Exquisite Travels: Back to Lahore

Lahore is a city that is very close to Nikki’s heart. She spent her growing years in this city and has always been inspired by the culture, architecture, thriving art scene and theater this city has to offer. It was no wonder when she visited this past December after a few years, it was nourishing for her soul.

From the crowded markets to museums, old buildings dating back to Mughal era as well as sights, smells and sounds that took her back to her childhood days.

Here is a little glimpse of what was accomplished in her first few days of arrival. Shaila and Tahir Andrabi are a couple who reside in Claremont, and Tahir is a professor at the University. They have been in Lahore for the last six months where Tahir is on a sabbatical at LUMS, a very prestigious university in Lahore. Shaila has innate desire to learn as much about the city as possible, and to my knowledge, no one has soaked up what Lahore has to offer than this couple. In other words, they have become “True Lahoris.” Their three children who reside in the States were visiting the parents in Lahore and the couple invited family and friends to a brunch inside the walled city. The menu consisted of most popular dishes from various restaurants and were served in the most authentic style. The venue was Shahi Hamam which literally means “Royal Spa“ and is about 400 years old. Guests were welcomed by a violinist playing nostalgic tunes. Our hosts had done up the venue beautifully and their warmth and love made it the most enjoyable day. Guests were given private guided tour of the Hamam as well as Wazir Khan Mosque which has been restored to its former glory. Below are a few images of the day.