that i let him have my room so that he is not spending money in hostel so that he finds a place for himself and when i return, i get my room back. This unthankful New Zealander guy conspired against ME along with one of the newly arrived girls in our flat to throw me out of my own room. He totally denied the fact that i told him that he can stay for just a few days until i come back and the girl supported him too. IT WAS A NIGHTMARE!

Wednesday, 19th September 2007:

In the morning, all the flatmates got together and had a hot discussion. I told them all that he is lying but because they were in majority so i lost the battle. What hurts me the most is that why did he behave in such a way! Believe me if he would have asked me to give him my room and move somewhere else, i might would have done it!!! What a pity that he lost a trustable friend like me. I called my best friend Rolf & my ex-flatmate a Swedish girl, Yamile and requested them if they can keep my bags until i come back to London from PAKISTAN which should be somewhere in Mid-October.  They rescued me and i moved my stuff to their place and flew to Zürich, Switzerland with a heavy heart.

Never c hanging Zürich welcomed me back to Switzerland. After chaotic last few days it was a huge relief to be in World’s Best City to live (according to UN Survey for 2007 & 2006 about quality of life in the major cities around the world). My ever reliable friend, Christof was there at the airport to pick me up. It is not often that someone comes to receive me on the airport but it is one of those little things that matters a lot to me.  I was still going through to the jet lag so i went to bed when it was 10.30pm in Canada and slept like a stone.

Thursday, 20^th September 2007:

Good old Zürich made me feel as if i am visiting my Grand ma – always there for me with its unconditional love. I wanted to stay a bit and relax so i decided against going to the Pakistani Embassy to get the Visa. I stayed in my room the whole day. Before going to bed, i thought about my parents and started missing them. I told myself that there is not more important in the world than making my parents happy and i can do that if i will be with them for the Eid-ul-Fitr/End of Ramadan, which will be around 14^th October this year. I decided to go to the Pakistani Embassy tomorrow morning for the Visa.

9.30 am Friday, 21^st September 2007:

I woke up later than expected but i had everything prepared last night so in 15 mins i was always at the local train station to catch the train to the Swiss Capital – Bern. It was a strange feeling to apply for the visa at the embassy of your country of birth and where i spent atleast 20 yrs of my life before becoming German (23^rd April 2007). They were very kind and helpful and gave me the visa immediately (i paid 35 Euros Visa Fees for a Single Entry visa). I was happy to get the visa because now i could go anytime to Pakistan. But of course i wanted to make sure that the ticket is under my budget so i came back home and started my search online for the ticket to the EAST.  There were a few options such as for 300 & 350 Euros oneway by changing flights 3 times and with longer waiting timings at the various airports.  But i wanted to get a special fare, as always! Finally i saw a special offer for 69 CHF/60 USD incl. Taxes one way ticket from Zürich to Pristina, the capital of KOSOVO, which is currently a UN Administrated country after the war ended in Serbia in 2000. As soon as i saw the price, a big smile spread on my lips. The moment i saw it, i knew what i wanted to do. An old wish that was buried somewhere in the corner of my mind came to live and i purchased the ticket. Again i slept at 4.30 CET/10pm Canadian time.

Saturday, 22^nd September 2007: Last day in Zürich before the trip

I woke up with the exact plan in my mind. I knew what is my next  goal: The Road Trip to PAKISTAN! I told me friends that i will be flying to Kosovo tomorrow and they were in complete disbelieve but i am sure next time even if i tell them that i am going to Iraq, they won’t be surprised. I had so many things to do such as packing, reading more about Kosovo and the current situation there, organising accommodation with couchsurfing, printing out the maps and general information of travelling in Balkan states. Moreover, i also wanted the read about the neighbouring countries and as i knew that i have to make my way EAST from Kosovo. By midnight i was done with everything but as i was still suffering from Jet lag so i couldn’t sleep until 2 a.m/8pm Canadian time.

The Journey Begins!!!

4.40 am Sunday, 23^rd September 2007:

I LOVE ZÜRICH for being so reliable with its transport system. No hassle, no tension – i woke up, got ready and at 5 am, i was at the local train station close to my apartment from there i took the direct speed train that arrived at the Zürich airport in less than even 10 mins. As always, i had no or very less luggage. This time it was just a small school bag weighing about 6kilos (because of my Laptop 2kg and lonely planet guide for EUROPE 1kg) Check in and security check didn’t take much time and in no time i was inside the plane. The flight was delayed for an hour due to some reasons – the pilot announced that we have not yet received permission from technical staff – whatever it means ;-) But the flight was smooth and i arrived in Pristina at 10a.m.

