Shopping for shalwar kameez

The American journalists on the Pakistan-US exchange needed business attire for most of our meetings in Pakistan's capital, and that meant going shopping for a shalwar kameez at an upscale shop called Khaadi.

It's the national dress for both men and women, although there are many regional and ethnic variations. I saw them on both villagers and VIPs like Imran Khan, the cricket star turned politician.

It wasn't easy to figure out what size our American bodies would need, so we had to try them on. I ended up with the design shown on the model at the front door of the shop. We were assured that these garments were "good" quality; you can pay a lot more for high-end designs encrusted with jewels, or a lot less for a simpler version at a street bazaar. I paid about $40 for my outfit, which included fashionable long tights, intended to be gathered at the ankle.When I wore the clothing the next day, I wondered why this hasn't caught on the US; shalwar kameez are incredibly comfortable and flattering on almost everyone. However, I must point out that some people thought my "kurta" or top with handmade stitchery was more Afghan than Pakistani. What do you think?

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The Cuteness of a Layover in Japan

If you ever have to spend several hours at Tokyo’s Narita Airport, you have time to venture out for a quick visit to the nearby town. It takes some guts to wander outside the airport in an unfamiliar country where you don’t speak or read the language, considering the possibility that you might get lost and miss your flight. But there are enough signs in English and enough helpful people to make it work as long as you keep one eye on your watch. We're journalists, after all, trained to laugh in the face of danger. We changed money and headed out.

It’s a little bit daunting that so many people are wearing surgical face masks, including the clerk at the ticket counter for the train to Narita. However, another helpful lady at the ticket machines got us on our way to the train. After 20 minutes, we got off at the second stop and began walking towards the temple we could see from the train. Along the way there were cute kids, cute pets and cute shops. 

We passed a cemetery where some of the statues were wearing hats and someone had placed a can of tea among the tributes to the dead.

 

After a brisk walk, we took full advantage of the photo opportunities at the temple. There were pretty gardens, live turtles and a handwashing station. Smoke from an incense urn promised to bring good luck to those who inhale it, but some visitors kept their surgical masks on anyway. At the bottom of the steps, we returned to the street and stopped at one of several restaurants where the featured dish is grilled eel. We took off our shoes and sat at a traditional Japanese table, fretting when the promised five minute wait for food turned into 20 minutes. It was time to eat and run. Literally.

Our group of five made it through security and reached the gate just as our flight was boarding. Despite the close call, it was the most fun I’ve ever had on a layover for $25. Arigatou gozaimasu!