Hotel Center Point Gulshan

The Bangladeshi Tourist Board slogan in "Come to Bangladesh before the Tourist does..." We arrive at 2am which we were both a bit apprehensive about but especially me! Having been there 8 years ago and being terrified at the mass of people shouting and staring at me on arrival I didn't think it would be much fun after a late flight! However it was smoother than we expected and our bags arrived safely amongst the huge baggage being brought into the country by our fellow ...

... the only development organizations in the region with its own Research and Evaluation Division (established in 1975) the work of which helps improve BRAC's existing programmes and develop new interventions, such as the groundbreaking Targeting the Ultra Poor Programme. Today BRAC is one of the largest global MFIs, serving over 85 lakhs of poor, landless and disadvantaged people, mostly women. BRAC organizes members in to Village Organizations ...

... would not only be of interest to people during the trip - but that it would hopefully become a useful educational tool to others (particularly university students, etc) for years after my trip. This is turning out to be the case - as I am contacted with appreciation and/or questions from people I have never heard of or met. Be aware that the search engines will pick up on your blog - so be sure you ...

... was in the first class cabin of our plane and Raham was so excited to share with my the story of how they were able to meet and talk in the airport. "I watched him since I was very young on the television and it means a lot to me that I am able to finally see him face to face and talk with him. He is my leader, and now that I know him I can go into politics if I want". I thought it was interesting how he stressed the importance of connections. So does that mean that since I ...

... be helpful in doing what I can to help this outstanding facility and program move quickly to implementation - President Alam has designated me as the Mission Ambassador to the United States, where I will look forward to sharing what I have learned with those in the United States who are interested in this work. We created an initial action plan that would include my involvement in consulting on improvements to their website and sharing ...

... t matter if you've finished or if you haven't touched your food, you'll still be served another heaping spoonful of something. Often the hosts laugh uncontrollably while you try to cover your plate and they try to get the curry atop your rice. They somehow always win. Solo return trip from Moragange Moragange, a town an hour North of Reyenda, is home to two Hands On commuter projects. In cahoots with the U.S. Department of Defense, Hands On is working to repair a ...

... country, Bangladesh essentially shuts down from Eid (Muslim holiday) through to after Christmas / New Year. This meant the large crowds, the huge attention and the crazy traffic we were expecting weren't present for our first 2 days in Dhaka and so whilst it was nice to have a peaceful walk through the city, it was also a little boring with few shops open or people about. We actually wanted to experience the crazy side of Dhaka! The people that were ...

... of this is due to the many buildings built in gothic or victorian style. I spent a lot of time just walking up and down the streets and getting a feel for the city. When it got hot I went in to a cinema and saw Spiderman 3 (which plays in just about every single cinema). On my second day I booked a trip to the nearby Elephanta Island, to watch some of the amazing sculptures in the caves there. The ...

... raw chili peppers. it was pretty good. the sour rice is the highlight of this meal. for me unfortunately, the highlight came later in the day when my gastro intestinal system began its morbid reaction to the sour rice. first there was pain. great pain. deadly abdomenal pain. then the vomiting. and finally a state of being in which death could only have been an improvement. i survived to eat another day. happy new year, bangladesh.

... house was the only one with a 200 feet front yard and a 500 feet rear yard, excellent. I went for a stroll in the garden, which had huge trees bearing all kinds of fruits. This is where I met the care-taker's son who was about 19-20 he was to become my personal guide and minder! So first things first I gave him some money (TAKA) and asked him to sort some cigarettes out for me by the time I wake up. So off to my bedroom I ...