The immigration was easy. They saw my german passport and gave an entry stamp at the back of the last page in the passport. At that time i didn’t understand why was the UN Immgration staff was so stupid to do but later i understand the reason.  

I flew with Hello airline for 55 USD incl. taxes from Zurich to Pristina, Kosovo'a Capital. Spend some hours strolling around the city before catching a bus to Kamenica (Pronounced as Kamenitza) where i was hosted by a Kosovar Couchsurfer Lavdim. We had an awesome time together! I was literally treated a celebrity there due to my travelling experiences.

Arrived a few hours ago in Zürich in high spirit. The fresh air of Switzerland welcomed me back 'home'. I was in three countries in last three days. So, much has happened in last week that it is hard to believe but may be this is all about making experiences - good or bad - and learning from them. One of my friend says that with every bad experience your learning curve grows higher n higher - in my case recently i think it has been at 90° angle :P lol

Before arriving in Zürich, i had planned that i will go next day to the Pakistani Embassy in Bern (the swiss capital) to get the visa but i am reconsidering that decision as i am not 100% sure if i would like to go to Pakistan as Zürich is so comforting that i feel like staying here and sorting out all the problems one by one. I think first i will check my financial situation, then think about my future plans (work, study & where to live) and then comes any sort of travelling. Shouldn't it be in this order? I am sure my close friends will be very happy to read the last sentence as they have been giving me this advice since a long. I hope when my plan reach the implementation phase they go with the same speed as they were made! I hope!!!

Hey, i think i am suffering from Jet lag, its 20.31 in Montréal and i feel like being there instead of in Zürich where it is 2.31am :-)

Guys! i am feeling much better now even in the morning a lot of shit happened but it feels good to be back in the same room where i still have so many things and precious memories of the last three years that i spent in Zürich. I also feel like continuing my job here and bringing the train of my life back on track. Let's see!

To Friends in Zürich: I am here and dying to see you guys after a long time! Come on call me up and lets meet soon.

Btw, tomorrow i am going to the Cinema to watch newly released movie of Angelina Jolie, A mighty heart. I'll write a longer review if it turns out to be as good as the people say it is.

I also started reading a new book of famous Brazillian author, Paulo Coehlo, "Like the flowing river". I think its the 4th or 5th book of Paulo that i am reading. He is one of my favourite authors. I bought the book today from duty free shop in London Luton airport for 8 GBP - just to let u know that the books are the one of the few comodities that are of reasonable price in London.

A lot of hugs and kisses to all the readers across the globe.

<<<<<Good night>>>>>

'The canoe of my life seems be passing one of the biggest storms of my life. I won't go in details but just to tell u about where am i now!

I am in London, flying to Zurich where i am planning to stay a few days before i leave for Pakistan to spend the rest of Ramada with my parents. May be some spiritualism and being closer to religion and my family might help me over come this bad patch in my life.

I am really down today!

No smiles to spread - only a few good wishes!

xxx

Umer.

Tum akhir bhool gaye na
Tum bhool gaye woh lamhe jo humne sath bitaye the
Tum bhool gaye woh wade jo jeene marne ke khaye the
Tum bhool gaye woh barish jiss main hum nahaye the
Tum bhool gaye woh sath jo humne nibhaye the
Tum bhool gaye...Akhir!

Kaha na tha humne ke bhool jao ke humain
Kaha na tha humne ke waqt bahut zalim hay
Kaha na tha humne ke mat jao, ruk jao
Kaha na tha humne ke tham lo iss hath ko
Kaha na tha humne in bahoun main simat jao
Subb bataya tha tumhain meri jaan ke bhool jao ke humain akhir!
Tum bhool gaye na humain!
Akhir bhool hi gaye...

Kiya janta ho pyar kiya hota hay
kiya janta ho tum?
Pyar kiya nahi jata
Aur tumhara bina jiya nahi jata
Leikin nahi milainge ab hum kabhi
Kehta houn main ye tumse
Chahat jo di thi tumne, usse apni zaat se badhker chaha
Mohabat jo di thi tumne, usse apni jaan se badhker chaha

Phir bhi...

