‘Pakistan is an amazing and a safe country to travel’, says Canadian motorcyclist Rosie Gabrielle!

The Canadian motorcyclist Rosie Gabrielle is a solo rider traveling across the world. Currently, she is visiting Pakistan. She has been documenting her travel experience on social media and terms Pakistan as an “an amazing and a safe country”.

Rosie is single woman who had left her job two years ago to live her dream of riding solo. Shares on Instagram that, “Everyone told me it was too dangerous to come to Pakistan as a single female, let alone ride a motorcycle across the country. Now, 1,500kms into my tour I can tell you first hand what it’s like to travel Pakistan as a solo female and what I’ve experienced so far.”

 

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Everyone told me it was too dangerous to come to Pakistan as a single female, let alone ride a motorcycle across the country. Now 1500 km’s into my tour I can tell you first hand what it’s like to travel Pakistan as a solo female and what I’ve experienced so far. Countless smiles and cheers of joy as I pass people and they realize it’s a female riding. Numerous offers to stay in locals homes wherever I stop, families are always inviting me to stay with them. When I stop for chai or snacks at a store, most often someone will buy it for me, or the owner will not let me pay, saying I’m a guest in their country and they would love to gift this to me. Food food and more food! wherever I go, I’m offered to eat wonderful home cooked food ???? or offered gifts of food from street vendors as I pass by. Everyone wants to say hello and ask where I’m from and are curious what I think about Pakistan. They want me to know that Islam is a Peace and love and that I am accepted just the way I am. I’ve been gifted many things now by the people and families I stay with and been given the highest attention and hospitality, even if they don’t have much to give, they make sure I’m happy. And they give with their whole hearts. So many beautiful connections & heart felt moments, I have truly fallen in love with the people here???? This is Pakistan. This is the country of Peace and Love. And this is my unedited experience so far. As a solo female traveling by motorcycle. Pakistan has suffered greatly in past years due to the continuous negative image the media portrays. Since many years now, they aren’t used to seeing tourists. So they’re overjoyed to see a foreigner. Not because I‘m anyone special, but because it gives them hope. Hope that Pakistan will once again be recognized for the beautiful country it is and the true heart of the people will be seen. People have labeled Pakistan as dangerous or that the people aren’t good. And I’ve seen how that personally affects the people here, it brings them to tears to have such accusations, and it breaks my heart to know what is said and how they’re treated abroad having experienced the culture first hand and how they’ve treated me

A post shared by Rosie (@rosiegabrielle) on Feb 20, 2019 at 3:11am PST

“Countless smiles and cheers of joy as I pass people and they realize it’s a female riding. Numerous offers to stay in locals’ homes wherever I stop, families are always inviting me to stay with them. When I stop for chai or snacks at a store, most often someone will buy it for me, or the owner will not let me pay, saying I’m a guest in their country and they would love to gift this to me. Food and more food! wherever I go, I’m offered to eat wonderful home cooked food or offered gifts of food from street vendors as I pass by. Everyone wants to say hello and ask where I’m from and are curious what I think about Pakistan,” she further added.

In another post, she documents her experience while visiting Kasur. “I’ve had So many amazing experiences so far here in Pakistan. One that was particularly special was my time at the Bullah Shah Tomb in Kasur”, writes Rosie.

 

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WHAT BROKE ME INTO TEARS . I’ve had So many amazing experiences so far here in Pakistan. One that was particularly special was my time at the Bullah Shah Tomb in Kasur. The shrine was built after the death of The Sufi Poet and people from all parts of Pakistan came to pray there. In Islamic culture, it’s typical that men and women Pray in separate areas. I met the elder who was guardian of the tomb she blessed me, and told me how to pray there. After offering my prayers, the woman informed me she was a descendent of Bullah Shah, then took me inside the tomb where only men are permitted. This was a HUGE honor and privilege, something unique. Standing in this room, I could feel the intense pulses of energy. My channel was clear and direct. It was a message that all beings would be as one. That there was no separation between you or I. That the veins of life stretched out and connected each of us, flowing the energy of love and oneness. I returned back that evening, to continue my prayers in this magical place. And it was then that it struck me so deep. Tears began to role down my cheek. I, as a foreign female, who is non Muslim, have been so accepted into this culture. Without judgment, without question. I’ve been treated as family and given So MUCH love, and kindness, so genuine and pure in heart. My heart hurt. Deeply. Knowing that this world, has such a negative view on Muslim people and of Pakistan. That they have NO idea what Islam is actually about or the true heart of these people. That THEY are the ones terrorizing these beautiful peaceful souls. If they only knew. That Muslims, and Pakistani people, are model citizens for the entire WORLD. For all of humanity. That Islam is peace and LOVE. And I, traveling as a solo female here in Pakistan, have only received the highest of care and attention, from all people. This is how we SHOULD be to one another. But this is not how it is in the west. There is too much fear, anger, hate. Which is what lead me to my desperate cry on my stories last week. The world needs to wake up. This is NOT how we were meant to live. And I hope that by me sharing, people will be inspired to open their hearts.

