The Cambridge Section

It is the time of a man called General Zia. I am only aware that he looks a bit like a racoon - eyesed version of Terry Thomas, famous for his "famous names" advert.

General Zia                                                                                                                                              Terry Thomas

There's the same obsequious smile and a face that shines when it's full-on, rather than in profile. (. I don't really become fully conscious of Mr Zia until 1988, the year that really made him famous.)

Now, in 1987, I am more concerned with getting started in a new school. It's just known as "The Cambridge Section" at present.

It is, in fact, a converted house, as with many schools in Karachi. Inside some of the classrooms, a leftover fireplace is visible. It is a pokey place but with a definite character of its own - one that would win many of us over so that we now remember it with real affection.

Oh, and there's the dome on top. The gunbad.

The Cambridge Section

Just visible in this rare photo of the back of the school.

The main office is circular - at the top balcony in the photo - it has wild west cowboy main doors as well as the usual ones.

The school is small and when I begin has only three classes VI, VII and VII. There are still some years before the first O level examinations.

A Racoon