I stepped out of the airport, and instantly was smothered by a blast of tropical, Asian humidity. I was quickly hurried along by my father through the masses of what seemed like hundreds of taxi drivers trying to bargain for our business. As the taxi swerved in and out of traffic, I got my first memorable glimpse into the sights and sounds of the chaotic city of Dhaka.
Even at five in the morning with the windows rolled up there is no escaping the 24 hour symphony of street sounds in this city. The base rumble of motors, and treble of high pitched horns, are mixed with the wail of people chanting over the loudspeakers. Also known as the “city of rickshaws, Dhaka’s streets are an absolute free for all. Hectic streams of vehicles jam the roads; elaborately decorated rickshaws, tuk-tuks, buses, cars and dare-devil pedestrians all compete for space.
I observed the rush of humanity; Dhaka is always on the move. Small shops line the street sides. People are everywhere, selling, buying, hawking. However crowded it may be, the madness of Dhaka’s streets is not anything too out of the ordinary for anyone used to traveling the South Asian continent. Bangladesh was exactly how I pictured in my mind it would be from all the stories and pictures I had grown up with.
I woke up the next day to the sound of the Muslim call to prayer blasting over a nearby loudspeaker. Even though I could not understand what was being said, I enjoyed hearing it. I find it soothing and a signifier that I am in Asia, a continent that I will always be fascinated by.
The intense stares of swarms of curious on-lookers at first seemed abrasive, almost aggressive. However, it wasn’t long before I realized this was their way of showing hospitality, and that Bengalis are extremely friendly kind and welcoming people. Everyone wants to invite you to their home for cha (sugary, milky tea). I think I had at least six cups a day from various locations.
The title for this post comes from a tourist poster from the 70′s that still hangs on the wall in my parents house. I think this slogan would be just as true today in 2010, as it was back then. Bangladesh rarely makes headlines unless there’s a devastating monsoon, a statistics report on world poverty, or political turmoil. For a certain generation, Bangladesh is best known by George Harrison’s single, “Bangladesh,” that was created to raise money for the famine relief concert in Bangladesh in 1971.
Bangladesh would probably never cross most people’s minds as a place to travel to. It isn’t exactly on most people’s top travel destinations. I always tell people if you are able to survive traveling in Bangladesh, you will be able to survive anywhere in the world. You might be questioning then why I would be promoting this country as a desirable travel destination.
Although Bangladesh may not be the easiest country to visit for those accustomed to western culture, I truly believe that Bangladesh does have something unique to offer. For those who are adventurous enough to brave the overwhelming bustle of Dhaka’s streets, having a ramshackle, former school bus jam- packed with people be your mode of transportation, being stared at by crowds of curious locals, not to mention possibly being exposed to some not so pleasant bathroom facilities, I assure you that you will never forget this cultural experience that is not like most others.
You will see things that most people will never see, and experience a country that most people will never visit. Soaking up a culture that is so vastly different is the reward that outweighs some of the trials of visiting a country that has yet to have the infrastructure in place to accommodate the travel industry.
The uninhibiting colours of the saris, and the pearly white smiles of the beautiful women that wear them, the smell of
savory curries and fried samosas, people eating with their hands, the green lush landscape of the rice paddies and mustard fields, the hardworking hands of locals, children bathing in the river and waving excitedly at cars passing by, reckless bus rides through the countryside, flocks of curious villagers that smile brightly when seeing their picture in a digital camera, and the black shiny eyes of all the children you will meet. This is the country where I was born.
Bangladesh is wedged between northeastern India and Myanmar, and is among one of the most densely populated countries in the world. There are 147 million people that occupy roughly the same area as the province of Newfoundland. Most of Bangladesh is free of tourists. However, this land of marshy jungles, expansive tracts of unspoiled beaches, and home of the world’s largest mangrove forest and Bengal Tiger is quietly bringing in tourists.
Tourism mainly comes from India, however more Westerners are discovering this undeveloped area along the eastern edge of the Bay of Bengal as a less touristy and cheaper alternative to Bali or Thailand. Most travelers avoid staying too long in Dhaka, and are lured by the pristine white sands of Cox’s Bazar. Cox’s Bazar, a middle size beach town is the centre for tourism in Bangladesh, and is what most people come to see. Untouched beach stretches out so expansively that it is hardly possible to feel crowded.
When traveling in Bangladesh:
- The left hand is considered unclean, so only pass things, drink from, or shake hands using the right hand.
- Personal space is less of an issue than in Western cultures. Bengalis often stand close when speaking.
- Greetings usually only take place between the same sexes, as well as sharing meals.
- Bangladesh is primarily a Muslim country with little evidence of westernized culture. There are few establishments that sell alcohol, as Muslims are against the consumption of alcohol.
- Men should not wear shorts, and women travelers should cover shoulders and wear ankle length skirts/dresses out of respect for the culture, as this is custom for Bangladesh women.
- Do not give flowers (as they symbolize death), alcohol, or non-halal meat to Muslims as gifts.
