Pakistan. Lahore-Sharapur Sharif-shaib Lakho- Lahore

Here we are back in Lahore after a fantastic time away from the busy city. We went off into the countryside, chilling in the sun in the hostels extra guesthouse. The name of the place was Sharapur Sharif and it was so peaceful and had wonderful grounds. We were welcomed with open arms by the locals, invited for tea by everybody and had a peaceful time with the other visitors in the house some who had been there a whole month and will stay longer. Its that kind of place. Lazy days in the sun eating the local fruit (among other things!) -Amroot and nice evenings with Maurice cooking fantastic meals and then all sitting round fires talking about past and future plans and travels.
After a few days, we rang Arif from Gasten and he and his family invited us with open arms and kitchens to their village on the 11th, the first day of Eid. Eid is the 'Muslim christmas and they celebrate with food on top of food. Especially fresh meat that is slaughtered over the three days and distributed to everybody.
Who would ever have thought of me watching that and then eating the meat 30 minutes later?!. We were welcomed into everybody's home, to eat drink chai and talk. We also met Naim (from Gasten also!) yesterday and he is doing well and will be back in Denmark soon. The village is small, narrow streets and each house holding a large courtyard and big rooms, beautiful countryside, big fields that go on for miles. We were introduced to a nasty drink that Arif gave us, and said it was like alcohol. Not at all!.
Arif treated us like kings and queens, totally had to do nothing we were waited on hand and foot and made to feel really at home. It was wonderful to see Arif in his surroundings, and everybody sends their love to Fasil, Shaki and of course Maggie, so if someone can pass that on that would be fab.
Arifs family were so warm and lovely, it was sad to say goodbye to them this afternoon. Tonight we are meeting Sajid from Gasten in Lahore for dinner, then were are off to Peshawar.
So to basically say it, we are totally in love with Pakistan, the people have the biggest hearts and we are so safe and happy.