So Long, Farwell, Allah Hafez

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Well, its nearly time for me to pack up all my things and leave this wonderful city that has been my home for three months. Its a time of the entire cacophony of emotions - i feel sad to be leaving such wonderful people that have become my family and friends, but also i feel happy to be seeing the UK again. Overwhelmingly i feel a sense of acheivement and joy with everything that i have done here in Bangladesh.

This week has been one of two things; Goodbyes and Shopping!! Each day of teaching has been difficult, with each successive class that i have had to teach asking the same question, 'Why do you have to go Mr Will?'. I have been inundated with gifts (seven mugs at the final count - not all of which i can take home) and seriously heartfelt letters from students expressing their sadness at the short time we have spent together. I've even had a couple of students getting all teary eyed on me, which managed to set me off!! The teachers that i have adopted me into their families have all been extremely generous, giving me beautiful bed spreads and hand made material that i will treasure forever. Over the last few days, whenever i walked along the corridors i was mugged by students wanting to say goodbye, and in classes I was often nearly bowled over by group hugs. This simply illustrates the incredibly generous nature of Bangladeshis, I have only been here for three months and still there is a real sense of sadness at my leaving. I am indebted to the people that i have met here for making my transition to such a foreign country relatively painless.

My leaving Chittagong will be terribly sad, but i will be spending a few days in Dhaka before my flight, where i have booked tours in order to do some sightseeing. Luckily i have something to look forward to, and i am very excited to be able to become a proper tourist for a few days and to see the capital city. Then, Tuesday, is the long flight back the UK for a cold, and wonderful Christmas.

I leave with sadness, but also with joy. I have made friends here that I will keep for life. I have already been invited to Kolkatta to meet the family of Boudi, perhaps my greatest friend here. I know that I will return here, that life holds even more exciting adventures for me, and that my three months working in Chittagong has given me memories that I will treasure forever, Inshallah.

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Photos

Libray Staff
Mr Clump, Nahid and Momtaz Apa.

The English Staff
Sporting my lovely Panjabee which i was bought as a gift.

Boudi and I
My greatest friend here and my adopted mother!

Comments

[Mum]

This is so touching you made me cry - I am really sad for you as you end this lovely experience but I can't wait to see you on Tuesday. Love the Panjabee - suits you xx

[Liz]

Oh my gorgeous Godson, you have brought a tear to my eye too! Really looking forward to seeing you and hearing first hand about your wonderful 3 months. Lots of love and have a safe journey home.

[Willholmes16]

Writing it i brought a tear to my own eye! Oh we are such a soppy lot. xx

[ashik]

real poverty
I am glad that you travel to the real treasure of Bangladesh--her people. Its sad that the Western world knows Bangladesh as a country of poverty and disaster. Bangladesh is obviously poor, but there is generosity and hospitality that you will find nowhere and it defies the traditional concept of poverty. Have a safe journey and may you come back again! Khoda Hafez.