10 things to expect this summer

If your visa is stuck in a processing queue at an embassy, or your vacation plans have been derailed because of the riots in Thailand, worry not. This summer - despite the rising temperature - has some fun stuff to offer.

1. Shopping

As fashion week collections begin to trickle into stores, prepare for an onslaught of women brandishing their credit cards to get outfits.

2. Music

Coke Studio’s third season will be on-air all this summer - featuring the country’s best musicians collaborating to produce exemplary fusion music. If this season is anything like the last, expect to hear Coke Studio music blaring from every stereo in town.

3. The stereotypes

Foreign press coverage of Pakistan was dominated in 2008 by the phrase, ‘in a summer of Taliban violence...’. Stay tuned for more cliches this year!

4. Films

Ali Zafar’s Tere Bin Laden releases this summer, as does the cutesy Imran Khan-Sonam Kapoor film I Hate Luv Stories, which looks like another Dilwale Dulhania Lejayeinge inspired movie. Rumour has it Russell Crowe’s Robin Hood is also being released in Pakistani cinemas

5. Open-air cafes

While the only option for having a meal outside used to be at dhabas, that has changed somewhat. Islamabad’s Table Talk and Mocca are great outdoor options. In Karachi, try out Roadside, The Patio (which has an European feel), Koel or Cafe Flo.

6. Mangoes

It’s worth having your visa rejected just for the sake of succulent, juicy mangoes

7. Weddings

Even though it feels every summer is worse than the one before, friends and family members insist on getting married in the midst of the power cuts and monsoon rains. We suggest - if you’re not the one getting married - to make the best of it. Hitch up your floor-skimming trousers and dance the night away with them.

8. Power cuts

We are all united as one in our hatred of the power cuts. If you hate the noisy generator, so does your neighbour. If the ice-cream in your freezer melted, the grocery store around the corner has the same problem.

9. The rain

Monsoon rains are such a unique experience. Pakoras and tea are a must when its raining, as is keeping a wiper close by to clear up water.

10. TV shows

While most shows will go on season hiatus for the summer, spend some time catching up on shows you have missed or watch the HBO show “Entourage” for a dose of celebrity culture served up Hollywood style.

Published in the Express Tribune, May 19th, 2010.