Existentialism on a work day

I had a great day today. I woke up around 6 am for work at 8:30 (I can thank my father for my impeccable, yet sometimes irrational need to be on time). Every day I am getting better and better at navigating the busy streets to find a ride to work. When I arrived at 8 (see my previous aside), the office was just coming to life. Yesterday Mr. Mehedi had told me that I needed to familiarize myself with the various enterprises and begin looking for ways to better the information on the Brac website. After a few hours of reading up, Mr. Mehedi beckoned me to follow him. We were heading across the street to another large building that houses a second enterprise office. I met with the managers of many of the programs. We headed back and I continued looking into improvements to be made. Around 1:30, hunger pangs wrestled me from my desk to search out sustenance. I learned that I had missed the boat on buying the subsidized cafeteria meal tickets (sold in the early morning for 30 taka or about 40 cents). I was informed that there was an alternative, but much more expensive, restaurant at Brac that I could visit. Upon heading to the 4^th floor, I found the cafeteria bustling with Brac employees grabbing a bite before heading back to work. Across from the cafeteria, a well-dressed man stood opening a door for guests to enter. I correctly surmised that this must be the restaurant in question. I was seated at a table, set for formal dining.

Restaurant at Brac

 As I was handed a menu I braced myself for the hit my wallet would be taking. After scanning the options, I was elated to find that while much more expensive than the cafeteria, I would only be set back about $6 USD. I ordered the steak with French fires and steamed vegetables. While steak and potatoes are hardly outside of regular to me, there was a Bengali flare of spices added to the mix. An interesting cultural note here is that meat is far less common here than in the states. For religious as well as economic reasons, many meals may contain no meat at all (accidental alliteration, huh there I go again); so the hunk of beef before me was a welcome sight.

After lunch I headed back up to the 6^th floor to continue my work. Mr. Mehedi came looking for me shortly thereafter. I had a meeting to attend. It was a presentation from a media advertising group located in Dhaka and focused on local Bangladeshi businesses (supposedly the only one of its kind, the validity of which I cannot speak to). The meeting was a presentation for the advertising services the group has to offer. After a 10-15 min slide show (accompanied by tea, of course) we said our thank yous and ushered the two gentlemen out. 

Tea Time

Mr. Mehedi and I had a brief discussion afterwards and came to the same conclusion that the options available, while explained as excellent solutions by the two presenters, offered little that Brac could not accomplish on its own (I have learned that nothing is a pressing as the one who’s pressing would like you to believe). It made me very happy that my opinion on the matter was considered at all. I’m starting to realize that I did, in fact, learn quite a lot at Indiana University that I have taken for granted as knowledge I expect everyone knows (proven not true by my brother who was utterly confused by the topics).

A slum I pass everyday

Around 4:50 I was approached again my Mr. Mehedi to outline the tasks on the agenda for tomorrow. I found our discussion of branding and operations gently transforming into a rather existential discussion of family, friends and what it means to be “home”. He related to me his experiences abroad; his denial of an offer to work in the U.K. at a position that would leave him quite alone, traveling from place to place and never really establishing himself. Instead he chose to go a different route and travel to Pakistan, a country not highly advertised for its creature comforts. He explained his choice as one of learning and self-growth, not unlike the adventure I find myself currently on. While there, he found that while we may come from different places and experience different things, there are certain truths that come along with being human. As he spoke the familiar words of our forefathers echoed in my head mixed with those of my new boss and developing mentor: We hold these truths to be self-evident that, while not all men are given equal opportunity, we most certainly are all created as equals, to share in the global community of humanity, that stretches from East to West and spans throughout time. And while many experience more of the negative side of this humanity, from the plight poverty and hunger to the despair of depression and oppression, we all are born, grow up and strive for something better before returning from whence we came, a little taste of that most elusive and sometimes fleeting emotion: happiness. Until tomorrow, good night my friends.  

