Moon Restaurant sheltered about 500 tourists during the recent landslides.
The inclement weather we’ve been facing here in Punjab may have been received as a joyful stress breaker here in the southern regions, but the north has constantly been on the receiving end of the dangerous side of it. Last week, people have reported various things including harsh rain showers, unsafe roads, and blocked paths. Since it is the end of the summer and most people start school and work soon, many left for the north to cool off, but unfortunately were faced by extreme conditions and even serious danger.
Millions have been affected in India, Nepal, Bangladesh and Pakistan, where landslides and other effects of the rain have forced thousands to flee their homes. https://t.co/ilUEhFCj6E
— 350 Asia (@350_asia) July 25, 2019
For the unfortunate tourists that were already en-route when weather warnings started to circulate, a restaurant in Baser by the name of ‘Moon Restaurant’ became a safe haven.
The restaurant, run by the locals of the city that falls on the route towards many northern sites, became a stop for everyone waiting for the climate risk to clear out. It was later reported that the small restaurant, laid with charpayis and manjis, was occupied by over 500 panicking tourists when they found out that there were landslides happening in several places, and that it was not safe to get back on the road any time soon.
The management of the restaurant handled the situation remarkably well, so much so that people could not stop appreciating it.
Realizing that they were stranded there for a while now, the tourists started to share blankets, quilts, and warm clothes. The women, children and elderly were especially taken care of. The restaurant’s management, despite being well aware that people would have been willing to pay for it, did not charge the tourists anything for their occupancy.
While other restaurants in the region were reported to be charging extra to maximize profits, the owners of Moon Restaurant took the route of kindness and offered the tourists complimentary services.
As the night approached, the management reportedly made halwa and tea to cater to the needs of the occupants, repeatedly asking if they were being served well. Over 500 people were well catered to, and even though the weather was cold, it seems that Moon Restaurant’s management seemed to keep the atmosphere warm.
People headed out in the afternoon the next day, and Moon Restuarant became a memorable experience for each of them.
The roads did not clear out until 2 pm the next day and people reported having an immensely great time at the restaurant. This one user described the restaurant’s hospitality as a true reflection of our cultural values.
Word about the management’s hospitality and generosity spread fast, and previous customers of the restaurant were quick to jump in and testify.
This one user even seemed upset about having left early and missing out on the halwa and chai.
You can read the full account of one tourist here.
https://www.facebook.com/WWHows/posts/714356185679785
It is rare in this technology-dependent era to find ourselves interacting and engaging with new people that we might not quite know. The tourists that stopped at Moon Restaurant had a night to remember, and reading accounts of their experiences brings comfort to us. It’s amazing to know that there is still humanity, respect, and kindness left in the people of Pakistan and that we stand true to our values and resonate them. Oh and also, I highkey want to visit this place now. Don’t you? Let us know in the comments!
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