Tuba Kazmi
Home away from home!
Coming from a city that thrives on history, tradition and old-school charm, I was always drawn to places that carry that same sense of past embracing the present. Lahore has always been the heart of Pakistan, rich in history, culture, food and hospitality. Its winding narrow streets, Mughal architecture and modern infrastructure covered in fog during winters or sparking in the blazed sun have a soul of their own, that even the visitors of the city can feel. Aptly famous among locals, my city’s essence is summed up in the famous quote in Punjabi “If one has not seen Lahore, it is as if they were not born”. Lahore is famous for many things, food, art and culture, history, and glamorous life but for me, it has always been Lahore in autumn and winter, a city straight out of a fantasy novel.
Most people seek sunshine, but I have always loved gloomy weather, the kind that makes you want to wrap up in a cosy coat and take walks along the paths that many have taken for centuries now. Under the grey clouds, Lahore’s historic buildings and majestic aura bring history to life. As a nostalgic, old-school person who studies histories around the world Glasgow was the best choice for my higher education. I was always passionate about my studies something that I think I gained from my mother who completed her master’s with four daughters, a husband and a whole house to manage. Glasgow became my first choice because of its gothic buildings, cobbled lanes and misty rain-kissed mornings. This nostalgic city and its uncanny resemblance to Lahore’s aura quickly made it my home away from home.
Not only Lahore, but Pakistan in general has so much more to offer than being a misunderstood country, each of its cities is brimming with culture and traditions of its own. The country is a miracle in its diversity, from some of the highest and deadliest snow-capped mountains of the north to the golden deserts of Sindh and the daunting sea of the south, Pakistan lies within the world’s most beautiful valleys. Yet whichever province, city or village you find yourself in, hospitality is the value Pakistanis take pride in. I come from a family that takes pride in serving their guests and considers everyone a guest who comes to their door. As much as I enjoy the monsoon season of my country, I have loved the colours, chaos and celebrations my country delves into especially during Eids.
Pakistan unapologetically celebrates and honours its seasons, festivals and traditions with equal zeal and life. The country celebrates and values family and traditions and love nothing more than a spontaneous gathering over a cup of chai. So, moving from a house full of family and a country rich in culture and colours to living alone in a new country was not easy. I had to learn to take my chai alone without never-ending conversations of politics with my father. I had to admire the beautiful views, Glasgow had to offer without turning back excitedly to share my astonishment with my sisters. And certainly, had to learn how to cook food but always missed my mother’s taste even when I followed her recipes over the video call. But Glasgow surprised me again. Over time as I learned to live life in a new culture again, I found a new rhythm and most importantly my people. My new family of friends here is a mix of cultures, backgrounds and stories. I might have been alone, but Glasgow never left me lonely.
It has been incredible sharing values, traditions, languages and food with my friends in Glasgow. There is something special about seeing my friends enjoying a home-cooked Pakistani meal or seeing them appreciate and respect the customs I grew up with. While Glasgow might not offer everything my country has to offer (food) I still have grown to love the walks that will always leave you breathless not often romantically but always physically. The weather, that gets misunderstood by many and my friends, who make living away from family a bit easier.
I always take pride in my culture, and Glasgow’s acceptance has given me a sense of belonging that might have been difficult if I had ended up somewhere else. So being a student from Pakistan at UofG is a lot more than pursuing a degree, it means bringing a piece of my home to a city that welcomed me with open arms.