They call me...Muad'dib

I had a great time last night. A new tenant arrived while I was at work. Currently, it is myself, Sabrina, Mr. Hu, "Bob" and now "Jim". I use "" because these are not their given names. While something similar, they anticipated my inability to remember/pronounce their actual names. They are both from China. Bob works in the cell phone industry and Jim is on business inspecting products of some sort. It was a lively conversation at dinner, most of it in Chinese, but translated by Sabrina or Jim for me to join in. Bob and I curiously got on the topic of the film/book Dune. He said he would call me "Muad'dib" (pronounced Moh-a-deeb) a name of one of the characters in the film, which translates to "desert mouse". I thought it a somewhat fitting nickname, seeing that I am still a bit frightened by the city, like a little desert mouse. It was noodles and masala chicken for dinner (my favorite so far).

The combination of Chinese and Bengali cuisine is very interesting and different than anything I have experienced before. The others eat from bowls with chop sticks. Mr. Hu always puts a plate with silverware for me to use (even when sometimes the bowl/chopstick method would be easier). Sabrina told him that when she gave me noodles in the morning I did just fine with chopsticks. I'm still not sure if he is convinced. The food is simple, but very delicious. Mr. Hu goes to the bazaar down the street for fresh produce. While sometimes a bit too spicy for my western tastes, I am getting used to it. It seems to be more a matter of balancing the combination of the not spicy noodles (or rice depending on the meal) with the very spicy main dish. I am still trying to figure out one of the dishes that seems to be served at every meal. It is carrots and some type of potato like spud/vegetable with a spicy simple syrup glaze. None of the tenants have been able to give me the English word for it but I'm sure we can work something out. Breakfast, lunch and dinner the dish is served cold and seems to be accepted in combination with anything, be it bread rice or soup.

This morning I headed back in to work, hoping for a more fruitful day. The trip there was much more enjoyable in a CNG (compressed natural gas). The rickshaws are sometimes blocked by police from entering main roads during busy hours, which led to me walking quite a distance yesterday, but the CNG was able to bring me right up to Brac HQ.

 We had a brief meeting with the interns from the other divisions at Brac. Since each division is located on a different floor it was nice to finally meet some people that I could share common ground with. When I entered the meeting I was a bit surprised to finally see another white person. Up until this point I believed my self to be the only white person in the whole of Dhaka (I realize this is somewhat ridiculous but really not drastically far from the truth). She is from New Zealand and on the tail end of her internship (much to my chagrin, because she speaks English for one and her accent is very pleasing). After tea (which I'm starting to warm back up to after a long absence from getting used to it in Ireland) we had a short discussion and were dismissed. Upon returning to my cubical, I was greeted by my boss, Mr. Mehedi, and introduced to the entire team.

After going over some of my previous work experience, Mr. Mehedi outlined a few of the projects I would be working on. It was quite a load. First off, he greatly emphasized the need for me to become extremely familiar with the enterprise division operations (including livestock, poultry, solar power, fair trade and many more). This in itself seems quite a task. Also I will be producing, recording and editing a promotional video for enterprises. This includes coming up with the overall theme and script for the interview process. I will also be working closely with the communications department, developing strategies to improve our social media content and distribution. In a few weeks, I will be giving a seminar on email etiquette, going over how to properly compose and email in a business-like manor and when it is acceptable to be less formal (apparently there have been a few mishaps with less than proper emails to business partners). On top of that I will be responsible for working with my cube mate to improve her English and she my Bengali- Needless to say, I am a bit overwhelmed.

After getting home from a pretty long day, I was pleasantly surprised to see Sabrina had cleaned my room and changed my sheets. She also had given me a new pillow case, which I found rather amusing.

It's 6:30 pm and I am already finding myself a bit drowsy. The not-so-distant sounds of the city are blending with the constant hum of my fan, lulling me into a vegetative state. Soon we will have dinner and soon after that I will snuggle up with my Hannah Montanan (maybe? not to sure) pillow to dream of wonderful distance places, about as far away from here as possible, on the other side of the world, the land of the free and the home of the brave...my home...Indiana. Good night friends.

When it rains

Once again I was unable to sleep past 6 AM this morning. A mixture of honking and morning prayer (which is broadcast throughout the city 5 times a day via loudspeaker) wrestled me from the ever weakening grip of the sandman. It was a pleasant morning. Mr. Hu and I sat in relative silence enjoying noodles, toast and honey, watching a mixture of Chinese news, Telemundo and BBC. After preparing myself for work I hit the streets.

