Culture, more culture

I've started my cultural program in BD.

On Thursday I had a chance to attend a cultural event of London College of Legal Studies here in Dhaka. Well, basically it was the evening prepared by college students - songs, dances, talk shows, performances, even magic :P All in order to show different sides of Bangladesh culture. They do it there annually just for fun for themselves, teachers, alumni and parents and it includes the hidden competition between two campuses about who can put together better program. It was a lot of fun, although I'm very beginner in Bengali language and therefor missed lot of the texts coming from the stage. And I must be honest, Bangladeshi people are far better in Bangla songs than in Western ones - "Waiting for tonight" sounded especially bad :P The dancing part was the best!

Today I went for an undergound music festival. Haha!! I never attend any of these events in Estonia or listen to underground music at all! So already this was an experience itself! I still do think that people, who are able for half an hour or more in a row almost bang their head against the stage while the loudspeakers are screeming something very similar to Prodigy, are a a bit weird. But if this is their way of enjoying, I cannot have anything against it. Anyway, another band called Nemesis which mainly plays rock, was far better and enjoyable for me. There were many other bands, but (luckily) we didn't have time to listen to them all. Uh, and coming out of the place, I felt I've lost my ability to hear. It continued the whole evening... Or maybe running nose was doubbling the effect. Last thing - did I mention the whole thing was held in between 1.30 - 6.00 pm!

The evening today then continued with Bangladesh night organised by AIESEC here. This was really lovely! All aieseccers dressed up in their national clothes, singing, dancing, reading poems, making an overview of history of BD and performing a fashion show. And all of it only for me, Helen (from UK) and Shehzeen (from US/BD) - trainees in AIESEC North South University. I myself was wearing salwar kamez that I had bought with Helen and Rabab the day earlier. And I got an idea, that in Estonia we should also do this kind of national event to our trainees. Gives you a really warm feeling of welcome, is a good place to get to know people and makes you understand the country a bit more. The performances were followed by some traditional snacks and dancing party. It all happened on the top of the roof (but not in the rain ;) which made surprised that other people in the house or neigbourhood didn't complain about really loud music (especially considering the fact that most of the people are rather conservative)

I have also got my first culture shock here - but this is related to AIESEC not to Bangladesh itself. Things are run very very differently here as to what I'm used to see in Estonia (and I said very different, not bad!). As of now, explanations I leave for the future, especially as it seems that among other things I may soon get a bit more involved with AIESEC work too :)

Breaking and confirming stereotypes

The adventure called Kristel in Bangladesh has started :)

This is my fifth night in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh. So far very nice and cool. No major extreme things happening – don’t really know whether to be disappointed or happy. But it may also be, because I have managed to develop an attitude in myself that everything is normal. So I just take the life here as it comes. Besides, it does set different mindset if you are actually supposed to start living in the place for half a year instead of being there for a 2-3 weeks long holiday.

Some of the things still catch my eye or stuck into my head for longer than others. Some of the happenings are leaving more memories behind. So I am trying to give you a hint of those during the next months here on my blog.
But first I do have to comment on some stereotypes of Bangladesh, cos people keep asking me about them.

