One of the biggest challenges I faced was adjusting to the cultural differences. While I thought I had a good understanding of Pakistani customs and traditions, there were still some things that caught me off guard. For example, certain social norms that I was used to in Norway were not the same in Pakistan. It was a learning process, but one that I enjoyed. I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to live in Norway and learn so much from it. These are the values you appreciate in your life.
Language Considerations When Moving to Pakistan
Other things people need to think about before they move to another country is language. Fortunately, language barriers were not an issue for me, as I speak fluent Urdu, Punjabi, and English. It's worth mentioning, however, that the official languages of Pakistan are Urdu and English. I was amazed by how many people speak fluent English here. Fun fact: around 500 million people understand Urdu, Hindi, and Punjabi in the world. Norwegian is understood by 5 million people.
Weather and Climate in Pakistan
The climate in Pakistan was also something that took time to get used to. With a hot and humid climate, especially during the summer months, the heat was a shock to my system. Temperatures up to 50°C are no joke, and it's important to take precautions. In the winter, it doesn't get as cold as it does in Norway, but the houses in Pakistan are not as well-insulated, so you can still feel the chill. However, it's nice to have a bonfire sometimes at night in winter, which is something I really enjoy.
Accessing Resources in Pakistan
Access to resources was another challenge I faced. There were certain resources that were more readily available in Norway that I had to go without in Pakistan, or vice versa. For example, small things like paying bills, visiting doctors, and finding the right products for your home were more of a challenge than they had been in Norway. But it also came with its own beauty. I feel like I have learned a lot since moving here in December 2021.
Overcoming Homesickness When Moving to a New Country
It's natural to feel homesick when you move to a new country, and I definitely missed my friends, family, and familiar surroundings. However, I was fortunate to have been able to visit Norway a few times and for my family to visit me in Lahore.
Overall, it's been a challenging year since moving to Pakistan, but I'm glad I made the decision to do so. Would I do it again? Absolutely. While there were certainly challenges, I have enjoyed the opportunity to immerse myself in a new culture and learn more about my heritage.
A Rewarding Year Since Relocating to Pakistan
Now just imagine, it’s not easy to relocate your self after 35 years in a country. I have also been able to start a company here. I have done things so wrong so many times, but in the end, I never give up. The goal is to get just a bit better then yesterday.