A trip to Quetta

We visited Quetta a couple of weeks ago. Quetta is a very cultural city, and one of the most unique places I have ever visited.Here is an essay that I wrote about Quetta.

Before visiting Quetta, I used to wonder, ‘What is Quetta like?’ When I visited Quetta, I realised that Quetta is not like any other city of Pakistan. It is a unique city, and to appreciate its beauty you must not compare it with any other place.

Quetta is the capital of the Balochistan province, and is located in North-west Pakistan. Quetta is a growing city, with a population of 1.172 million. Quetta is not very green, unlike the lush green northern areas of Pakistan. However, wildlife does exist in Quetta,-or used to, at least-but is vanishing due to the increase in urbanisation. The Chakor- a pale fawn coloured, red beaked bird species-and the Markhor; an endangered mountain goat species, are animals home to Quetta.

There are basically two types of landscapes you get to see in Quetta; mountains-of every colour, shape, and texture- and bazaars. You can literally buy anything you want to in Quetta’s bazaars-clothes, electronics, handicrafts, jewellery, food, shoes-you name it. There is a bazaar for everything.

Unlike most places, in Quetta you will find the locals wearing traditional dresses only; kurta shalwar, for men, sometimes with a waistcoat or an embroidered topi, and for women, a long balochi frock with a shalwar, which is often decorated with traditional embroidery.

The weather in Quetta is very dry-the humidity is generally twenty percent or less. Quetta has cold winter climate, but is warm in summers. Quetta experiences snowfall almost every winter.

Quetta has an exquisite cuisine. The locals like to eat a lot of meat-mostly lamb and mutton-and so Quetta is a meat-lover’s paradise. The kahwa (herbal tea) is a common beverage in Quetta. It has a unique flavour and is usually served sweet.

The handmade ice creams you get to eat in Quetta are also incredibly delicious. They have a distinctive milky taste, and they taste way better than company-manufactured ice creams. Also, the traditional kulfis made here-and sold in the backs of cars-are also scrumptious. Sometimes topped with condensed milk and almonds, these kulfis are made from milk and nuts. They are sold only during the summer season, and are a great relief from the heat. Also, unlike the rest of Pakistan, in Quetta you can buy a kulfi from any kulfi seller and it will be delicious, I guarantee you. All kulfi sellers here sell the same quality kulfi.

In the end, I must say that Quetta is a wonderful city, and definitely a place worth visiting.