Tales from Home

The last few couple of days in Bangladesh were filled with more invites to dinners/lunches. I was rather relieved that my extended family forgot that I didn't eat chicken or meat because that eliminated about 90% of the foods that were served. I have to admit it was slightly irritating as I stopped eating chicken/meat four years ago - do they not listen? However, it worked out really well in my favor as I got to eat veggies and fish and not veer off 'plan' too much. The two things that I know I had too much of were carbs (mainly bread) and sweets.

One of the lunches was hosted by my father's side of the family. I was totally surprised to walk in to find a big sign with my name on it congratulating me for getting my PhD. It feels like it happened such a long time ago! I was so touched as everyone was really happy and proud that I was the first female to get a PhD on that side of the family. They even engraved a statue that also mentioned my grandparents who passed away many years ago but with whom I was very close. It was really sweet.


Another huge highlight of my trip was meeting up with a friend who I had not seen in 20 years!! During the 1990 Iraqi invasion of Kuwait I was stuck in Bangladesh (I wrote about the experience here) and Nadia (half Irish, half Bangladeshi) was my first friend. She really made me feel welcome and we developed a strong bond. After leaving Bangladesh and returning to Kuwait we lost touch -- but thankfully through Facebook we reconnected and were able to meet. It was a fantastic reunion and lovely to be able to just sit down and catch up as if not a moment had passed.

Here are a few photos of Dhaka in general. The city was rather empty during this trip as most of the people had gone to their villages to celebrate Eid with their family.

No taxi ranks in Dhaka; we've got Rickshaw Ranks instead ;)

Our National Martyr's Memorial (my grandfather was one):

I was tickled by this billboard featuring Usain Bolt. It says: Congrats ... Being the fastest man on Earth. The billboard is for a property developer (Alien properties - strange name choice). I have no idea how the two are connected. Had to snap a pic :)

Out of my 5 day trip I hit the hotel gym for 3 really good workouts. I don't expect to have lost any weight on this trip, but I do hope that I haven't gained.

Me in my sari on Eid day :)