So I took a trip to Pakistan

Heres a "photo journalistic" look at my trip to Pakistan(which im currently still on as i post this). Tried to give you guys insight as to where i was, what was going on, etc. if you have any questions about anything let me know.Its a ton of pics, so i tried to keep them small. you can click the pic and look at bigger ones on flickr if one catches your eye.
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Abu Dhabi International.

pakistan-1002 by AliZaman, on Flickr

pakistan-1001 by AliZaman, on Flickr

Traffic jams on the way to Liberty Market. Traffic is insane, but my driver is a fucking champion.In Pakistan there are no strict traffic rules. Stop at red lights, dont run anyone over. aside from that, do as you please. Its awesome.

pakistan-1009 by AliZaman, on Flickr

pakistan-1010 by AliZaman, on Flickr

Went with my bro and his wife to go get him a ring. This little shop in the ghetto-ass market had literally $100,000's worth of jewelry. pretty crazy stuff. They had a guard that stands outside with an ak-47 to prevent any robberies. I wanted to get a pic but didnt want to get shot.

pakistan-1011 by AliZaman, on Flickr

Liberty market. Tons of people, tons of stuff, tons of people trying to pick pocket you and steal your shit. really awesome place to go and explore if you can manage to blend in.

pakistan-1013 by AliZaman, on Flickr

Random chef cooking kabob's on a spit on a coal grill. smelled amazing.

pakistan-1014 by AliZaman, on Flickr

Pakistani bride dancing at her wedding.

pakistan-1017 by AliZaman, on Flickr

The next few were taken inside and around the Wazir Khan Mosque in Old Lahore. Old Lahore is pretty much the center part of modern day Lahore thats been around for 100's of years.The mosque is right in the middle of all the commotion of old lahore as you wind through these alleys and streets which are crowded with people, cars, motorcycles, etc.Then you get inside the mosque itself and its just free of commotion, open, and spacious. really crazy contrast.

pakistan-1034 by AliZaman, on Flickr

pakistan-1021 by AliZaman, on Flickr

pakistan-1027 by AliZaman, on Flickr

Took this with an 11-16. bird just chilled while i was like 3 inches from it lol.

pakistan-1033 by AliZaman, on Flickr

This guy was awesome. He makes/fixes sewing machines(in the pic right after) for a living. Got him to stop for a second so i could grab a pic of him.Super intimidating guy, but i was honestly surprised he let me take the pictures. glad he did. turned out to be a great shot.

pakistan-1032 by AliZaman, on Flickr

pakistan-1031 by AliZaman, on Flickr

Two men entering the mosque through the main archway. Might be hard to tell, but you can see the huge expanse of the mosque's courtyard in the back ground.

pakistan-1030 by AliZaman, on Flickr

A view through one of the blocked off archways of the mosque. It looks into the market that surrounds the mosque.

pakistan-1029 by AliZaman, on Flickr

pakistan-1023 by AliZaman, on Flickr

Awesome old man inside the mosque. He watches your shoes while you're praying in the mosque(you dont wear shoes inside of a mosque).He was laughing hysterically when i took the picture of the bird above.

pakistan-1028 by AliZaman, on Flickr

Looking back at the main gate of the mosque from the actual praying area. You're not supposed to stand infront of muslims when they pray so i had to time this one properly. You can see the kid on the right giving me a couple of weird looks.

pakistan-1025 by AliZaman, on Flickr

The main gate of the Lahore Fort. Its insanely big, almost overwhelming. I didn't listen to our guide much during this, but he said that when the british came to take over the fort.Their elephants were scared of the doors for whatever reason. They then got their elephants drunk, rammed the doors, and eventually broke through. you can even see some bullet holes in the walls surrounding the fort.

pakistan-35 by AliZaman, on Flickr

Ruins of some of the living quarters inside of the fort.

pakistan-36 by AliZaman, on Flickr

View from a balcony that overlooks the Badshahi Mosque which is directly across from the fort.

pakistan-38 by AliZaman, on Flickr

View of the Badshahi Mosque against the sky. You can see the outlines of the minarets.Interesting fact, the minarets were built leaning outwards. So incase there were in earthquake, they do not fall into the mosque and onto people who might be there praying. how cool?

pakistan-40 by AliZaman, on Flickr

The actual mosque itself at sunset. absolutely massive. I believe its the 5th largest one in the world and probably the largest one in pakistan. I could be wrong on that last bit.

pakistan-42 by AliZaman, on Flickr

Random shot of some night time driving. a little out of place amongst these few pics haha.

pakistan-44 by AliZaman, on Flickr

Wagah Border Ceremony. For those that don't know its essentially a flag lowering ceremony on the border of Pakistan and India. On either side theres huge stands for pakistanis and indians to cheer on their own guards who do these awesome displays "against each other". The guards spend day and night with each other, so the indian and pakistani guards are actually friends, but the energy and tension on the two sides is insane. Specific shot is of "Imran Pakistan" who leads the crowds in chants and what not. The entire ceremony is pretty intense- Pakistan and India have a huge rivalry so anything where they can compete or do something against each other, instantly turns into a spectacle.

pakistan-46 by AliZaman, on Flickr

This old man has been at the ceremonies everyday for years and years. He comes in everyday with a huge Pakistani flag and salutes the crowd.

pakistan-47 by AliZaman, on Flickr

Indian soldier and Pakistan soldier standing infront of each other. They stood there the entire time. I'm not sure why they only gave the pakistani guy an ak-47. from what i understand our military uses f2000's and Steyr AUG's.