The answer to your first question is in this post. Malam Jabba is a beautiful place in Swat, Pakistan. I was on the way to Malam Jabba when we stopped. This picture is from that stop.
What I can advise you is to keep posting regularly and keep commenting despite the lack of replies. To make the efforts more fruitful, follow good people who care and talk back. There are plenty.
Upvoting on your own comments is not advisable as per my opinion. However, comments with more upvotes (rewards) are shown above other comments. It means more visibility and a better chance to be seen and replied.
Your progress for 7 weeks is great. Keep going. I'm sure this all in one guide will help you.
Thank you so much for the advice, the compliment, and especially the guide. It's just a bit overwhelming here for me, so I will read and pay attention. I stopped upvoting my comments after I posted here. I want those votes for the posts I visit!
I will definitely keep on with those who reply. I have made some good friends here in just this short time and that means a lot to me. I'm actually meeting someone in person tomorrow as he is passing through Bangkok. This is a first for me in all my years of social media! I have tried to meet with people before but it has never worked out.
It seems like I am in a good place even if I am often confused. Thank you again :)