Yesterday was the last day of the Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival and VT and I wanted to be a part of the energy that such events bring. So, even after a long day exploring the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery and walking close to 10 km during the day, we decided to step out and have some more fun.
True to its history, the festival had people tasting wine and food from across borders – Europe, Asia, Australia, America and the finest of the finest was available at one place. We relished some hot-straight-from-the- barbecue chicken wings at an Asian counter, walked quite a bit to know more about food from different countries and just before we were about to call it a day, we saw an Indian food counter.
Within no time, we were standing there ordering chicken tikkas and parathas. While the food was being prepared and garnished, I had a quick conversation with one of the servers (that’s me for you) that left me smiling from ear to ear all my way back to the apartment.
Me : So, where in India are you from?
Guy: Umm, we are from Lahore, Pakistan. It’s the same thing.
So, that’s the deal – in a foreign land where language, food, culture and almost everything is different, meeting some one who calls India and Pakistan the same warmed up my heart.
It shows however much ever we may call out the differences, bicker on petty things, accuse each other of what not – we are still the same.
Pakistan sure loves India and India loves her back! ❤
Tagging this post for both #MicroblogMondays and #MondayMusings.
happiness and food 
I guess outside ‘India’, the differences just cease to exist for a number of reasons. Like most ‘Indian takeaways’ in London (and most of UK) are run by Pakistani or Bangladeshi restauranteurs. All for one and one for all, I guess 🙂
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Well said! Thanks Sid 🙂
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You know, I always suspected that outside of the two countries, these grudges don’t exist. This is such a heartwarming post. I hear many people who were originally from Pakistan (before the partition) speak fondly of the time, when they recount stories that their grandparents told them.
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Thank you Sreesha. Yes, you are right. I have also heard a few.
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Hey, I love the new look of your blog…though I kind of miss the fish and the hook..
And yea, I have heard my friends in the UK say the same things…
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Thank you Shubhangi!Glad you liked the look. The fish and the hook were popular for sure 🙂
Yes – UK – Sid just mentioned the same.
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Outside India these differences just disappear. I know a few Pakistanis and they are wonderful people.
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Yep! I have a Pakistani friend and she is a lovely person 🙂
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Yes, it actually is like that outside Inida…Every Indian Grocery Store that I have seen in Australia or even during my stay in Europe actually was either Bangladeshi or Pakistani..so I guess you are right!
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🙂 Yeah! It feels at home talking in Hindi!
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Food unites all people. 🙂
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Totally agree! 🙂 Thank you!
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I have had a similar experience, here in the US. The differences are set aside and people bond over the commonalities.
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That’s such a great thing. Isn’t it?
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It sure is. 🙂
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How lovely! To an extent, Australians and New Zealanders are a bit like that when we travel too.
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Sweet! Thanks for sharing!
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Different areas of the US are like that, and I’ve experienced it with Canadians when we’re abroad. Though not when we’re at home 🙂
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Yeah – same thing 😉 Thanks Mel!
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It is very true. The difference between Pakistanis and Indians does not exist outside the Indian sub-continent. I have lived in North-west England and this place has a sizable Pakistani population. Never ever I felt, during my stay there, that I was away from my country. I could speak hindi to my heart’s content in a foreign land and wearing salwar suits did not make me look like an alien. Whenever we went to Pakistani takeaway joints, the people there would speak of our shared history and of course bollywood too, very fondly.
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Wow! thanks for sharing! Sounds so much at home 🙂
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That is so sweet. I find instances like this very heartwarming. I wish I could make this whole enmity disappear.
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With you there! Thank you Tulika 🙂
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O man!! This seems to be one awesome festival you’ve attended Parul.. and I so want to experience it once!
Sweet and heart warming 🙂
Cheers
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Ha ha! Come to HK. Thanks dear!
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