Window to Gilgit-Baltistan

By Syed Shams Uddin Based on our journey on May 11, 2025, from Dublin, California, toward San Francisco—where we passed Caldecott Tunnel but had to return before reaching the Golden Gate Bridge—I’ll highlight the notable tourist spots, lakes, bridges, and other landmarks along our route that are worth mentioning. 🔶 1. Caldecott Tunnel Location: Connects Orinda and Oakland via State Route 24. Significance: This is a key passage through the Berkeley Hills, easing travel between the East Bay and Oakland. It has four bores, with the newest completed in 2013. Experience: It marks a transition from the more suburban landscapes of Contra Costa County into the urban East Bay. 🔶 2. Lake Temescal Location: Just west of the Caldecott Tunnel in Oakland. Significance: A historic reservoir and now a scenic urban lake and park, ideal for picnics, fishing, and walking trails. Noteworthy: One of the first man-made lakes in the East Bay, with trails offering views of Oakland's hills. 🔶 3...

By Syed Shams Uddin Burushaski: The Mysterious Language That Defies Time and Classification In an era where languages vanish at an alarming rate—some disappearing without leaving behind a single speaker—Burushaski stands as a linguistic marvel, a living monument to endurance, mystery, and cultural pride. Spoken in the lofty valleys of Hunza, Nagar, and parts of Yasin in Gilgit-Baltistan, and by a proud tiny diaspora in Indian-occupied Kashmir, Burushaski is one of the world’s most fascinating and least understood languages. What sets Burushaski apart is its classification as a language isolate. This means it has no known linguistic relatives—neither in the neighboring regions nor across the broader linguistic families of Asia or Europe. While most languages of South and Central Asia fall under well-mapped families like Indo-European, Turkic, or Sino-Tibetan, Burushaski appears to have emerged from a linguistic lineage entirely its own, unconnected to any other tongue on Earth. Fo...

Syed Shamas Uddin Mount Diablo – A Sunset Sanctuary of the East Bay Nestled in the heart of Contra Costa County, Mount Diablo rises to an elevation of approximately 3,849 feet (1,173 meters), making it one of the most prominent peaks in the San Francisco Bay Area. On May 7, 2025, we had the opportunity to visit this majestic landmark, located about 17 miles southeast of San Ramon—a short yet scenic drive that led us away from urban rhythm and into serene wilderness. Unlike its usual reputation for drawing flocks of sunset admirers, our visit was surprisingly tranquil. As we zigzagged our way up the winding mountain road, we encountered only a vehicle or two descending from the summit. An equal number of cyclists could be seen pedaling steadily uphill, their silhouettes etched against the backdrop of rolling hills and chaparral slopes. The climb itself was an experience—quiet, reflective, and filled with the crisp scent of spring foliage. Upon reaching the summit, the sense of solit...

By Syed Shams Uddin A Trio of Lakes: Reflections from River Islands to San Ramon Three Lakes, Three Worlds: Exploring the Spirit of Water in Northern California The first week of May 2025 brought a sequence of serene and contrasting visits to three remarkable water bodies in Northern California—each unique in character and experience. From the thoughtfully engineered waterways of River Islands to the tranquil wilderness of Lake Del Valle, and finally to the quaint charm of San Ramon Lake, the journey offered an enriching glimpse into the interplay between natural and manmade landscapes. 🏞️ May 3, 2025 – River Islands, Lathrop Our first stop was the expansive, master-planned community of River Islands in Lathrop. Located along the San Joaquin River delta system, this residential haven features a network of engineered lakes and canals woven seamlessly into neighborhoods. While its lakes are artificial, they serve multiple roles: stormwater management, flood control, and recreationa...