The Magic Of Lahore. The first video in my ‘The Magic Of‘ series on YouTube. This YouTube series is designed to help people find, explore, or re-discover that *magic* from certain products, places and activities. In this first video, I showcase my first time visiting Lahore and Pakistan. You might find the results surprising.
A White Westerner Lands in Lahore (Pakistan)
Travel and the process of flying, applying for VISA’s, as well as all the other aspects that make travelling complicated are not compelling for me. I’d rather not deal with the stress of travelling. However, on this occasion, it ended up being worth it.
From the moment I landed in Lahore airport, it was simultaneously how I imagined it but also not at all what I’d imagined. You will see in the video how I describe the smell. I also mention how busy and chaotic it was. Filming in airports is never a wise idea and I didn’t plan on getting myself in to trouble before even leaving Lahore airport. I wish I could have filmed the process. Coming from Britain, a country and people famous for queuing in an orderly fashion – Lahore airport was anything but.
People arguing with airport security. Hoards of people standing around kiosks. One person was even very disgruntled and shouting. I’m still not sure if they’d maybe had a bit to drink on their connecting flight. Since Pakistan is a dry country and doesn’t permit alcohol.
Speaking on Pakistan being a dry country – seeing confiscated alcohol from people trying to smuggle it in through their luggage was quite amusing. Where there’s a will, theres a way, I guess.
Exploring The Magic Of Lahore, Pakistan
During my visit to Lahore, the city was celebrating Basant for the first time after a 20 year ban. This made the trip extra special and really added a sparkle of magic. Most of my time was spent with real people. In real family homes. Although I did spend a few days in a hotel, two of those days were spent being violently ill. This is always expected when visiting South Asia as a White Westerner.
Although it’s not shown in the video, I rode motorbikes through narrow neighbourhood streets like a James Bond chase scene.
I stayed up til’ late flying botang (kites) on rooftops during Basant.
I performed jadoo (magic) at an authentic Pakistani wedding.
Although Pakistan has it’s cultural and political issues, and let’s face it, what country doesn’t? I can honestly say, between the heavily armed security on the streets, to the shops of Ichra Market and everything inbetween there is much magic flowing through Lahore. Although Lahore is not the official capital of Pakistan, it’s often referred to as ‘the heart of Pakistan’. I now understand why people say that.
There is a famous saying – “You haven’t been born until you visit Lahore”
With that, and my rebirth, I present the first video in my on-going series – The Magic Of Lahore (Pakistan)
To continue following my ‘The Magic Of’ series, Subscribe on YouTube HERE.
If you would like to see more of Scott’s adventures and experience in Lahore, follow his Instagram Scottistan.Official
September 3rd, 2026