16 Jan - Strike, BRAC Headquarters tour, Rotary Dinner and city night tour
Today there was a countrywide strike to protest electricity and gas price increases which shut down most of the city from 0600-1200. Therefore, this morning we were able to sleep in to avoid traveling and traffic.
At noon, we met for lunch and received a VIP tour of the BRAC Headquarters. Such an amazing NGO that employs thousands of people in Bangladesh and has helped millions survive. It truly is incredible the way they are structured and organized. We're hoping to visit a project they've been working on to see first-hand the impact they make on their community. Very touching and eye-opening...
I still can't get over how friendly and generous the people are. Everyone we meet is so kind and everywhere we go we get greeted with beautiful flowers. There's so much to love about this country.
Tonight was a blast! My hosts family's close neighbors have a daughter getting married in a few days and they had her Bachelorette party tonight so they let me stop by. It was incredible! It was on the top floor of their building and was decorated beautifully! Later in the night, all the boys (except groom) stop by to dance and have fun all night! I can still hear the music. :) I'm hoping to be back in Dhaka for the wedding and other festivities which are suppose to me amazing! Their niece wants to dress me up in a Sari and paint the beautiful designs on my skin and do my make-up. Can't wait!!
Afterwards, my host parents took me for a drive to see the city at night. A new road opened two weeks ago which is a loop with 4 or 5 bridges that light up. It was beautiful and such a fun drive because there's so many ways to go. We also saw decorative hanging lights in the trees which means a wedding is happening soon. :) I love wedding season!!
Next, we stopped at their local market and they bought me all kinds of snacks for my trip these next 5 days. They take such good care of me. Tomorrow morning we fly to Chitaggong and Cox's Bazaar which has beautiful beaches. I'm so excited!!!
Hi Holly,
ReplyDeleteHope all is well out there. Looks like you are having a great time experiencing a unique and interesting culture. What a festive bachelorette party! Sure those Bangladeshi boys were excited to dance with a blondie ;)
Have fun and be safe out there. Miss you much!
-Mike
Wedding time!! Ahhhhhh! That is so cool that you are able to be a part of all of that!! Don't u go getting married to any of those guys while you are there!! Haha Looking forward to seeing pictures of you all dressed up for the wedding! I hope you get the opportunity to go!! Love you!
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