The Queens 60th Jubilee celebrations and the Olympics 2012 in London brought with it a frenzy of red, white & blue, not my favourite combination of colours, however I have never felt more British and more sentimental about my home country then I do now in 2012.
I have a very minor interest in Sport but the olympics was more than just a sporting event - the opening ceremony was incredible to watch and the closing ceremony just as fantastic. The ceremonies entertained the world internationally but I truly felt that the essence of the countdown and the journey from the source of the river thames. From the hedges in the countryside to the birds eye view of the river thames (that clearly only means eastenders to us digestive dunkers)
I feel England
I feel British
I feel the passion
I feel good but hey whats this? I look Pakistani
Being born in the heart of the east end of London - why would this look be a problem? I have played knock down ginger and kiss chase in the playground. I have had high teas in Harrods and sadly mourned the much loved Lady Diana. I have loved Simon Le-bon and danced to Wham. I have woken up to the milk mans cart and played out till dusk. I have walked to school alone and managed to not speak to any strangers. I have played on the space hopper and chalked a hopskotch on the pavement - and if this is not enough I can compile an even longer list, but who am I trying to convince? anyone? noone? - or myself?
These thoughts came about I guess on 14th August (yesterday) when the messages and facebook status's were screaming Happy independance day for Pakistan, sadly I did not feel the passion or the desire to place a flag on my wall. I will be shunned by some for admitting this but my affliation for Pakistan stops at my parents. I lived in Pakistan for six years but it never felt like home - I looked the part but I did not feel it.
I did try though
oh how I tried - I tried hard but it only led to confuse me further and I had to come back to the truth to what I am.
Pakistani?
British?
pakistani british?
britishstani - b r i t i s h s t a n i - yes thats the word - that describes me best x
Hanya