Weather. Yes, it is hot (about 30 degrees Celsius now 24 h, but it gets higher soon) and humid (more than 90%) and sticky. Yes, it is monsoon time, but it is not raining all the time. Just occasionally in the evenings.
Floods. No, it is not flooding in Dhaka (yet). It will most probably in September. It is flooding on the upper parts of the rivers at the moment and it takes time until water reaches down to the capital.
Traffic. It’s said it’s horrible. Well, yes, you get stuck in traffic jams at rush hours, which last 3 hrs in the morning and 3 hrs in the evening. Traffic signs have very little point, cos nobody follows them, which makes the roads look like quite a chaos. Applies the rule: who is weaker, gives the way (pedestrians to rickshaws, rickshaws to CNGs (autorickshaws), CNGs to cars, cars to buses) and pressing the horn is the most natural move any driver does. But at the end you get used to it all and pay no attention. Only save time for travelling. Traffic btw is left-handed, which I have surprisingly fast adapted to (probably, cos among general mess, I am anyway more attentive to everything).
Car accidents. Yes, they attract huge amount of curious people together if they happen. I saw one today: two new cars bumping to each other. In about a minute, the road was half blocked with yelling people. Luckily no people were hurt, so just furious arguments going around.
People. Yes, they are extremely nice and hospitable. They are so concerned about me all the time that I sometimes start feeling bad of all this care. Very sweet! Although, aieseccers sometimes tend to be overprotective also – on my second day already I had an argument with some people who didn’t allow me discover the city on my own – „Too dangerous.” „You are not ready.” „What if anything happens to you”. Eh, they do not know Estonian girls yet, do they? ;P But ok, I accept it for the beginning, I know their intentions are only the best... And yes, people are curious. Usually men come to me and ask with a rough, demanding voice: „Which country? Small/big country?” It often sounds as if their trying to catch me hiding something, but actually they are friendly. Yes, I do get extra attention on the streets. And no, they do not treat women bad here. At least I haven’t noticed or experienced. And yes, Bangladeshi people follow the world news well and definitely have an opinion about any issue going on.
Religion. Yes, most of the people (~86%) are Muslim, which means they do not eat pork, they fast during Ramadan, pray about 5 times a day. One of the unique sounds of Dhaka (for me) is mosques calling for people to pray. But I’ve understood that not all young people follow the religion strictly, though many do. Still, this topic is very much undiscovered by me yet, so let’s see what future bring.
Language. Yes, English is widely spoken – in most of the bigger shops, post office, in AIESEC, restaurants. But Bangla is needed when dealing with rickshaws, markets, streets, maids. And in my office, there are i believe more than half of the people who do not speak English. I know Bangla numbers already, plus couple of simpler expressions (like thank you), but this is far too little still.
Beggars. Yes, they are the normal part of a life here. But it is especially difficult with kids. Yesterday we came from my future office with Saif and he went to school leaving me alone to wander around. As soon as he turned his back, I was surrounded by about 10 kids, who all wanted to shake my hand, touch me, kiss me etc and were running after me for about 20 minutes before a policeman in the street forbid them to follow me. Later on I got another small girl following me everywhere. And she was so happily smiling every time when she again appeared from the corner and looked at me! She didn’t leave before I had bought her an apple and a banana. But hey, i cannot afford feeding all of them! No matter as sorry I feel about them...
Modern conveniences. No, it’s not deserted land, where I have come to. There are flushing toilets and showers (more or less hot water even, though not much need for that). There are nice sweet ice-cream cafeterias, cappuccino and cafe latte. There are Pizzahut and some other fast food chains. There are supermalls, where you can buy basically anything. And movie theatres. And as you notice, internet is accessible :) In addition to so called modern conveniences, it is norm here to have a housemaid (or a cook or a driver or a laundry washer or all of them). Well, electricity leaves for 10-15 minutes occasionally and internet banking is unknown, but who cares of that!? ;)
Time. I was afraid of huge delays in making appointments and meetings, but actually, Bangladeshi do keep the time. Being late for 15 minutes or is quite ok, but there is no such thing that you come 2 hours later and won’t even notify another person. And AIESEC meetings are rather exact, cos professionalism is what they stress a lot. Another thing about time – I haven’t figured out yet, which is the start of the week here. Some people say it’s Saturday, cos Friday is the only free day. Others tell, it’s Sunday, cos sometimes also Saturday is free. I’ve even seen two kinds of calendars!
Food. Hmm.. I guess I’ve experienced it too little to say anything final. Still, rice is there most of the times with some sauce and chicken in the most common meat. Beef is eaten too, but usually in quite a spicy format. Generally I am ok with spices, though I got a small shock discovering that the fruit salad served for breakfast was full of chilly! Indian food is widespread, so is Chinese and fast food. So, something for every taste!
Drinks. I was warned a lot about water here. Yes, tap water is not drinkable and it is wise to buy certain bottle water from the shop. Ice drinks are also not recommended, cos you never know what the ice is made of. I did forget about it today and had an iced tea, so no I’m waiting for my stomach getting upside down. So far ok. From hot drinks I do enjoy their tea with milk and sugar. Haven’t seen any alcohol around yet (not looking also :P).

