Blogs from Dhaka, Bangladesh, Asia - page 18

Hello all, Well, I wish I had wonderful stories about life here in Bangladesh over the past week, but alas. I had to cancel all of my Eid plans and spend the better part of the past week in bed with a nasty virus which included a fever of 103 and any other symptom you can associate with either flu or cold. Am starting to feel human again (sort of) but with a nasty residual head cold. Have been forced to move on from Grey's Anatomy (how many times can you watch the same thing?) to the season of Friends when Rachel was pregnant (aahhh... good times) and have been known to subject myself to Wife Swap and America's Next Top Model on tv (seriously? Is this the best of American culture to export?). So I ... read more

I am so happy right now, I could cry. I walked into Arif’s room for the five millionth time this week to see if the internet was working, and there were these four lovely little neon lights blinking away. I ran to computer right away, and the whole time it was booting up I just kept repeating “please stay connected, oh please stay connected, please God, all I need is 5, maybe10 minutes, please, please, please stay connected.” So far so good, but I’ll type fast just in case…. So here are some answers to some questions I know you’ve all been asking: How many days until you start blowing black crap out of your nose? 3 How many days until a general feeling of ick settles into your stomach? 10 How many days until you ... read more

Well, I’ve survived my first week back in the Desh (barely). I would really like to say that things are going well, but I’m lonely and tired of being sticky. Last week I was so bored I actually went into BRAC just for some company and to enjoy the air conditioning! Things promise to be better next week though - I have meetings and interviews scheduled everyday. Last week I had my first research interview with my old boss. Then I came home all excited and ready to transcribe and proceeded to delete half of the interview by accident. Fingers crossed it goes better this week! Am settling into routine as much as possible. Right now it is the holy month of Ramadan, my favourite time in Bangladesh. All of the offices close early (between 3:30-4:00) ... read more

Hello again from the Desh! After a (thankfully) uneventful 24 hour trip, I arrived in Dhaka yesterday morning and slipped right back into Bangladesh mode (facilitated by having to argue with the taxi racket about the fare from the airport). I'm now getting re-aquainted with the sights, smells, sounds and humidity of Dhaka and trying to remember my Bangla. Having learned my lesson the first time, I've left my cupboard door open to the breeze to hopefully prevent mold from growing on all my clothes! My new digs at Arif's place are a significant upgrade from the old AKFC pad. Marble floors, a big queen sized bed, tv and hot running water! And Peter, the cook, is as wonderful as rumours suggested. Arif has photos of his three year old daughter (who lives in Washington) all ... read more

After a lovely few days with Cam and Nic (top Aussie friends living in Dhaka for 1 year with Australian Youth Ambassadors) Cam and I headed to Shampur (aprox 45 min CNG/taxi ride south) on the outskirts of Old Dhaka to my organisation, Jonoshastha Seba Kendra (JSK). Cameron and I were greeted by the whole staff and then had lunch with the chairman, managing director (MD) and project director (PD). Cam had to leave for work so I said goodbye, (at that moment the 'What the hell am I doing?!' thought crossed my mind) and holding back tears I went to my home stay. I truly am living like a King! My room is at the top story of a house currently under construction, but my room has been finished especially. There is a great breeze ... read more