I'm a 26 y.o. blonde, blue-eyed American female traveling to Lahore in March for a wedding. From most of what I've read online it's a pretty safe city (other than typical urban crime issues which I'm not worried about as I've lived on the South Side of Chicago and in East Harlem for years with no problems).
However some of the South Asians in my office have been telling me as an American it won't be safe for me because of the threat of kidnappings. They are advising me not to go. (For the record I wasn't able to find any news stories about American tourists being kidnapped in Lahore).
Does anyone have any opinions?
2007-01-25 07:26:19 · 6 answers · asked by mcrevell80 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Other - Cultures & Groups
As a blonde alone you'd stand out, if you're really blonde especially. You'll have to cover yourself up and dress modestly, like the local women dress, or somewhat at least. You want to try to blend in a bit. Don't offend local Islamic sensibilities, stay in safe places, with the group you are going with, allow the American consulate perhaps to know that you are going there and that you've arrived there when you do arrive. In general, you should have no problems, barring a bit of upset stomach perhaps if you drink the local water in some of those rundown areas of the city, which you may or may not be exposed to. The food too, could do this to you, due to much of it having been cooked using that same water. It's nothing like in the West. You're not in Europe, America, Canada. I was over there once for military service; it is a different world entirely. Interesting though. Take some Immodium-AD with you and you should do fine. That kind of thing is likely to be of more difficulty to you than any kinds of kidnappings or beheadings. It's an Asian country, not an Arab country at all. They speak Urdu primarily, Arabic only for religious purposes.
2007-01-25 07:50:27 · answer #1 · answered by DinoDeSanto 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
:O!? Why are u freakin' out like that!! =P
i mean u are only traveling for a marriage ceremony and not to do some top-secret activity that someone will kidnap you!
it'll be okay - relax! there are loads of other foreigners in many cities of pakistan...!
as a blonde - yes! you will stand out.. but it'll be okay.. !
happy journey!
2007-01-29 01:39:46 · answer #2 · answered by Shariq M 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You don't need to worry, Pakistan is full of tourists from all over the world throughout the year, my tutor recently went with her whole family, she's blonde/blue eyes and she came back safe and sound and enjoyed her self.
2007-01-28 11:22:18 · answer #3 · answered by pksaher 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would say go and stay with the people inviting you at all times. OK not the bride and groom, but other family members. Dont pass up this oppotunity to travel its a minority that would kidnap if at all, lots of Pakistanis will welcome you and dont dislike americans. just stay safe as you would in any foreign country.
2007-01-25 07:36:37 · answer #4 · answered by babyshambles 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Parts of Pakistan (Karachi) are quite modern and cultured. Others parts are full of inbred, scimitar-wielding camel humpers (Peshawar). Others have both (Lahore).
2007-01-25 07:40:24 · answer #5 · answered by ivorytowerboy 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
no matter where you go thereis going to be possible danger, i mean you are going to an arab country so be careful
2007-01-25 07:34:04 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 3⤋