Well, to end up for now I must say, I am enjoying it all so far. My life is a bit of hectic at the moment, cos I don’t have stable daily routine yet – no final accommodation and work starts just the next week. So I’m living day by day trying to grasp as much as possible – of new faces and names, places, happenings and conversations. Tomorrow there is some shopping in plan and on Friday, there is going to be a BD night organised by AIESEC. (BD night meaning Bangladeshi night). The topic is "On the roof, in the rain" and it's going to be filled with different cultural aspects of Bangladesh. All for me and Helen (another trainee from UK, just arrived today). Excited already! :) And will keep you posted!

Reunion

I tell you, three airplane meals in a row is far too much! At least I needed to give up the third one, just couldn't take it any more! But was ok, cos then I was already approaching one of the food paradises of the world - Singapore (all, Malaisian people reading this blog, please do not get offended, I just haven't experienced your kitchen so much yet :)

So, I landed in Singapore around 20 minutes before my actual arrival time. Had no troubles on the border if I do not count the face of the border guard when he was trying to figure out what is Estonia. Got my luggage easily and stored it in airport so that I wouldn't need to carry it around for the next 3 days. And was just about to start wondering if I should give a call to Ying, when I saw two people running towards me - Ying and Triini!!!!! Hah! What a surprise!! I thought Triin was just left for Thailand the day earlier - I even sent her SMS from Bangok airport that she should enjoy Thailand for me too - but she was just pulling my leg! Very nice of course!

Was extremely lovely to have dinner with Bulan, Vega, Ying, Triin, Cecilia and some other people with the best dumplings I've ever tried and later sit by the Singaporean river and have nice coctails. Just couldn't believe I am there together with my best Asian friends :) Just soooo lovely!

But the first thing I noticed about the country was not the weather - although, yeah it is humid and hot - but the fact that you don't really need to go outside when going around in the city! RMT (local train/metro/subway) is mostly underground and in order to change the line you just take the escalator to another floor, half of the houses are connected to each other so that you can spend hours not even needing to step out. There is air condition everywhere obviously, which usually is rather cold, so you may totally forget about what is the real whether outside.

The next day Triin showed me around in some residential areas. I saw where she used to live -> this was when I realised that it is difficult to understand whether you are inside or outside the house. All the corridors and ground floors of the houses have minimum amount of walls and no windows or doors, the pavement of the street smoothly becomes the floor of the building etc. I saw what means if the bank have a slogan "your personalised service!" -> Just a short part of the conversation between the customer and the clerk that I caught:
Clerk: "Oh! it is your birthday today! Happy birthday!"
Customer: "Yes, thank you!"
Clerk: "Any celebrations coming?"
Customer: "Yes something a bit"
Clerk: "Do you have children?"
Customer: "Yes, two of them"
Clerk: "So nice dinner coming up today?"
Customer: "What dinner? It's the middle of the week, no time, lah! At weekend there will be"

I also had a chance to give a glimpse to how local family lives, thanks to Sheryl, and tried durian. Hah, durian is supposed to be the most nastily smelling fruit ever which leaves your hands and surroundings to stink for long time. And many people cannot stand it at all. But actually, these are all rumours. Durian is nice and good and yeah, the smell does stick to the hands for a while, but it's not so frightning at all. I liked it :) Then we headed to Malaysia - to the town called Johor Bahru - to have lunch there, can you imagine!? I am here only for 3 days and already going to Malaysia, how cool is that!? :)

The evening passed wandering in Chinatown on my own and then again with Vega, Bulan, Cecilia and Jessica. Haha, and getting some salsa lessons from Chris. Irw, I didn't really think I would ever come to learn salsa in Singapore!!!! Doesn't quite make any sense, right? But it was a lot of fun, especially as it was ladies night and all drinks for free for girls :P And probably I won't have a chance to have a party like this for a long time..

