Dear Dhaka, Dear Bangladesh, Dear the Bangladeshi people, I decided to pay you a visit last December 2015 after reading about the history, culture and beauty that you have and despite the ‘sensitive’ times where a total travel ban was placed due to the killings of two foreigners, I chose to ignore such ‘warnings’ because I was eager to see you. As a solo female traveller, I am more than aware of the ‘risks’ and ‘dangers’ of traveling alone especially in a country that reflects the very example of “being -off-the-beaten-track.” However, my mind turns away from such sensationalized, unjust and unnecessary warnings often placed by countries that feel like they are always right. I was blown away by your beauty, your history, your warmth and hospitality and above all- your genuinely kind people who have showed me nothing but kindness throughout my trip. And….this is how I fell in…
Bangladesh
Bangladesh – Land of Bengal and waiting to be discovered
Bangladesh: Cha Cha
There are plenty of cha stands in Bangladesh. Every stand provides a nice break for travellers and a gathering place for locals to just chill and chat. It is a nice place to feel like a local and to connect to them. I became quite addicted to the different chas (red cha, milk cha, ginger cha, mint cha). 20 taka per cup = bargain! My guide Setu told me that in the countryside, try the milk cha since the milk is a lot fresher than those in the city. Every cha break is an adventure. They offer a nice chill out time which is needed when you find yourself running around in this energetic country. The people who I talked to and the villagers who came out to meet me- thank you for leaving behind such wonderful memories. It is because of you that makes me want to see your…
Bangladesh: Thank you for the police escorts
I never thought that I would be treated like VIP and be protected by the Bangladeshi police. Bangladesh never invited me and I’m certainly not important in any way. Thus, it was such a huge honour to come in contact with honest and dedicated public servants in beautiful Bangladesh on two separate occasions. First encounter- 9th December 2015 As the tuktuk raced towards the Holy Shrine of the Muslim Saint and founder of Bagerhat, it came to an abrupt stop. The police muttered something to Setu, my guide, then we were allowed in. Setu later told me that vehicles are not allowed into the area and must stay outside the gate which is around 3 minutes from the Shrine. Hooray for being a foreigner! As I hopped off with my tripod , a group of men approached us ( some were in uniform and a few looked like officials).…
Bangladesh: In the News
Nothing offers better insight into a country than reading the newspaper. The daily sun ” TRUE AND IMPARTIAL” like all newspapers and media outlets are something far from being TRUE- let’s just hope that it remains impartial. Journalism is not how I wanted it to be- you know, to stay objective where the journalist and reporter act as only the observer and not a loud-mouth commentator throwing in cheap tactics to flame things up just for the sake of high ratings. The quote that I stick with is “Tell the truth as best you can or at least the little lies that are true”. However, the world of journalism print or TV (especially TV) throws that right out the window. It’s all about ratings. Anyways, back to the news in today’s newspaper 14 December 2015 During Bangladesh’s fight for Independence, many intellects were killed by the Pakistani Army in an attempt…
Visit Bangladesh – A lah ha fez for now~ I’ll be back
14 December 2015 My host mother is an amazing cook. The dinner and breakfast was incredible. My host brother, Jafar is a super host and a very patient person since you need to be if you are travelling with a crazy nut. Anyone interested in staying with a local family should contact jafartuhin@gmail.com. There was another traveller staying with the family. Paul came to Bangladesh to master the language and be immersed in the culture- something that he is a part of since it is in his blood. Talking to him and listening to his adventures was fascinating. One thing that I’ve learnt from Paul is – never cut off your own family root and cultural ties. It is a precious gift and by cutting it off, you send a message of ‘shame’ and self-disrespect. No need for that. Hold on. In the past, I vowed never to REvisit a country since…
Bangladesh: Foreign invasion
The world that we live in lacks sanity and as someone who loves to travel, I’m a crazy one. I have this strong inclination to be, do, eat, see, act, behave and travel like a local. The idea of landing in a foreign land thrills me and I always tell myself – ” This is your country now” – despite being confused about my own identity and nationality. That sense of freedom and ‘achievement’ of walking down an unknown street with locals (who I never thought of meeting) whilst carrying my Milou ( my Sony Camera and Tripod) is sensational. I feel more capable and hot than 007. I would stick my head into people’s homes, say hi to them, go off and see what a local crowd is up to and well…in the end, I’m the one walking away with a wealth of knowledge and experiences. I’m very lucky but…
Bangladesh: Old Dhaka
Dhaka is often dubbed as the “City of Mosques”. Since the 4th century, empires, colonisers and sultans made their mark then vanished into the past and became a part of the city’s unique history. We can see and feel their tangible presence. Whether it is mosques, temples, palaces, forts, churches, gardens or bazaars, you know that the city is historical, ancient and ever- changing. Walking around New and Old Dhaka gave me an insight into the different historical periods that Dhaka/Bangladesh went through. Alongside the bank of the Biriganga River, the city is both traditional and modern. The countless attractions are nothing without the people who, like cells, keep the city alive and make sure that Dhaka’s pulse is always beating. The Old Dhaka City is a maze filled with interesting people, those who make you fall in love with a most interesting yet little known and undiscovered country. In today’s well-connected…
Bangladesh: Staring contests and lots of laughs
Although some people might find staring to be rude and intimidating, especially if a girl is being surrounded and stared at by groups of men (don’t worry- it’s so safe), it’s all part of the experience. Crowds of people followed me wherever I went and I thoroughly enjoyed all the staring contests, the brief but warm exchanges at the cha stands and the laughs. People in Bangladesh are gentle souls with good intentions and are naturally curious. I was extremely happy to know that my presence made you smile since I’m a rather boring individual. You stare and I stare- it’s a form of compliment. I stared at you for a week Bangladesh so it’s only fair for you and your people to stare back. Although we don’t speak the same language, we still share one thing in common – curiosity. Holy biscuits- What a country!
Bangladesh: Cricket match
I love all kinds of sport since it’s a form of escape. The national sport of a country and how popular a sport is reflects a lot about the culture and history of the place. In Bangladesh, Kabbadi is the national sport (I didn’t see any during the trip) and cricket is arguably most popular amongst the locals. I played cricket during High School and very much enjoyed the satisfaction of hearing a successful whack of that charging ball, thrown at me by the group of boys who never liked my presence. Due to my uncontrollable urge to join in the fun, I’ve disrupted two cricket matches during my week in Bangladesh. In a country filled with incredibly hospitable folks, they were more than happy to let me play. I was determined to cross “Play cricket with the locals” off my list. I did just that and had a blast. The second and…
Bangladesh: A Goose in Dhaka
13 December 2015 After arriving at Dhaka Railway, I said hi to the railway police who ended up escorting me back to my host brother’s home. I was under police protection again (more in my other post). Jafar came down along with his mother and cousin to a wonderful sight — a dumb goose of a foreigner with one big toothy smile being surrounded by 5 policemen with guns in their hands. Jafar thought that I would be tired. I thought so too but then addicts have one characteristic- they get high especially when they adjust their mood and react well to a stimuli. For me- it was the thought of exploring Old Dhaka. I pestered my host brother to the point where he looked at me and said, “OK — let’s go… but where to?” “Surprise me!” He most certainly did. I connected again with the locals, who were running around…