We've met so many interesting, curious and delightful people during our time here so far. It's hard to believe it's quickly coming to a close. We arrived January 3rd and it's already the middle of March- hard to comprehend that our "Bangladesh" chapter will soon be over. A little sad actually, although we are very much looking forward to Nepal- we've heard amazing things!
But before we go, we want to tell you about a few of the familiar faces we encounter on a daily basis- one of whom is Kolsum. Can't recall if we've mentioned her already once before. Regardless, we'll speak of her again. About a stones thought out out front door and around the corner lives Kolsum.
She occupies a small plot of land which boarders a newly build appartement building on the left, and a high wall of sheet metal on the right. But in between is a little paradise- depending on how you look at it. She's essentially a squatter but that's such a yucky term and we've never thought of her that way. She's built a little tin sheeted lean to out of bamboo with a little oven inside (that people have repeatedly told her should be outside due to all the smoke she breaths in but to no avail).
We like to refer to it as "Kolsum's Farm" due to the plethora of animals she shares her small plot with. It's beautiful to see her with them- truly her children, she even sleeps with them in her house at night!! She has a large (spirited but beautiful) cow and her calf, a few chickens- one of whom just hatched 6 chicks. This good mumma is delightful to watch as she teaches her babies how to scratch through the dirt for food. Kolsum also has numerous goats, one of which just had a baby! It's tiny- not much bigger than the white cat that lives there too. It's the cutest thing in the world! And hilarious because it thinks Kolsum is it's mum and follows her around like a little puppy! We got to sneak in some snuggles the other day which was fun.
We've learned a little about Kolsum over the last few months- some good, some- well, different :) Not sure how old she is, most people in Bangladesh don't really know for certain. She shares her space with her mother who herself is elderly and unwell with numerous ailments we've deciphered from Kolsum's Bangla stories and hand motions. She's never been married, and from the sounds of it never intends to. She was once quoted saying, " Why would I get married? Just so that some man can take my money and have control of me? Where then would be my freedom"!? True story! She definitely has her freedom which from noting her personality is essential. She calls the shots, she controls her affairs, she spends her money as she pleases, and doesn't have to answer to anyone... including Karen.
Numerous times, Karen has tried to hire her to work here at the flat but to no avail. It never works out, simply because Kolsum just can't answer to anyone but herself. Each time ends a little sadly, but the relationship is never in total disrepair and feelings are quickly mended. So, she just lives 100 meters away on her farm :)
She is a very strong, very spirited woman and reminds Heidi of her grandmother- in love with her animals and unwilling to take orders from anyone. Admirable to see that sort of strength in a sense.
We're amazed at how a little bond has formed between us despite not speaking each others language. Hand gestures and smiles are truly all you need.
The people here in Bangladesh are truly lovely (minus the few odd run ins for sure ). We're thankful for these people who have become constants in our daily life here and for their friendship. We'll miss her :)
Love Heidi and Ricki
But before we go, we want to tell you about a few of the familiar faces we encounter on a daily basis- one of whom is Kolsum. Can't recall if we've mentioned her already once before. Regardless, we'll speak of her again. About a stones thought out out front door and around the corner lives Kolsum.
She occupies a small plot of land which boarders a newly build appartement building on the left, and a high wall of sheet metal on the right. But in between is a little paradise- depending on how you look at it. She's essentially a squatter but that's such a yucky term and we've never thought of her that way. She's built a little tin sheeted lean to out of bamboo with a little oven inside (that people have repeatedly told her should be outside due to all the smoke she breaths in but to no avail).
We like to refer to it as "Kolsum's Farm" due to the plethora of animals she shares her small plot with. It's beautiful to see her with them- truly her children, she even sleeps with them in her house at night!! She has a large (spirited but beautiful) cow and her calf, a few chickens- one of whom just hatched 6 chicks. This good mumma is delightful to watch as she teaches her babies how to scratch through the dirt for food. Kolsum also has numerous goats, one of which just had a baby! It's tiny- not much bigger than the white cat that lives there too. It's the cutest thing in the world! And hilarious because it thinks Kolsum is it's mum and follows her around like a little puppy! We got to sneak in some snuggles the other day which was fun.
Numerous times, Karen has tried to hire her to work here at the flat but to no avail. It never works out, simply because Kolsum just can't answer to anyone but herself. Each time ends a little sadly, but the relationship is never in total disrepair and feelings are quickly mended. So, she just lives 100 meters away on her farm :)
She is a very strong, very spirited woman and reminds Heidi of her grandmother- in love with her animals and unwilling to take orders from anyone. Admirable to see that sort of strength in a sense.
We're amazed at how a little bond has formed between us despite not speaking each others language. Hand gestures and smiles are truly all you need.
The people here in Bangladesh are truly lovely (minus the few odd run ins for sure ). We're thankful for these people who have become constants in our daily life here and for their friendship. We'll miss her :)
Love Heidi and Ricki
No comments:
Post a Comment