Updates

Alright- so I'm no longer a resident of Lahore per se- just a regular commuter. Life, for the next few months will consist of shuttling between Sialkot and Lahore, alternating between student-hood and apprentice-ship to every laborer in the factory.

Incidently, the first instrument i got familiar with is the 'Richard's vaginal probe #23' or something like that. Names dont matter at the moment- i need to develop the ability to recognize good craftsmanship as well as develop an aptitude for the (fairly technical) production process. Not to mention learn everythig in both english and punjabi.

The workers here are incredible. These people can measure off millimeters without using any measuring tools- just eyes. Their skills with metal and basic mechanical functions is also amazing. They can tighten/loosen joints by deft strokes of their mallets on small anvils at precise angles without leaving a single mark. My futile attempts at doing the same resulted in a scratched-up bent-up piece that had to be completley rejected. This after a good 20 minutes of malleting away trying to do something these guys do in like 10 seconds.

So far, the experience has been rather humbling. It's very easy to write these people off as uneducated, illiterate, ignorant louts. Talk to them, however, and you realize that they are far from foolish and could teach you a thing or two about life.

They have all my respect.

We even have tongue forceps in out veteranary line. Must steal a pair of those and be creative.

And I'm planning on getting pixie a set of personalized instruments once she graduates. :) Sadaf too, if she got into med school :P