Boatmen of Sadarghat

This boat terminal in Old Dhaka was about the most impressive place I've seen in Bangladesh. When I arrived, as the only tourist around, I thought I was in a fairyland. I couldn't believe that what I was looking at was real..

When we got on a boat and asked our boatman "How much?" He bargained the price in the most effective way I've heard in the whole time I've been in Asia: "I'm a poor man, you are well off, it's up to you what you want to give me.."

Bangladesh

“Visiting Bangladesh is the closest you’ll come to achieving celebrity status.” Is what I read in Lonely Planet before my arrival to Dhaka.

It was not until the evening when I went on a short walk in the neighborhood, when I learned that there was no exaggeration in that piece of information..

After I left the apartment and walked about 10 meters far, I had a company of about 5 kids. This small crowd multiplied about every minute or so. People stopped on the street, turned around and out of a sudden everyone went my direction. Two blocks later I was accompanied by about 30-40 people who surrounded me from all sides and just stared at me.. they stared, I stared and nothing moved..

Later on one woman gestured one way and asked me to fallow her. Not having a choice, I went.. She took me to her home and on the way showed me homes of others as well. Here and there she woke up somebody placed them in front of my camera, checked if my image turned out ok and then send them back to sleep.

Though on Ramadan themselves, they offered me food, then pointed out my sweat and that shower is right there and suggested I should also take a photograph of the inside of their houses.. I was quite overwhelmed by all the happenings. By the end of my evening walk I knew more things about myself than I could have ever noticed, as they haven’t hesitate to point them out. I don't think I've ever seen anybody laughing so much about blond hair before.

Language barrier was the smallest obstacle that afternoon.

Flight

As concerned as I was when as the only woman I got on the plane to Dhaka with about 200 men, it turned out quite alright.

My seat was occupied by the time I got in and one other woman that was already in her seat requested I'll be seated next to her. She was in a first class and seemed to have respect from her surrounding.

Dr. Lucy, well established health professional, is the opposite of what I heard about women in this part of the world. She shared her bittersweet life story with me and became an amazing company and great introduction to Bangladesh for me.

I felt so well taken care of while sitting next to her.. She brought me drink, offered me money, place to stay in Bangladesh and insisted I change my seat with hers so I could photograph the incredible view of Himalayas from the window..

When we arrived in Dhaka, Lucy advised me not to say anything and suggested she will do the talking to make things smooth with the emigration.. Presented as Lucy's friend who she is taking to Bangladesh with her, the doors just kept opening in a rapid speed. I didn't wait, I just kept walking. No questions asked. It was not until later when I realized how many problems she actually helped to avoid..

I think this was the most beautiful flight I've ever experienced.. Not just for the views but also for the inspiring company I have had..