La Licorne
DIR
FORTRESS
That very Friday we
left for Dir, where we took residence in the Government Resthouse, presumably a
former British stronghold. The cannons overlooking the valley may have
encouraged the stationed troops, they have failed in subdueing the local
rulers. As for ourselves, now that we had visited the last portion of our
project area, we felt relieved of a task, at least for the moment. The most
difficult job of putting our ideas together and writing it all up into a
practical plan, still lay ahead. Especially Jens was in high spirits and went
out for a walk, while the others took a nap.
Later that afternoon
one after the other came strolling over to the terrace to watch sunset and
gather for drinks. Now the latter is a problem on its own in a Muslim
environment, but I must say, never to have encountered fussiness about the
matter, as long as it doesn't show. So you can bring in the booze as long as it
is not discovered, as you can consume it as long as you don't offend others.
Fortunately I have been gifted with a natural appearance of looking innocent in
face of the rightful, and developed a fine sense for finding the right
companion in sin. Somehow it always works out that those who do not fit in sportingly
stay away.
So we had a jolly
good time when Jens returned from his trip. In shorts he went into his room, in
trousers he came out to join us and grasp a drink. Good chat, such and such,
and so and so, until Jens wanted to get something off his chest, and everybody
went silent. As already told, Jens had taken off to make a good run through the
surroundings. Fitted out for the purpose he had trotted all the tracks in the
sparsely populated area, uphill and down, mile after mile. Of course, it had been
a sweaty exercise, but the beauty of the nature had compensated for the
fatigue. From time to time there had been an encounter with the local
population, and Jens had greeted them as friendly as could be expected from a
running person. Much to his surprise, however, the villagers had reacted
reserved and even amazed at his appearance, especially the women.
After
hearing this, Rafique exclaimed: 'How on earth were you clad? Hopefully not
the way you just came back!' Perhaps it wasn't all fun for Jens, but I must
say the rest of us had a good laugh. After the sun was down we cheerfully
entered the main hall of the house for dinner. Here we got some more of the
touch of worn olden times.
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on for DRIVE TO
CHITRAL