Tum bhool gaye na humain

Ah! ke tum bhool gaye...

-By Umer
23.31 hrs
18th August 2007

Life changes - so true!

There was a time when i was dreaming about living in London... Thank God that dream was fulfilled and i moved to London, got a room for myself for the first time in my life, living with complete strangers but my flat mates were great. They never made me feel unwelcome. They even enjoyed meeting my friends from couch surfing. I am so thankful to them for having me in that flat but now its time to move on...

Why to move on? Due to three reasons: 1. The rent i am paying in that flat is more incl. taxes than what i expected 2. I need to have a flat where i can host as many people and as long as i wish (could be my friends from all over the world or from couch surfing) 3. I would like to have my own flat where i am the one who sets the rules :P lol

On the 3rd August earlier this month, i told my flat mates that i would not be renewing the contract which was initially for just two months till 3rd September. I started my search for a new flat. In the start, i must say that i saw some horrible places. I went some days of extreme stress and depression because i knew that i have to find something as soon as possible because i must move out of my current room on the 3rd September.

Yesterday, i went to see a flat in south of Vauxhall, Zone 2. It's location is good considering that there are night buses, train station and tube station a few stops from the appartment building. Though the building itself doesn't look very good from outside as its a a typical British brick building but the little park infront makes a good impression. Moreover, there are 3 Double bedrooms. My Bedroom in this flat will be the master bedroom of the flat. It is nearly double the size of my room in my current flat. The flat is fully furnished with Microwave, Fridge, washing machine, Dishwasher, Vaccum Cleaner, etc. I immediately decided that i am going to take it and offered a deposit. Today i received the confirmation that my offer was accepted and i can move in on the 3rd September.

Finally, another problem solved. Another dream is hopefully about to come true. I cannot wait to have MY OWN FLAT for the first time in my life :-)

I invite you all to visit me and be my guest in London.

Cheers

Umer/Alex

I recently read the novel -Still life with June- which inspired me to have the similar title for this blog.

Whats the latest? 

I came to Zürich to take a little break from fast forward life of London, to meet my friends, to manage the bank accounts and pay credit card bills (as if i have got money - huh!) so here i am in Zürich - back to the place where i use to life - where i lived 3 yrs of my life - or may be more... where i have got so many (boring?) memories of those (boring & sad!) days. But ofcourse not all the memories are the same. 

Yesterday it was terrible weather... it felt as if the weather was following me from London but today it was a typical Züricher Sunday - partially cloudy blue sky and light wind... no one on the streets except a few parked cars.... a few people around in the garden busy reading something or just relaxing.

I called my friends today and family members. I miss them now as if i have just spoken to them. I called someone after a long time and all the good moments spent with that person came back to hunt me... making me even more sad.... Ahhhh !!!

There were also some good things that happened today.... i chatted on msn with my italian mate and i was absolutely delighted to know that he scored 108/110 in his final thesis. He also showed me his current art work and i was very impressed. But the best thing he told me today was that he is going to visit me in London next month. Now i am looking forward to it so that we can travel together to Dublin, Ireland. Let's see!

 Tomorrow i have so many things to do - thank god that the shops and offices are opening tomorrow!!! - First thing ---> i badly need a hair cut :P I will upload new pics after the hair cut - okay?

Now let me go and sleep...

Yawniiinnggggg... G'nite

Me.

Life is like weather... sometimes good and sometimes bad, sometimes wet and sometimes dry!

I arrived in London on 23rd June 2007... with hope, wishes and a lot of dreams! In the last 3 weeks, i've had good and bad days. But life goes on... one should always remain optimistic and keep trying! this is what i did until today when i am happy to tell you all that i've got a not only 1 but 3 jobs!!! These 3 jobs are in a bar, restaurant & in a travel agency. They are all at good locations with reasonable salary.

At the same time, i am also helping other travellers from www.couchsurfing.com by providing them free accomodation at my place. Its good to meet people visiting London and showing them my city!!!

Nowdays i am so busy that i recently forgot to wish my good adnan on his birthday for the first time!!! :-( I am extremely disappointed about it but i can't turn the time around :-(

You all must be thinking about my travel plan for next few months so here it is:

I am planning to go to Brighton on the first weekend in August, to Munich for Octoberfest on the last weekend of September and to Pakistan & India from 20th December 2007 till 5th January 2008. Between September and December i will make short weekend trips to Dublin, Lisbon & Vilinius.

