Growing up in any big city, you get exposed to so many beautiful cultures. I’ve grown up with a lot of open eyes around me that’s influenced my eyes to open.
– King Krule
Well, I have to agree with the above statement. As we all know Karachi is filled people belonging to different race, culture, religion and ethnicity. You can experience all kind of experiences that the world have to offer,You have amusement park like Aladdin (Believe me, I am still excited each time I visit it and discovery – the ride, just pumps up the adrenaline.)
I just found this video on YouTube, so those who haven’t been there. Trust me, you will love it.
SAFETY:
One of the major concerns we all have as being an independent girl in the big city is being safe. Well, until today I haven’t been mugged. Just praise the Lord and hope it doesn’t happen. Apart from that, roaming on the streets is not that dangerous as the TV and MEDIA makes it sound. I do have chores to do, get the groceries and pay up the bills. I never knew people of Karachi were so courteous and friendly. Not to disappoint the people of Lahore or Islamabad; but people are not friendly there at all. And they won’t ever bother giving direction. Or maybe I just had the bad experience in the city.
Friends:
As I am being told by my elders, GIRLS shouldn’t have MALE friends. I don’t know why some people still consider it as a taboo. But things are evolving and people are accepting the two opposite gender can work or study together without having the awkward sexual tensions between them. Kudos to all my loving friends. And just saying, i do have lots of girlfriend who make my life much better.
Komal, Annie, Yusra, Zartashia, Naveen, Osama, Maaz, Danish, Ahmed, Samad, Zubair and many more that I can’t mention. You guys make up my life more bearable and way better than my boyfriend ever did. Love you loads!!
TIP:
Yes, and one should never give a shit to society. I remember hearing tons of lectures from my mum when one of my male friends use to drop me home. I think they are just being gentleman; whereas the people who see me getting off a car things I might be dating the person should seriously get a life.
Travelling:
Being in the big city and not having a car to drive is very annoying. You keep on asking your friends if they can pick you up whenever you plan a hangout can be a mess. But what to say, all my friends signed up for it. *evil laugh*
Apart from that, I do take autos. It’s safe and fun. And very cheap; i mean it. Don’t just let the driver make you pay hundreds when you can always bargain on it and cut to the half price. You guys won’t believe it; I use to travel to Urdu Science College (Gulshan-e-Iqbal) from Tooba Masjid in just 150 rupees. A girl should always know how to bargain in a big city.
FOOD:
I haven’t been to all the food spots but there are quite some that are my regulars. I know this sounds a bit crazy but I am one of those people who love SUBWAY. I know only one person likes it in a thousand according to a study i read. But whatever! Subways are great and I can make the best ones.
Other than that, I would always love to hit the Chai Dhabbas like Chai Shai or Chaiwala. Both are pretty great. Or if you’re talking about fine dinning; I like Sajjad. I remember three years back a friend introduce me to it. And now I am a fan of their electric lemonade and chocolate sizzling brownie; must have!!
And talk about the food streets, you can munch as much as you can from Boat Basin and still won’t be enough. Ugh, the smell is so tempting.. but my weight machine says no. Always, and it wonders why i hate it so much.
So if you’re new to the city, hit spots like boat basin, burns road, do darya (impeccable services).
SHOPPING:
I am not going to brag about it, but KARACHI is like a paradise for shoppers. From all the big malls to thrift stores. You can easily get what you want. I am not brand conscious but I do love GENERATIONS but apart from that I use to love thrift shopping at sunday bazaar. They had nice shoes over there and you would find amazing painting there. Damn the people, who closed it. But you got places like Atrium and Zanaib Market. Where you get pretty much everything in a decent price. Or if you’re busy studying or working just order it online from daraz.
Strangers:
When I first step out of the home, I felt scared.
Every new face i saw was haunting me; but gradually i realised people don’t notice unless you’re wearing jeans. Being in the big city, people are least bother with what you’re doing. Most of them are into getting their stuff together. And at times I don’t even know what going in my neighbourhood.
But you will realise as time passes by some of the faces fades away, while others be your friends.
OVERALL I will say, living is Karachi has it pros and cons. But I love the city no matter what people say to me. I will live my life with my ways, and all those considering things as taboo should get a life. I am doing it my way and deal with it.
I guess this above statement shows that girls in KARACHI are not scared to things on their own. And they will study and be on top of their professions. No matter what the people say. You have one life, make sure you live it to the fullest.
Being raised up in the big city is not as flashy as it sounds, I do remember the look on my cousins faces when I visit them and they will be keen to hear everything I have to say about my city. So why not just share the experience with you. And if I missed on something, do let me know in the comments section below.
And that all folks. See you soon.
Njtashu 
Beautifully written and illustrated. Loved it.
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