Bangladesh: First Impressions

We have now been in Bangladesh for about 4 days, although it feels like much longer. It's been an interesting experience so far. First off, the country is in the midst of a messy political situation due to their upcoming elections and the opposition party has been calling for nationwide transportation blockades which basically shut down transportation between cities. There have been a few scattered acts of violence across the country, but most are conflicts between protesters and police. Despite this we feel very safe and are enjoying our time here.

This country is unlike any place we've traveled and it's hard to describe, but I will do my best. Here are the things we have learned so far about Bangladesh.

1. We are incredibly intriguing to the Bangladesh people. This might be an understatement. Every where we go people stop and just stare for minutes at a time. They circle around us and just watch. If we pull out a piece of paper or any item for that matter everyone moves in close to see what we have. Once one person talks to us the crowd gets even bigger. The bold in the group will say "hello" and ask us "your country?" to which we respond "America." We are then greeted with nods or "good country."

The people also love to take our photo. Many times candidly, but often blatantly. Some times they ask first. One man came up to us and asked if his daughter could take our photo and explained we were the first foreigners she had ever seen. It gets a little crazy at times.

2. We might actually have more friends in Bangladesh than in America by the end of this trip. Within the last 4 days we have met more people who have wanted to talk to us, show us around, give us their number, take us to their village, and in general just be our friend than all the places we've traveled combined. If someone speaks English, they will find us and talk to us.

The conversation usually goes something like this:
Them: "Hello, my name is ______, what is your name"
Us: "Derrick, Liz"
Them: "Where are you from?"
Us: "America"
Them: "We be friends?" *handshake
Us: "Yes"
Them: "Thank you, goodbye"

3. The Bangladesh people are very concerned for our well being. Everywhere we go we are shepherded around by local people. For example, last night we needed to board a ferry. About every five steps someone new would yell out the name of our boat and point or usher us along. Those who speak English are especially concerned. They will often give us their number and insist we call them if we need anything. The crazy thing about all of this is everyone is incredibly genuine. The people here really want to make sure we are ok.

4. Practically no one tries to take advantage of tourist. In most countries we've traveled, when someone approaches you and offers to show you around, they are usually trying to make some money. In Bangladesh, people will literally spend their whole day being our impromptu tour guide and expect nothing in return. We even had a CNG (little taxi, like a tuk tuk) driver who decided to show us around and when we asked how much, he told us to choose. Occasionally when we ask the CNG and rickshaw drivers how much a ride costs they'll give us a very high price. Then we say no and give a fair price which they then accept after a few seconds of deliberation. It's the easiest bargaining ever.

5. Traveling as a woman is very different here. This one I'm still figuring out, but I will say it's definitely different here. More so then anywhere I've traveled, I get ignored. Everyone we've met who speaks English is a man, and most of them speak directly to Derrick and never to me. There have been a few exceptions, mainly younger guys (often college students) who talk to me as well. We even get this from people in the tourism industry. Like today, we had a guide showing us around and he would constantly ask "Mr. Derrick, is everything ok" and "how is it Mr. Derrick." I don't think he once used my name. It gets a little frustrating, but that is the culture.

For a Muslim nation, Bangladesh is more progressive and open than some. We do see women who wear full covering veils, but most only a head cover and plenty with no covering at all. Many people ask us our religion, but it seems to be more a question about our culture than an anything else. No one has expressed any kind of judgement or concern that we are not Muslim. The other very noticeable thing is that alcohol is mostly banned in the country. Oh, and we have also had many discussions with locals about marriage. About half the country still has arranged marriages so they are very interested and ask us if we have a "love marriage."

Well that's my take on things so far. We already have so many stories, but those will have to wait. Hopefully we can also upload some pictures soon. Derrick has promised to add his take on things later as well.