06-21-2011, 04:16 AM
The summer is a cruel season. It brings with it the scorching sun and the burning winds. The plains of Pakistan become hot like hell. One dreams of hills, pines and springs. Last years, I had the good fortune of spending a few days in the Murree hills away from the heat of Lahore. It was with a sense of great relief that, one morning, I boarded a bus for Murree. From Lahore to Rawalpindi, it was a tiring journey. After a short stop, the bus moved towards Murree . when we had travelled a few kilometers, we noticed the changing landscape. The road began to ascend gradually. Small mounds appeared on both sides. Then same small hillocks. They were thinly grown with shrubs and small trees. A great mist huge in front of us. Only the dim outlines of hills were to be seen. The driver told us that it was raining in Murree. It was my first journey, to a hill station. I was very much excited. I wanted to see everything on the way. I looked out of the window. The hills were covered with lofty pine trees. It was a beautiful scene. Suddenly, I noticed that the clouds were rolling towards us. The breeze was cool and damp. The driver switched on the lights. It had become somewhat dark. When we reached Ghora Gali, it began to drizzle. It was misty all around. The bus moved very slowly. In half an hour we reached Murree. The drizzle had stooped, but the clouds were still there. Perhaps they were regrouping for the next shower. My cousin had come to receive me. We went straight to the house they had rented for the season. Walking along winding roads and paths lined with fir trees we reached the house. After meeting my uncle, aunt and cousins, I look some refreshment and prepared to go out but a heavy rain began to fall, and I had to stay indoors. I stayed in Murree for one week. It was a pleasant time. Murree is the most popular and modern hill station. It is situated at a height of two thousand and four hundred metres. The weather remained cool and pleasant. I roamed through the pine-covered hills and drank from the cool, sweet springs. Murree has everything that nature and man can give it. Nature has made it beautiful and graceful. Man has given it grand buildings and comfortable hotels.