Some Time On the Frontier: A Pakistan Journal

Adventure and romance in Pakistan among the Pathan people. This riveting memoir, a travelogue extraordinaire, starts with visits to Hira Mandi, the infamous red-light district in the old city of Lahore, to evening prayers in the Shrine of Data Baba and the majestic Badshahi Mosque. It mainly deals with the author's relationship with a Pathan courtesan and her family, and a five month horse expedition though the Hindu Kush, Karakoram, and Himalayan Mountains from Peshawar to Chitral, Kalash (Kafiristan), Gilgit, Kaghan Valley, and Kashmir. Finally, the relationship causes him to be kidnaped to Bajaur (Tribal Territory), where he finds himself ten miles off the paved road in a mud fort, near the Afghan border, tied to a cot with her. It describes life in the Northwest Frontier Province of Pakistan, and life within Pathan society, with great passionate intimacy. There are some interesting diversions in Dubai (staying with Waziri taxi drivers) and in Thailand. Lavishly illustrated with over 100 stunning photos.