Things to do in London:

Joining Volleyball team & Gym, Socialising & partying more!

 

That's all the latest! Do drop me your comments.

Seeya in London :-)

Cheers

Alex/Umer.

Some people do believe in reincarnation but how will it feel to be reincarnated before dying? this is how nowdays i feel being here in London - Reincarnated!

I am here  -  I am here in this massive metropolitan that i love for its style, art & architecture, people and the atmosphere.

My life is slowly coming back to normal. I've got a room in a very friendly flatshare, where there are two spanish guys (one from Basque & the other from Andalucia region) and two (mixed) swedish girls (Columbian/Swede and the other from Gambia & Finland). We live here all together 4 of us like a one big happy family :-)

Today i am giving my house warming party where i have invited people from all over London to come and celebrate me moving into this place. Let's see how many guys will show up!

I am looking for a temporary or a permanent job in I.T, Hospitality or Tourism. Let's see! I've had an interview and got another one. So, if anyone of u knows someone who can help, do not hesitate to let me know. 

I am still in bed and slowly waking up. I went out last night with Rolf, my best friend from Zürich. We met the Dutch & Slovenian girls by chance in a bar and had a wonderful time with them. I hope to see them again sometime!

I am still very active on Couch Surfing. Thank God my friends, flatmates support me in this otherwise it would've not been possible.

Now i feel sleepy again so talk to you guys later.

Signing off....Signing in into dream world :-)

 

It is 02.20 am on 24.06.2007 and i am awake since 13.30 on 22.06.2007 - 37 hrs!!! :-) This is my best ever record!

I drove along with my friend, Chris in his Mercedez from Zurich to London 13 hrs yesterday. My fastest driving record was rest at 230 Km/Hr or 143 Miles/Hr on French Motorways :-)))

I have seen a flat and most probably tomorrow i am going to finalise it and move in. I will soon give a 'moving in party' at my flat in south london (5 mins from Tube station called Oval on Northern line - Black line)

I am happy to be here but i miss my American friends.

That's all for today! Good night (if i can!)

Alex.

Yes i have finally decided!!!

I am going back home....

I had a good day out yesterday when An American friend of mine drove me to Cedar Point Rollercoaster Amusement park. We had great fun! but now as i have spent more than what i should have on this trip i decided to reserve my seat for the way back.

I called North West Airline and booked my flight for Tuesday, 19th June 2007 which arrives next afternoon in Frankfurt at 1.25 pm.

This weekend will be my last weekend so i am about to go out and party... tomorrow is my friend Matthew/Mustafa's birthday who is also my host here! We will have a small get together party to celebrate his birthday.

Tomorrow i will be uploading photos from Cedar Point.

Cheers

Umer 

wordless words

silent sounds

fill the void of my life

Confusion, mistrust, appreciateion

just wordly words

real love is pure

needs no words

i love you

do u love me?

Yes! i write when something is wrong... you see too much right become 'wrong' too :P
I know you won't understand my words and philosphy, it is not because i am drunk or something but its just too simple to understand...

Anyhow, i am here in San Francisco... waiting for the evening so that i can take my overnight flight to Miami on the east coast of the great United States of America. I am not feeling well today as i am suffering from inflation of the stomach. It happened purely because of my stupidity that i took my antibiotic pill minutes before sleeping. I simply swalloed it with the saliva because i was too tired (and stupid not) to get up and drink water. In the morning i woke up with terrible (?) pain in my stomach and the burning sensation... i thought its because i have not eaten anything but i was wrong as soon as i had a ripp off 14$ breakfast i realised that whatever went down the oesophagus and as soon as it arrived in the stomach it felt like U.S war jet has dropped a nuclear bomb in Hirroshima!!!

So, here i am at 11.53 am in my couch surfing hosts place and feeling sick!!! i planned to go out sight seeing but i do not feel like doing anything but writing coz i might feel better if i receive a few phone calls, sms's and sympatic emails :-)))

Wish me Gutebesserung as it is the equivalent of Get Well Soon in German!!!

Love you all
Umer.

