Impressions on coming to Bangladesh from Chad
by Tara O’Day

Coming to Dhaka from the parched country of Chad in Central Africa has been a smile-provoking experience. It is like we have been living in the country and have just arrived in the big city for the first time. My husband arrived first and called me from Dhaka. ‘There are neon signs, paved roads and big buildings,’ he said.

It is all a matter of perspective, no?

When I arrived 6 weeks ago, I was immediately impressed with the colours here. Dhaka looks like an artist’s palette has exploded all over the streets. I haven’t run out of new things to look at yet. During the past few weeks, I have discovered some enjoyable things that were unavailable in Chad like Movenpick ice cream, a bookstore (specifically, one with English books), inexpensive music CDs, green parks to walk in, and rides in rickshaws late at night.

Some of the things that immediately came to mind when asked about things that I have experienced are; the young man playing his flute while walking down our street, children playing cricket, elaborate wedding decorations with a billion lights twinkling in anticipation, and the generous and hospitable people, both Bangladeshis and expatriates, here in Dhaka.