A trip to the Middle East

31st August 2006 A visit to Pakistan

I have just spent 3 days in Pakistan starting in Lahore for a day and a night and then on to Karachi. I am not sure what I was expecting as I went with an open mind and an interest in what the people would be like and in particular how they would respond to me.

I enjoyed my visit a lot more than I expected. The people of this country are very hospitable and friendly. I was amazed at the friendliness of the people everywhere I went. From hotel staff to people that attended my seminars, I was greeted and made to feel welcome. I particularly want to thank Octara who brought me to Pakistan and arranged my visit. Their people are professional and very keen to work with me so that the attendees get the best possible seminar.

The audience at all three events asked great questions and talked to me at length about their situation and what they wanted to get out of my presentations. They were hungry to learn and the lucky winners were delighted with the books we gave away. This country faces many issues relating to the infrastructure but it has such great potential. With loads of natural resources, there is so much they could do, given the opportunity.

I look forward to returning and hope that I am able to contribute in some small way to the development of this country. I want to thank Muhammad Arif and Hamza W. Hashmi in particular for their hospitality and the friendship they showed me. I look forward to seeing them again soon.

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3rd September 2006 Dubai

Three days in Dubai. Lorna joined me here because she will be in charge of developing relationships in this area of the world. It was her first visit and an opportunity for her to discover this fascinating city.

We had the chance to meet with the Group CEO of Tranzum and CEO of Octara, Jamil Janjua, and had a wonderful lunch with him and his wife. They are a lovely couple and very hospitable. I look forward to doing more with them in the future.

This visit was also about planning for the Global Summit which will take place next June in Dubai. Reg Athwal has a good team in place and we were able to discuss the program and sponsorship as well as look at venues etc. Thank you Reg for your hospitality and we look forward to being back.