Made it to Dhaka

After applying for a Fulbright grant to Bangladesh a year and a half ago, I have finally made it to Dhaka. The last month has been a bit of a blur trying to fit in doctor appointments, visa appointments, leaving CBO, learning the Bangla alphabet and of course, most importantly, spending time with friends and family.

I arrived in Dhaka at 8PM last night, and already have a few observations. The first actually occurred prior to landing in Dhaka, and that was how dark the capital city looked from the plane. I am not saying that there were no lights, but considering the size of the city, it felt like I was landing in Waterville, Maine (where I attended Colby). This felt somewhat astonishing considering that Dhaka is a city of nearly 7 million. The one positive outcome of this realization: my research project is relevant and needed.

Once I made it into the car, my driver, Alfred, told me we were only 7 km from where I was staying and that traffic was not too bad. Of course, not too bad in Dhaka is like driving down storrow drive in Boston at 6 O’clock. I had been prepared for this, but it is always different when you actually experience something instead of just hear about it. Which, when I think about it, is the reason why I am here. I could study microfincance and Bangladesh in the U.S., but I am hoping that me being here in Dhaka will be a different experience.

After waking up to the call of the prayer this morning, I finished unpacking and headed out into the thick of it with a fellow Fulbrighter. Chickens are parading down the streets,  horns have been honking for 24 hrs straight, electric lines hang inches above my head and bike rickshaws are my new mode of transportation. I have made it to Dhaka.

Today is Friday, and the weekends in Bangladesh are Friday and Saturday, so I am off to do some exploring before I begin school on Sunday.