Rawalpindi is adjacent to Pakistan’s capital of Islamabad, and the two are jointly known as the “twin cities” on account of strong social and economic links. Rawalpindi has been inhabited for thousands of years and has ancient Buddhist heritage, unlike Islamabad, which was constructed in 1961 as a purpose-built national capital city. Its deep history is apparent along the gritty streets, especially compared to Islamabad’s neighboring modern and polished high-rise buildings.
The city offers any visitor many authentic experiences. We had been so intrigued by the endless number of colorful and unique “jingle trucks” along our road trip, we decided to spend our limited time visiting a huge lot of auto mechanics and artists that crafted these amazing vehicles.
Trucks and buses that travel the span of Pakistan are highly customized and decorated by their owners. External truck decoration can cost thousands of dollars, but the significance is beyond measure to drivers that spend weeks or months away from home. Designs are often meaningful reminders of home, as well as good luck charms for maneuvering winding, exposed, and often dirt roads. The art is a mode of expression for the truck drivers.
Entering the lot felt like walking into “Jingle Truck Wonderland”! There were so many different trucks decorated with shiny bells (hence “jingle”), elaborate art and intricate wood-carved designs, eye-catching neon flare, and inspirational quotes painted in calligraphy along the sides. We spent a couple hours strolling through the sea of trucks being worked on, chatting with local mechanics and artists, learning the meaning of each piece and about the thriving industry. We could have easily stayed longer, watching the artists at work.
Wandering Ways 