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My interview at the Pak Spectator
Raza Rumi was interviewed at the Pak Spectator blog. My interview is nothing but rambling galore; but I did relish answering the various questions. I am not sure why I was asked about my preferred travel destination[s], but I did enjoy the day-dreaming:
That top most travel destination would have to be Turkey. I am fascinated by the confluence of civilizations and cultures that is embedded in contemporary Turkish reality. You move from one town with Greek remains and enter into an area where Roman splendours or ruins await you and then you hear the sound of azaan and it just becomes an incredible journey into history and world cultures. And of course, Konya where Rumi lived is also in Turkey.
My second choice would be Indonesia: another country with beautiful rainforests, mountains, beaches and rich history. I love Java Island and have written a little bit about it as well.
I suppose the third choice is the African continent. There is immense, raw beauty there that brings once closer to the primordial connection with Nature. I want to go there again and again. I haven’t been to Western and Southern parts and am eager to go as soon as I have some savings for this purpose.
Read the full interview here.
Shameless self-promotion!
October 9th, 2007 at 7:23 pm
Not to forget Turkish coffee and the lions, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes and zebras in Africa!
October 9th, 2007 at 10:13 pm
An interview that’ll have people think and ponder! A great read.
I have to admit that I would have liked to know more about how you connected with the non-Pakistani blogosphere, but I guess the interviewer pretty much determines the course.
However, while on this note, there is a great deal of looking inwards among people from South East Asia, something which is completely lacking in the western world. But, I often wonder whether this ethnocentric pondering may some day become a limitation; a hindrance toward growing and connecting with the world beyond. An ethnocentric preoccupation can often lead to a myopic world view, wouldn’t you agree? Pakistan has so much to offer and so much to receive, but where’s the via medium, and how will such a medium emerge unless there is a general consensus and will to connect with all that which is not Pakistan.
The above is ‘rambling’ in the true sense of the word! Feel free to disregard it.
October 10th, 2007 at 4:36 pm
Indeed an interesting read. I wish you would tell us more about your book projects. Keep up the good work and may Allah be with you in your endeavors.
October 10th, 2007 at 4:49 pm
Sidhuji- thanks for visiting and leaving the comment
Id: No this was not rambling at all - a very incisive comment and I must say that I often wonder about this dilemma as well. There ought to be some balance between the two impulses - of being ethnocentric and humanistic. Any suggestions?? I want to follow your veiled advice..
AM: thanks for the comment bro!!!Many ideas for the books let’s see which one gets my focus -
October 10th, 2007 at 5:06 pm
Excellent Interview!
October 10th, 2007 at 5:35 pm
What a good interview
Well done, Brother. Was the interviewer a woman, by an chance?
Ya Haqq!
October 10th, 2007 at 6:10 pm
huh, so Turkey! Raza’s first choice is my first choice as well , though one of the most important reason i want to go back is the taste that enriched my soul!
“Raki” . it was an experience without match. In an instant i understood whats all the fuss about wine in Persian Poetry.
The land of Orhan Pamuk , and Aziz Nesin. To walk in Istanbul is to be part of the “text”. its the greatest thrill.
To leave you with this lovely poem of AZiz Nesin
” You made me wait so long, so long that
I got used to missing you
You came back after a long time
I now love longing for you more than I love you”
and thanks Raza , for giving “Jihad” a new purpose
October 10th, 2007 at 8:36 pm
What a beautiful expression of tales n travels . I would certainly vote for Turkey as a top travel destination .
Haq Moin
October 11th, 2007 at 11:06 am
I just read the interview. It was great and thanks for the mention.
While the topic of Turkey is being discussed, I just want to point out the fact Turkey is also home to many historical churches from the Byzantine era. Greek Orthodox Patriarchate is in Istanbul. There are also various ancient monasteries and probably some Armenian churches though many have been destroyed. I hope to visit some on my next trip.
October 11th, 2007 at 12:19 pm
Interesting interview Raza, but I think you should have slapped the interviewer when (s)he said:
“How Pakistani bloggers can benefit from blogs financially?”
October 11th, 2007 at 11:16 pm
“There ought to be some balance between the two impulses - of being ethnocentric and humanistic. Any suggestions?? I want to follow your veiled advice..”
You’ve put it so aptly! Can’t sacrifice one’s humanity for an exclusive ethnocentric lifestyle. Globalization is no longer an option but a reality, and we’ve to equip ourselves in order to ride it at the crest, to our advantage.
‘veiled advice’ hehe! You are a keen reader of the covert! Besides you’re very kind and indulgent to give my ramblings an ear.
Your postings and your comments are insightful, thought provoking, and reassuring.
October 11th, 2007 at 11:45 pm
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