And so came the last day. With sleep-in at Vega's place and last lunch together with all the former MCPs. Some wandering around in the streets. Last chocholate cake and coffee at the airport and then to Kuala Lumpur, where I again met Triin and also Joe for 30 minutes!!

Oh, I am soo happy that I came thru Sipo! So heartwarming to see all those familiar faces which I have been longing for. And I believe it was a nice start (and softer landing :) to my real Bangladesh adventure... So stay tuned for the future news. Coming soon, I promise!

On the way

Short update from Helsinki Airport..
So far things are going well.. Farewell party on Monday evening was very nice and it was lovely that so many people came. Some unexpected nice surprises made me especially happy :o)
Yesterday night got some more preparation from my boss thru MSN, which was fun.
Last minute shopping (even today) and packing were a hassle and travelling with a hand luggage which is 5 kg-s overweight is not very easy. especially if it doesn't fit even under the seat of the aircraft :P
And now, being here, in Helsinki Airport, so many butterflies are flying around in my stomach that I am not even able to concentrate on my Lonely Planet. Wish I could be there already, excitement of waiting is just killing me!
Now gotta catch the plane to SIPO. Hopefully the red carpet is waiting for me there on arrival :D

7 days

In exactly one week I will take off. On Wednesday, 2oth of July 17.40. Route Tallinn-Helsinki-Singapore. Arrival to Singapore on 21st of July.
Leaving from Singapore on 23rd of July 17.20. Route Singapore-Kuala Lumpur-Dhaka. Arrival to Dhaka on 23rd of July 21.50.
Farewell party on Monday, 18th of July, evening, my place in Tallinn. Be there or see you on the other side of the world :) !
Excitement is killing and butterflies are starting to appear in my stomach..
C u so soon!

Girlish

From time to time I totally enjoy pampering myself. So yesterday was one of these days.

It started with nice breakfast at Liina's place in Pärnu, followed by walk thru small streets to the beach (actually twice as I forgot something behind). (Remark: SUMMER IS HERE!!! about 23 degrees at 9 am!). Then a cup of coffee, sunbathing and an hour with the book ("The City of Djinns" - really nice glimpse to the history of India) in the terrace of Health Paradise followed by half an hour in hot tub. Some more relaxing with the book and newspapers before the massage. The day continued with short lunch with Liina and Veiko. After that 2,5 hours in a beauty-center feeling like queen while my fingers and toes got treated the best way.

Later I amused myself with talking to the "intelligent robot" in one of the excibitions. Indeed - it was fun!! Just a bit of the diologue we had:
Robot: "Hello!"
Me: "Hello!"
Robot: "You can shake my hand also if you want."
Me shaking his hand.
Robot: "I can see you are wearing blue today. "
Me laughing.
Robot: "The fashion colour of this summer is yellow."

After a really nice tour around some other attractions by an eager schoolkid (who probably was having her first ever sunner job :) I headed to another excibition - "A man and a woman", mainly photos, some sculpures and one film. It didn't impress me too much (was expecting more I guess). But I was impressed by another small excibition at the same place -> "Estonians in Venice", which turned out to be a unique collection of photos of different outdoor toilets. For example there were toilets made of an old phone booth, soda machine, wooden sticks, glass; toilets with the shape of a horse, bird nest (pesakast to be precise) or a castle and many more funny toilets. All the pictures were accompanied by a short story about building the specific loo. Anyway Estonian's humour and creativity about this small but so necessary place as toilet is, seems to be endless ! :)

Another walk through the parks and streets in the summer capital of Estonia before I took the bus to Tallinn. And one day just for me was getting over together with the falling sun!!

But yet the day was not over! But continued at Triinu's place with red wine and cheese until we fell asleep.

This is what I call a real summer day!