London to Karachi

Arrived in Karachi on time feeling exhausted.  Checked in at Hotel and went for a walk along the Club Road to the Gymkhana Club of which was a member in 1945.  We made it past the security guard on the main gate who was armed with a doubled barrelled shotgun, and were met at the door by an old ginger bearded, red bereted security guard; a chest full of ribbons.  He was delighted to hear that father had been a member of the Club so long ago.

He introduced us to a current member (RK) to allow us to gain admittance.  RK was again delighted to hear Pop’s tales.  RK arranged for us to meet the Club President, who seemed somewhat bewildered by the invasion of his office. 

We had a full tour of the Club by the Functions Manager.  It had changed significantly since 1946.  The core building was still in situ, but it had been extended by a larger verandah as well as numerous sporting facilities such as a fitness centre, tennis courts, squash courts, swimming pool and a cricket pitch; which was where a Pakistan side first beat the MCC and gained admittance to the ICC.

RK very kindly invited us to dinner that evening at the Boat Club.  We sat on the terrace next to the river and were served by smart turbaned waiters.  The original part of the Club hadn’t changed much in the past 50 years and had cabinets full of old silver cups for various boating events.  We dined in a new extension which had been very tastefully designed.  As the evening wore on the conversation relaxed, and our host recounted his many amusing experiences in England (which he seemed to miss). These included being chosen as an extra for the film ‘North West Frontier’ which was being filmed at the Ealing Studios.  He said that all that distinguished him from his fellow spear carriers was that he was the one looking at Lauren Bacall’s behind!

We retired at 10:30 after a very good introduction to Pakistan.