For those of us who are serving in the Foreign Service, life away from family, friends and the comforts of life in the U.S. can be a big adjustment. When we pack out to head off to places unknown, many of us struggle to figure out what to bring with us. We are all limited to a certain weight of what we bring, called our HHE (household effects), so we have to be careful just what we choose to bring. You learn quickly that you WILL accumulate lots of 'stuff' in each country you serve and if you don't take that into consideration, you could end up with a hefty bill for whatever is above and beyond your allotted weight.
I can't remember exactly what my HHE weight limit is, but I am certain I'm not close to it, even with all the carpets I bought in Oman. Here in Lahore, there are many opportunities to spend my hard earned money! I've added a couple of carpets to my collection. I just purchased a gorgeous hand carved wooden screen. It's going to look great when I settle back in the States in June 2014.
We went to a shop where this man had lots of very old items, some reproductions of old items and some items we see every day here. On motorcycles, men deliver milk in these large brass containers. We all love them and I had to have some myself. They come in small, medium, large and dipping cup. I have 3 of the 4.
I can't remember exactly what my HHE weight limit is, but I am certain I'm not close to it, even with all the carpets I bought in Oman. Here in Lahore, there are many opportunities to spend my hard earned money! I've added a couple of carpets to my collection. I just purchased a gorgeous hand carved wooden screen. It's going to look great when I settle back in the States in June 2014.
There's also a never ending supply of pashminas to buy here and I've helped out the economy here by buying more than my share! They also make wonderful gifts.
Another of my favorite things is the copper spice box, below. This is probably a reproduction but I love it. Inside it is a round tray and 6 copper containers in 3 different styles that hold spices or teas. This is how spices were transported years ago in this region. I love it!
But I have just received my favorite purchase while serving overseas. I am now the proud owner of a completely restored 1962 Vespa! For now, it sits in the corner of my living room but I will fire it up enough to keep things in good working order inside it. And hopefully, find a way to ride it occasionally on some enclosed safe place. It won't be on the streets of Lahore, that's for sure! So....what do you think?
6 comments:
That screen is gorgeous- nice find. And your spice container is so pretty. Todd and I have been trying to learn how to cook Indian and Pakistani food and our friends have that small tray, only not as decorative. Can't wait to see what you post on the leather goods!!
Kristi, I am really surprised at all the really nice things you can get here. That screen is beautiful...and so heavy! I can barely move it! AS for the leather stuff...4-5 purses, a fantastic back pack I found online and a wallet...iPhone case. And maybe more for gifts! I'm supposed to be saving money, not spending it! As for Pakistani food, the flavors are wonderful if you can just get around the hotter than hell spices in everything!
You have found some awesome keepsakes -- LOVING the spice container!
There are so many great things to buy here..I just hope I don't fall in love with any more carpets!
Hi Debi...
I just stumbled on your blog (the Next Blog feature) and had to tell you how fascinating I found it. Thank you for your service and good luck on retirement. Be careful on the Vespa...
Hmmm. It occurs to me that I'm begining to sound creepy.
MrsSmeej, welcome to my world! Thanks for finding me. I hope you'll come back and read some of my many ramblings about life overseas!
And I do plan on being very careful on my Vespa! :o)
Post a Comment