My First Impressions

Even though I’ve only been here for a few days, my first impression of Bangladesh has been on the most part positive. Walking off the plane was quite a shock. Even though it was 9:00 PM the temperature was still in the high 30’s. Driving to our facilities was quite the adventure! It’s almost like there are no rules to the road. People weave this way and that and the horns are constant. I’m just happy I don’t have to deal with the stress of driving.

All of the staff from RDRS have been extremely friendly and accommodating. We have been fed 3 very filling meals a day consisting of traditional Bangladeshi food, which is usually rice, dahl, a salad, a veggie dish and either chicken or fish. The food is all very well spiced and tasty. Although the accommodations in Dhaka, which was similar to an apartment building, were very nice I must prefer the complex here in Rangpur, which feels more a campus.

Bangladesh really is a country of stark contrasts. Within a single block there can be huge high rises straddling many little markets. Due to the lack of space there is development in every possible area, even next to national monuments. The markets are quite primitive selling livestock, produce and basic goods like textiles. We even got to witness cattle being skinned!!! These same skins can be shipped to a sewer in the market and made into shoes on the same day.

This country is full of colour and liveliness. The clothing is so bright, the textiles are similar too and everyone one that we have met, whether through RDRS or out in public, have shown a general interest in what we were doing in their country. I am really looking forward to learn more about RDRS are we travel to some of the rural towns.