Hello Friends

I know i have been absent from here since long. So much has happened and i couldnt write it all but i will try to write a summery of events from 15-27th May 2007:

- I flew from Frankfurt, Germany to Detroit, U.S.A with Northwest airlines.
- Airlines is a real shit hole. They served one meal in a more than 9 hours flight!!!
- I was stopped for interrogation for 3 hours on Detroit airport by U.S Homeland security and border control.
- I was picked on the airport by my cousins who took me straight from Detroit airport to Ann Arbor, Michigan where my fahter's sister lives. She gave a big dinnerparty and had invited all the relatives over!
- Next day - my first day in U.S. - i went to a bank in Ann Arbor and laughed a lot when i had my first interaction with Americans. They have such a different accent and way of life than Europeans.
- My 1st stop in U.S was my grand father's graveyard ina city called 'Dearborn' 20km from Detroit in Michigan.
- I have never ever seen so many churches, mosques and synagogues at one place like in Dearborn. All the Atheist beaware of this before going there ;-)
- From Dearborn, my cousins drove me for 2.5 hrs to northern city of Saginaw in Michigan where brother of my father lives. He is a phyisician.
- I spent 2 days in Saginaw. It is a small city where everything is big and wide. Its one of the cleanest places in U.S for me till now.
- On Friday, 18th May 2007, me and my uncle's family drove from U.S to Canada, we crossed the border at Port Huron-Sarnia, there was no U.S immigration at exit which created a problem as i was told by Detroit immigration that i must get an exit stamp. We were told to go back to U.S and get it. This whole process took about 2+ hours and we arrived at 3am next morning in Niagara Falls, Canada.
- Roads and Transport System of Canada is far better than in U.S
- Niagara Falls have two parts U.S & Canadian. Both are very touristic and this is what takes the good feeling away while visiting it. But the most recommended is the boat ride in the falls from Canadian side which takes you right in the middle of the Falls.
- We spend 1 night at Niagara Falls in a 4 star hotel - The Oaks over looking the falls - Thanks to my uncle who paid for it :-)
- Next day I took a bus to Toronto and started Couchsurfing in Canada. I stayed for two days in Toronto.
- Found a car sharing offer for 40 C$ from Toronto to Montreal and the guy drove me there along with 2 more passengers in just 5 hours.
- Stayed for 2 days in Montreal. Just loved it!
- Flew from Montreal with American Airlines to Chicago. I was surprised that US Immigration was at Montreal airport instead of in Chicago. Everything went well!
- Stayed from 23-26th May in the windy city (which wasn't that windy as Wellington!!!)
- My good friend, Michael who is also here on Multiply, he came to Chicago and we had a good time together.
- Another friend of mine from Chicago, Mike, and his family invited me and Michael for dinner in famous Chicago's deep pan pizza restaurants. We had good conversation and dinner together! Thanks for Mike and his lovely parents.
- Chicago is nice coz of its architecture and the lake view!
- Flew on 26th May from Chicago to St. Louis with American Airline.
- I had a 4 hours stop over in St. Louis and i made full use of it. As soon as i arrived there, i took the Metro, yes it is indeed called metro instead of Subway, to the city center and guess what did i see there? I saw the world famous 'American Arch' which was made as a symbol for the 'Gateway to the Western U.S'. I was astronished to see that it is an ENORMOUS STRUCTURE!!!
- Flew from St. Louis to San Francisco, did couch surfing. Jason was my host here. A cool bloke!
- Me, Jason & Marie (his girlfriend) went to SAMBADA, a Brazillian Samba dance night which was a one off special event as the next day was famous San Francisco Carnaval, yes its pronounced as Carnaval instead of Carnival. You see its Spanish and not the English Carnival :P
- Carnaval was the highlight of my stay in San Francisco. A highly recommend event for the travellers!
- Next day i was lucky to have a bright claer blue sky as its a rarity for San Francisco. I decided to go  and check out  the world famous 'Golden Gate Bridge'.
- Okay! now my views might provoke a controversy but that is why i will express myself!!!
- Golden gate bridge is boring and just a tourist trap. Its view from the 'viewers point' is worth the effort but once u r on it... its just an ugly structure! i wonder how many of you have been to Sydney harbour bridge and Golden gate bridge... but in my opnion S.H.Bridge is far better and much more beautiful!!!
- Tonight, 29.05.07, i am flying (overnight) to American Eastcoastal city offfffff ---> MIAMI :-)

YESSSSSSSSS!!!!

If anyone of you has been reading my blogs... then u guys know which option was it in the previous blog to go to the U.S.

