I spent a traditional Thanksgiving this year – traditional from both the Bangladeshi and American perspectives. My friend Rick and I woke up early and headed to the riverside. I wanted to see the spice and fruit markets, as well as the docks. If you watched The Amazing Race, you saw part of this area when they did the brick or lunch challenges. I thought the show did a pretty good job of showing Dhaka as it is. It appears the show was filmed in June or July, which would explain the heat. I was a little surprised that the contestants complained about the smell – I really don’t think it’s any worse than many places in Asia. The show didn’t really capture the chaos of trying to navigate in Dhaka, nor did it show the amazing colors you see everywhere. Nevertheless, overall it gave a favorable impression of Bangladesh.
Here are some images of the docks and riverside. I’m not sure why the river is burning. It’s interesting that the river is as crowded with small ferries as the streets are crowded with rickshaws.
My friend and I picked a boat with only two other people in it to cross the river. Of course, it then immediately filled with ten others. You take your shoes off when you board. Have you ever tried to take off and put on shoes in a canoe? It's a wonder I didn't end up in the river. Doesn't this almost remind you of Venice?!
And this was shot not on the river, but beside it. The kids here love to be photographed, and have such infectious smiles.
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