different

walking through the blue smoke of the cars that chokes everything, i finally found the commercial section of the pakistan railways office, quetta division. an old colonial building, which also houses the quetta railway officers club, strictly no admission to non members. old brass cannons and a guard in full military uniform including a large red feather in his hat. I get directed to an office with four officials obviously relaxing.

'salaam we alekum do you know where i need to go to get a student discount concession slip?'
'sir, you are in the right place, but most unfortunately, it is friday and we are closed.'
'ah, no problem, i can come back tomorrow, i just come to find out if this is the right place.'
'ok sir, see you tomorrow.'

walking away feeling slightly elated at having guessed the right building and with a concrete vision of tomorrows activities, i hear over my shoulder, and coming most earnestly and pleasantly from one of the clerks, almost in the same tone as if he were going to do me favour and sort out the slip for me today-

'excuse me sir, but would you like to smoke some hash with us?'
'it's ok, thanks' i say, 'i dont smoke, but thanks for the offer'
'of course, sir, you are welcome'

i smile and walk out the gate.