Blogs from Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh, Asia - page 6

I am so bored. I can’t believe my internet just crapped out on me. I’m tempted to pull out my book and just read or watch old episodes of The Office I have on my computer but then it won’t look like I’m working. I don’t think anyone cares or is really paying attention but it’s my first day—I should look like I’m working even if I have nothing to do. The man I am working with, Kuntal, has his own work to do so I was put here indefinitely, at Dr. Karim’s desk next to the office printer. It’s been a ridiculously uneventful day. I woke up around 6:30, checked my email, worked out for a bit, showered, had breakfast, then went to work. Kuntal drove me today (and when I say Kuntal, I ... read more

Today I did not sleep late like yesterday. Instead I was awake at 5:00AM, already beginning to feel heat radiating from the rising sun. I have begun sleeping in shorts and a t-shirt though it is a bit of a pain to wear less clothing because then I need to wear more insect repellent. Anyway, I woke early and at 6:00AM worked out for a bit, doing sit-ups, push-ups, lunges, and jumping jacks while listening to my iPod. It felt nice to work-out but it was already so hot by 6:00 that I did want to tire myself too much. No one seemed to rise for awhile besides the help who gave me water so I stayed in my room, read a book, and had a granola bar and apple. For breakfast, they made me a ... read more

Today was my first full day in Dhaka, but I don’t know if you can call it that since I slept until 2:30PM, which in my defense is 4:30AM in New York. I also had not had a full night’s sleep since Sunday. I was very tired in Dubai and I know I usually do not cope so well with being very tired, yet I could not sleep because I could not get too comfortable in the vinyl lounge chairs they provided, clutching my heavy backpack, ignoring stares by people, and especially under the Persian sun. So my layover in Dubai was not particularly pleasant though I felt quite safe and it was plenty air-conditioned. My flight to Dhaka was nothing short of awesome. Coincidently (or not so?) I was seated next to the only ... read more

My trip to Bangladesh last December 2007. I landed in Chennai, India first, coming from my country and from there i went to Kolkata. Stayed only a day in each city then i flew to Dhaka on the mythical Biman ! First i had to spend nearly 10 hours in Kolkata airport as the (in)famous Biman announced some hours delay. A second announcement was made and while all passengers was about to say "ouf !", a sweet voice announced once more that we will have a small delay again ! WTF !!! We finally took-off at around 22:30 while the initial departure was scheduled at around 12:30. So i reached Dhaka a bit after midnight and went through immi and customs procedures. Backpack loaded on my shoulders, i made my way out to look for a ... read more

Although living in Dhaka can be tough at times, there are some great things about it, for me. I fully realise some points in the list below can't be enjoyed by everyone in B'desh whether as a tourist or a resident, but there you have it. I'm well aware I'm incredibly lucky to be in this country and enjoy so much of it in ways many millions of people here can't due to not being British/white/able to earn a half-decent salary (I work at a local school and earn a local salary, but I know it's still more than the majority)/other factors I'm well aware of. I'm just trying to defend myself a bit here as I've had a few comments about this particular blog entry along the lines of how I sound elitist/prejudiced/patronising etc etc, ... read more

And the answer is to stare! Yes Bangladesh is certainly a country of starers... But it is friendly and curious stares and when you flash the gazers a smile, you will see a sea of smiles returning... Give them the Muslim greeting of Salaam Alaikum and you will have made a thousand friends! Not many tourists go to Bangladesh, which is unfortunate, because it has a lot to offer... Friendly locals, historic sights, beaches, beautiful and serene countryside’s, and an interesting culture... On top of this the country is a lot cheaper than India... Bangladesh is also a country of cycle rickshaws... Yes, here the cycle rickshaw rules the street, not the car... This makes the smaller town pleasantly quiet, with only the ringing of the rickshaws to disturb the peace... And of course Bangladesh is ... read more