Living in Karachi The humidity suffocates me but the sea breezes ease it all. High rise buildings are all that can be seen for miles but historical gems are tucked away in little alleyways, stranded away. Every person knows a different secret of the city, no one is blessed with it all. The art student living across the street knows of the little art store in between the labyrinth of clothing shops and the bibliophile who somehow manages to buy books every week can trace their steps to the book bazaar which is set up every week in Saddar, in between the stalls of spices. We have communities within communities, and secretly wish Karachi got better. Yet, I feel the safest here. Weekends starting with Alamgir’s parathas and chai, ending with Hyderi’s Peshawari Ice cream. Choosing the Buns Kabab of Burns Road over expensive restaurants. Rummaging out your grandparents archives, somehow feeling nostalgic for your ancestral home without ever stepping foot there. Attending exhibits at Frere Hall, discovering new places, going to the beach for a view of the sun rise. Finding people that know so much more about Karachi. Karachi needs no introduction yet it requires you find the part you resonate with, in a way the city will always fulfill you.
