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Multan, Pakistan
Sunday, Oct 09, 2005

Briefly

David Murray
2007-02-23 22:07:39

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is meant to be the remains of an old Sikh fort, which the British pulled down, and a huge shrine, but all we could see was an old building which had a very British touch to it. We asked a homie, and he pointed up to the hill, and we were off. We walked through the old fort gates. Once, a long time a go, there was a British officer by the name of Vans Agnew. He was murdered by a Sikh in an old Mosque, so the British pulled the fort down. There was a memorial for him, but fuck, it was hard to find. The old proverbial needle in a haystack comes to mind !!! The memorial, however, was like Cleopatra's Needle, along the Thames, but with an inscription, Stating that it was for Vans Agnew, made of different stone, does not come from Egypt, never been to London, and will remain in Multan !!! Photos taken, we moved onto the main shrine. The Mausoleim of Sheikh Rukn-I-Alam stands out like dogs balls. In fact, up to this point, it is one of the most impressive buildings I have seen in Pakistan. It was huge, with a huge dome for a roof. We were made to take our shoes off, and as the floor was made of brick, it was fucking hot. We attempted to go inside, but we were mugged by beggars, so we did a few quick fends and a couple of side steps, and we were out of there. Just to continue our little historic English/Sikh/Pakistani theme going, we jumped into a rickshaw and went to the Jami Mosque. This used to be a garrison, when it was held by the Sikhs, but after they murdered old Vans, the British used it as a courthouse. It was large, with some colourful tiles, but as this country is so much poorer than Iran, it was kind of sad that it has never been restored. We took our photos, as to be expected of tourists like us, and then we moved on. Dinner was had, and that was the end of our day

We arose early, and found a rickshaw driver.

Me - To the train staion.
Homie - What
Me - To the train staion.
Homie - What is a train staion
Me - Some place where you catch a train
Homie - What is this
Me - Choo choo choo choo, toowhoooooooooooo
Homie - Oh, the railway staion
Me - Yes, and hurry
Homie - Ok then, 20 Rupees
Me - !!!!!

So now we wait for, once again, the Jaffa Express, hoping it won't be late like the last time. We can always hold our breath and hope !!!