Its going to be good

I can see it. I can envision myself living a Pakistani life. What does that mean? It means I can clearly imagine that I will conduct all of my relationships in Urdu, both in the office and with friends. And I believe that I will be able to quickly build a local social life. My assumption is that social life in Pakistan takes place in families. I think that with the people I know already from the mission and the Pakistani's I have met in DC who will be in Islamabad, that I may be able to be very happy in Islamabad.

I met a random guy at a happy hour tonight who had lived in Karachi for six months. He said it was lonely, there was no night life, that the only socializing he did was going to his Pakistani male neighbors for tea, he said he drank alot and watched alot of movies.

I think this is to be expected.

My approach to living in any country is very different. I really see myself, primarily, interacting and relating with the nationals. I see myself putting very little energy into building my expat community, although that will come quickly. My Urdu teachers are fairly surprised at my motivation. Some say, why are you killing yourself, others say its great that you are putting so much effort into getting to know Pakistan, a third asked today if I want to marry a Pakistani man.

This is my twelfth week. The good news is that I see from NZ's party's that I can hold my ground and insist on speaking in Urdu, even with the Pakistani elite who speak perfect english.

I am having the same problems I had with Bosnian because I am careless: gender agreement and verb agreement. This is the season to pay attention to these details. Once SAIS ends in 2 weeks, I will have another 10 hours a week to study.

I want to pick up my writing and reading. My fear is that I will get a 3 in speaking and a 2 in reading.

I can see myself there for many years, with D visiting regularly.