YESSSSSSSSS!!!!

Finally i have become German and last Tuesday, i got my German Passport with the chip & computerised data about me. Now i do not require a visa to visit the U.S and many other countries all over the world.

So, i booked my flight the same day i got the news that i've been issued the Passport. Exactly a week after, i will be flying to U.S - THIS COMING TUESDAY!

Now the question is: where to go, what to see & how to meet all my relatives & friends who are spread over this huge country!!! If i had tons of gold or billions (though Millions or even thousands would do as well!) then it was easy, i would have invited them all on a weekend and thrown a huge pool party (typical American life style! :P) but neither i have money, nor time. So, it leaves me with hundreds of options and no solution -> Stress/Fatigue!!!

HELP!!!!

I am going to You-Assss-Aay! 

Today finally i made a some travel plans but the final one might turn out to be entirely different because my family might insist on staying a few days more with them. Let's see! Let's see if i get convinced or people convince me :-) But the main goal is to have fun, learn about Americans - the real & 2nd/3rd generation Americans, party, teach people about Europe and the places i have been too and then come back to Europe safely on June 6, 2007.

I've posted my basic travel plan on this website's calender so if u r by chance in town and our ways cross, please do not hesitate to write to me. I'd love to meet as many people as i can.

 

Till then good bye :-)

Umer.

 

PS: Tomorrow i am throwing a 'Farewell Party' at my place here in Zürich. Will take lots of photos and upload them soon.

Heys guys!

It's me back here after a long silence... you know that Silence always means something... its also a kind of expression...

So, the latest is that today it is my 19th day here in London and i have not still found any job. I had 3-4 interviews but no positive outcome till now... let's wait and see!

Now... the situation is getting bit 'challenging' as my savings are getting lesser every passing day. Everyone knows London is expensive and especially to buy things in GBP is very expensive :-)

I am surving this cold and rainy spell of no job and no place to live. Though my best mate/Rolf & my family here are supportive but i hate being dependent... I am running out of good options but at the same time creating new & more adventurous ones.

Let me share a few with you:
I'll be getting my German passport in a couple of weeks and it will enable me to travel to many countries of the world without a prior visa including the United States of America - where i have not been YET! So, the option 1 is to visit NYC, Philedelphia, Chicago, Detroit & may be Montreal & Toronto before flying back to Europe. I have small saving and i know it is an absolutely crazy idea to spend it all on travelling instead of managing the current expenses.

Option 2 is to work in any new EU country till september and then later move to London as a student and find just part time job. New stands for any country which gives me a job and good money - target countries: Sweden, Norway, Ireland & The Netherlands.

Option 3: Just stay here in London and keep looking...

That's all for the moment...

Btw, i will be going to Zürich for a few days this Saturday. So, guys in Switzerland, if u wanna meet up please sms me on my U.K Number: +44 79 253 64 301

Cheers
Umer.

3 days ago, One confused nervous guy landed from a Swiss international airlines flight from Zürich to London's business airport - City Airport, to start his new life, with lots of question & no answer to any but just with the believe and determination that he'll make it and this is EXACTLY where he wants to be....

That was three days ago! That was me !!!

Thank you Rolf! Thank you Najma auntie & Zeeshan bhai!
They made me feel comfortable & relaxed. Reassured their support and willingness to help me out of this early confused phase. I am already feeling much better and with every passing moment, i am realizing that finally my dream has come to - I am in London! Yuhuu!!! I am REALLY in London! This thought makes me so excited that i jump in the air, give a strong hug to my mate, dance on the streets - I soooo much wanted to be here!!!

Today is the 4th day of my new life and after going out clubbing & partying from last 3 nights, tonight i am gonna take a little break but i am still going out to meet new friend that i made last night.

Tomorrow is Monday and i have tons of things to do... applying for jobs, calling job recruitors, finding flat, preparing for my GCSE Exam for the admission in PGCE course starting later this year, moving my stuff from my aunts place to Rolf's place (thats where i will be staying till i find the job! Thanks to Rolf!)

So, in short, things are good... and looking promising! I am very hopeful that i will get a job within a week or 2 maximum, will have my own flat & then i will invite you all to visit me coz i miss you all sooooooooooooooooooo much! yes all of you!!!

Okay guys, keep sending emails and stay in touch. Do not forget to update your phone books with my UK mobile number: +447925364301

Kissezz
Umer.