3rd test and some spare time in Rawalpindi

So the third test finished in 2 and a half days. Fair play to Pakistan they bowled and batted better than England and home advantage is about creating wickets that favour your strengths. In addition England won the toss, so can not complain about having the worse of conditions.

That meant two full free days and Gullivers quickly arranged a couple of trips.

Day one saw a trip to Islamabad Mosque, reasonably modern and once the largest in the world. Impressive from outside but unfortunately we were not able to go inside. Then a trip to a local railway station with small museum (mainly closed). Not much to see but a few old engines and a train happened to stop as we were there. I don't think this was planned as trains in Pakistan are not that reliable (ask the two people on our trip whose train from Multan to Lahore turned up 4 and a half hours late).

Then on to a world heritage site at Taxila. Taxila was an important Buddhist Centre from 5th century BC to 6th Century AD. Ancient Taxila was situated at the pivotal junction of South Asia and Central Asia. Rare in a Muslim country.

Day two saw a trip into the mountains. I did not expect to go on a chair lift and cable car in Pakistan but after a twisting/turning journey up the mountains we ended up at about 5,000 feet with some great views. A further 90 mins drive took us to a popular walking spot based around a pipe laid during British occupation. More interesting than it sounds.

A very early flight will take us to Hunza Valley tomorrow and the last stage of the trip.