A post shared by Rosie (@rosiegabrielle) on Feb 12, 2019 at 3:31am PST

 

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That time I sang with a QAWWALI band ! . . After experiencing a powerful prayer at the Bulleh Shah shrine in Kasur, I walked over to listen to the Qawwali band. Their music echoed and danced off the walls of the open area and the sound was so beautiful. Just then, the singer asked if I would like to come sit with them and sing along. Wow ! How could I say no ! . I sang as a professional singer for many years but had never sang this style of music, nor did I know the language. The man told me- just feel the music, and sing from you heart ! Sing louder he kept saying. The feeling was incredible ! I simply connected to Divine and sang straight from my heart. And this is what Qawwali is all about. It’s beautiful poetry from the great spiritual teachers and philosophers of time, created into rhythm harmonic mastery. It is a form of Sufi Islamic devotional music and dates back more than 700 years ago. . As a singer and Spiritual being I would Love to actually learn a qawwali song ! Any suggestions for what would be the best song to learn ? . . By the way: I’ve done an entire vlog series on my Pakistan trip and all these amazing experiences ! I can’t wait to share it on my YOUTUBE channel ! Don’t forget to subscribe { Rosie Gabrielle} to be the first to see them ????

A post shared by Rosie (@rosiegabrielle) on Feb 23, 2019 at 1:37am PST

She is not just visiting the historical sites in Pakistan but also had an amazing experience while traveling through the local streets and meeting common people. Her Insta feed shares her excitement and happiness while being in Pakistan. Gabrielle has so-far visited Malam Jabba, Cholistan desert, Kasur, Lahore, Sawat.

 

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All you need in life in ROSIE ROTI . . Is a popular saying here in Pakistan. “Rosie” translating to income, and Roti (flat bread) representing food. . . As I was walking down the small narrow streets just outside the walled city, I came across a man making Chapati. Chapati is a type of Roti, just thinner (It would be the same as a crepe). His name was Gulam Shabir. He had been making Roti’s professionally for 23 years. One by one he needed and tossed the dough effortlessly producing a golden hot crispy chapati within seconds to sell to the local vendors and passerby’s. I watched in mesmerized awe as he did this. The man in the stall next to him offered me a drink as I begun to take some fun photos of him flipping the bread. Next thing I know, I was invited to try it myself. How could I say no! I can definitely tell you, they sure make it look easy. There’s a real skill and knack to producing a perfectly round roti to which I failed miserably at. But, despite my failed attempts at being a Roti master, I did have the most amazing time. Laughing and connecting with this beautiful soul. Just the look on his face as we interacted and had fun was priceless. After, we were offered pakora curry to eat with our freshly made chapatis. It was delicious ! And like my previous experiences, they did not accept any payment. . . Touched by the entire experience, the gifted food, and my new friend, With a heart full of gratitude I thanked him. For the whole experience, for his presence and for this beautiful encounter and my feeling about Pakistan people and what this meant to me. To which Gulam Shabir replied; Pakistan people are LOVE. It is our pleasure. . . So, it’s not “Rosie or Roti” we need to survive. It is LOVE. Pure unconditional Love and connection ???? . . Thank you Gulam for representing not only your people and Country, but what humanity should be. ???????? ????

A post shared by Rosie (@rosiegabrielle) on Feb 1, 2019 at 12:49am PST

 

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This is Ali, a shop keeper at the Walled city in Lahore. A couple weeks ago we came here to visit the area. Our bikes were parked just opposite Ali’s shop and took rest at the wall After a long ride. Ali served us some Peshawari kava (tea) and some goodies from his shop. Afterwards, we tried to pay for the tea, but he didn’t accept it. He said that as a guest in his country, it was his honor to host me and gift this to me. I kindly thanked him and we chatted for some time. He asked how my experience was so far in Pakistan, I said it was amazing, that the people were truly so wonderful! He explained to me that, yes, Pakistan was safe and the people were about peace. And that life is about love and connectivity, that whatever the energy you put out, is what you will receive, so we must care for one another. I couldn’t agree more. And this has been my mantra my whole life. People ask all the time if I’m afraid traveling alone or have ever encountered someone bad. In 14 years, all I have received is love and kindness. Because I see everyone as equal, I treat everyone with respect and connect to the hearts of the people. People are not bad, they have just been through hard times. If they are triggered, they may react from the space of fear and trauma. But, if you send love and create a safe space for them, you will see the real human heart. We were created for oneness. We were created to love. Yesterday, I went back to surprise my friend Ali with a printed photo I took of him. To show him my appreciation of his kind heart, his beautiful being. This is what life is about. These small gestures and connections. Every moment in your day, you have the opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life, to connect with them, love them, and show you care. Whether it be a cup of tea, a smile or a kind gesture. Take the time to connect with one another and feel the difference in the energy around you and within your heart ???? let the people of Pakistan be a model of love for the world. . . Oh- and if you didn’t see my Instagram stories- this is the bike I will be crossing Pakistan on. ???? #bmwf700gs ????????

A post shared by Rosie (@rosiegabrielle) on Jan 25, 2019 at 4:32am PST

Upon her arrival in Pakistan in December, Rosie shared a heartfelt message on her Instagram page. She wrote, “I will be picking up a bike and traveling extensively across the country, sharing with you the true heart of Pakistan. The PEOPLE. I hope to change the mindsets that have been conditioned and indoctrinated to think negative views on this country. Follow me on this beautiful journey and see the true side of this country. WELCOME TO PAKISTAN!”, and her journey still continues.