Just a remark

While having an NLDS faci interview I was asked what is the thing I definitely do not like about Bangladesh. You know, I couldn't really come up with an answer!

Later I was thinking back to it and decided that the reason is I've developed an attitude here to be open-minded and enjoy the moments fully. So basically things for me are divided into three different categories: positive (very nice), new (which means interesting and needed to be tried out) or inevitable (you can do nothing about them, so complaining doesn't help either).

So far I'm happy for this thought, I'm just wondering if I'm still in the honeymoon period of my traineeship or learning already?? :P

Ssightseeing in Bangladesh.

Old Sonargaon

Two weeks ago, me and Triin went to Old Sonargaon – peaceful town with extremely nice architecture, also known as the ancient capital of East Bengal. And once again we experienced that things just happen as they must happen. On the bus to Sonargaon we met two men, one of them the son of law of an artist - Aminul Islam - living in Sonargaon. After visiting the folk-art museum, we had an opportunity to taste once again the hospitality of a Bangladeshi family and have lunch at the home of the artist. Later on Haju acted as our personal tour guide and introduced us more of the town. And now we have an invitation to go back any time, but notify in advance so that they could be better prepared for our arrival next time! How lovely is that!?

Old Dhaka

I’ve been to Old Dhaka twice now and it definitely is facsinating. It is very different from Dhaka I see every day when going or coming from work. Narrow crowded streets, busy people, countless number of boats on the rivercoast, number of mosques and beautiful architecture, although apparently lived its age already. It surely is a place with the most of sightseeing attractions – Ashan Munzil, Armenian Church, Lalbag Fort, Hindu Temple are just some of the places I’ve visited. But in Old Dhaka you wouldn’t know where to go if you have nobody with you.

Both times we went there we were caught by locals wanting to take pictures with us or of them :) At these moments I’m really greatful to my digital camera and an opportunity to take pictures limitlessly. It takes so little to make people smile happily, so why not to do that, right!?

I definitely intend to experience more of Bangladesh. And having only one free day a week is a pity – not much opportunity to go for longer trips. But it’s ok as long as I do not spend the next of my Fridays being ill as this time. Hugs for now and regards to everyone!

Everything ok

This is just a short notice saying that everything is allright in Bangladesh and yesterday's bombings didn't much affect me or AIESEC people here. I myself heard during lunchtime that about 11.00 am bombs were blasting in half of the districts in Bangladesh. But people were not too concerned and saw it as just an attempt by somebody to create panic. Some hours later another serie of bomb blasts took place all over the country. The estimations about the number of explosions vary from more than 100 to more than 300. The fact is that only one district out of 64 has not reported about any bombs. Luckily the bombs were small and home-made and therefor did not cause major damages.

We closed the office at 4.30 and everybody went home just in case. But today it's normal day like any other. We are at work as usual, people are out at streets etc. There is an hartal expected to happen on Saturday, but hopefully nothing too serious happening.

The worst feeling for me is knowing that some people out there may be really worried after seeing the news. Even my dad called me up from US today morning, which was of course very lovely but made me feel concerned about my parents! So hugs to everybody and thanks for the concerns! And no need for worries!

Feeling good

I know, I know – haven’t been here for long time. Didn’t have any access to internet for about 1,5 weeks and felt that I’ve lost all the connection with people. Now back.

Although days are passing surprisingly quickly, there are so many things happening all the time that it seems like I have been here for ages. It all leaves not much time for reflections. I thought I should start writing one sentence to my diary every day describing my emotions of the day. Wouldn’t take much time and would be interesting to read afterwards. So far the following things could be written down if I started earlier:
** I woke up in the morning feeling I’m tired of communicating with people.
** I love Bangladesh! I love my work! I just love people here!
** I feel as staying here for 6 months is not enough. I want to stay at least for a year.
** I’m sick of all this! Things are just going over my head. Why do they tend to happen all at the same time?
** Yeee!!! Triin is arriving! :D
** Today the meeting with my boss turned out to be lecture about culture and society of Bangladesh. So interesting and intriguing!
** Things are just perfect. I couldn’t have better traineeship as this!
** I start getting comments that I work too much. Wonder if it’s true?
** Do these random people on the street who give me their number, really think I am going to call them?!
** What a tiring day! Going to work after three hours of sleep is not very good idea.
** Wow! Two weeks after moving in to my new home, I finally found time to check out the local super market and all the necessary shopping for house stuff.

Today when coming to work I discovered how enjoyable it is that so many people on the street near the office know me already, tell me “good morning!” and wave friendly.

So in general things are very, very nice here, I do enjoy and I am happy. Hope I will post more updates tomorrow – about what do I actually spend my time on, getting to know Bengali, learning bangla dances, exploring Old Dhaka, being master of the ceremony for AIESEC yearly partners meeting, going to Sonargaon with Triin and many more things that I cannot think of now. Best greetings!