Dhaka. Is. Crazy. Ok, so a lead up to this first...
   Our last entry left off with us sitting in the LA airport. We boarded China Southern Airlines which treated us very well I must say. Congee with scallops for breakfast was a little bit of a stretch but still- so pleased. Plus it was by far the biggest aircraft we'd flown in- 500+ people and two levels. Ok so we're from the Prairies- still impressed.
 
   We came upon our first squat toilet in the Guangzhou airport in China. Great initiation! Apparently it's the best anatomical position in which to... well... do your business.

     The flight to Dhaka was really fun. Bangladesh people are among the most social we've come across! The whole plane was out of their seats and walking around the whole flight! Talking to everyone and anyone. Made us think we in the west are such sticklers... listening to rules like "we encourage you to stay seated with your seatbelt fastened". Ya right. Several people were really excited by our "Canadian" status :) Before we landed we noticed numerous smoke stacks coming up through the haze- lots of brick making factories apparently.

 
   Two friends from the University were there when we landed with strong arms to drag our heavy bags. Right away we felt like home. The air is both dry and humid at the same time. Hard to explain. All the bedding has a feeling of dampness to it, but outside the air is extremely dusty (and polluted)- looks like there's a constant haze. The drive to our apartment building was quick- around 10 mins of consistent weaving and we were here in a flash. We had a great tour of our room (which we are sharing right now). We have a great little balcony with an always changing and interesting view (see photo). There's also a common area which was a hub of laptops and cell phones, and then a floor above with the central dining room surrounded by three other bedrooms and a small common area with a TV and about 200 pirated DVD's. We were served our first lunch: rice, dahl, chicken, and vegetables. It was delicious! We were however quickly reminded that although delicious, this would be our meal twice a day for the entire visit; with only minor alterations.

    Next on the days list was to exchange our money and grab some new outfits! ...and what is the primary transportation? Rickshaw! Our ride to the shops was filled with wide eyes, a few gasps, and one or two short prayers that the car to the left stopped; but most of all with pure curiosity and awe. Words cannot describe the complexity of construction, brick making, fruit stands, business deals, aspiring cricket players, shoe makers, broken sidewalks, and green shrubs that exist within an arms reach from you. Still, somehow, the chaos seems natural and almost organized. We arrived at Aarong's- the local and 'nicest' department store, which was filled with captivating colours and stunning stitching

     After stopping to buy some fruit on the side of the road we headed home, had a short fashion show and then to the MUCH needed shower. This, however, was less than what we hoped it might be. Shower head coming out of the wall in the middle of the bathroom- with no bathtub or shower. Small bucket which supposedly we were supposed to stand in? and no hot water. We did heat a pot on the stove which made things a little better. Needless to say, we created somewhat of a "flood". Practice makes perfect. We hope. But we're clean and that's what we really wanted. Definitely gonna miss proper showers and tubs. One of the many great things about our time here is that it will, and is already making us very thankful for what we have in Canada.

   Well, supper is in about half an hour so we'll close now. Lots more thoughts to share for sure and there is already some great traveling on the horizon really soon around Bangladesh!

  Love you all and miss you.

  Ricki and Heidi