Suddenly, as if alerted by my presence, the heavens opened, gently sprinkling the parched dusty roads. Shortly after mounting a rickshaw, this pleasant drizzle turned to a frightening torrent. Thankfully, I had removed my laptop from my bag (a last minute thought, sparked by what I'll never know). As we zipped through traffic, I clutched the side of the cart, the my knuckles turning white from the pressure (much to the amusement of my driver). He announced we had arrived in Mohakhali, the district BRAC is located in. My legs were drenched but an umbrella had kept my upper half relatively dry (thanks mom!). Unfortunately, unbeknownst to me, I was still blocks from BRAC. After choosing carefully, I approached a man to ask directions. As if it were an apology for what had just transpired, the gentleman was on his way to BRAC centre as well. My companion and I set off, dodging puddles and cars alike. Several blocks later, I spotted a building with a now familiar logo displayed down its side. We had arrived. After putting a dress shirt on that I had tucked away in my bag (again, a precaution I had not know would come to such use) I set off for the 20th floor. Ipshita, BRAC's intern coordinator, sat down with me to go over the safety and security measures I was to sign and date. The list was long and terrifying, but after thinking back to other wavers I've signed, not so different after all (with the exception of the clause on civil and political unrest).

Here I am now, waiting for the director of my department to return from a meeting. Tucked away in my corner desk, I decided to post an update. Again, I apologize for any mistakes as I am writing this on my phone once again. But I hope to post another update after being briefed on my assignment for the summer. Blessings

In Transit

So I'm finally here. All in all it took about 40 hours to make it from my home in Indiana to my home in Dhaka. The trip out here was rather interesting. My flight was delayed a few times in Indy but it was a short trip to New York. When I got to JFK I took the train into the city to meet with some friends.

I met with a Kate, a good friend from high school, at Jack Dempsey's pub on 34th. We had some lively company there including some enlisted men on leave and a rather grim gentleman who fancied himself a father-figure, weaving parables of advice to us young, ignorant children. Friends from IU, Luke and Ajay, also came out to bid me farewell. After one to many, I was on the train back to JFK.

Upon getting to my gate, myself along with several other travelers were met with a few cranky TSA personnel, but we managed to get on the plane in a timely manner. What came next was nothing short of a fevered dream that I thought would never end. The plane was too hot, but too cold as well. It sounded like over half the passengers were children, the screams and cries were so loud. I shifted in my seat, unsure if i was awake or asleep. But miraculously, I made it to Dubai.

The airport here was intimidating to say the least. Travelers from all over the world hustled from gate to gate making their way to their destinations. Everyone seemed in a hurry to get somewhere but it appeared like they were not sure where. I found my gate, and decided to venture out to find some food.

After passing on several places that where too expensive or too confusing to deal with I finally saw them: The Golden Arches. I knew I was home. In order to justify my visit to a McDonald's, when I am supposed to be experiencing foreign cuisine, I decided to chalk this one up as a cultural experience to compare it to that of our own. But even that argument fell flat when I took a bite of my quarter pounder and was instantly transported to the States. To my surprise, it tasted exactly as it does at home. I then was resolved to label this experience as one last taste of the U.S.A. before my adventure in Bangladesh began.

After a relatively short flight from Dubai to Dhaka I was ready to get to Sabrina's house and rest. Unfortunately there was a problem with the luggage, forcing all of us to wait nearly two hours before they could get the bags out. I managed to find a cab and get myself to the guest house where I was met by a very surprised Mr. Hu.

After settling in and taking a short nap, I came back out to the main living area to be greeted by a wonderful looking dinner. Grilled fish, rice, noodles, chicken with peanuts and vegetables. I was so hungry that I only managed to get a picture after I had my fill.

Then it was off to bed. My room is very comfortable. The fan and air conditioning keep it very cool. I woke up this morning at 6 and was unable to fall back to sleep.

I am in bed listening to the city wake up. Soon, Mr. Hu will be up making breakfast. Today I hope to go into the city and find the best routes to get to work. Despite all the rest, I still feel weary. I hope that a trip to Brac Center will wake me up and reinvigorate my passion for the trip.

I had to do this post from my phone because my internet browsers are all in Bengali, so I hope it comes out okay. I will update again most likely later tonight or tomorrow morning. Wish me luck!

The Road Less Traveled...

          It's been two weeks since graduation and I still am having a hard time believing it. It seems like not too long ago I was moving into Teter Quad to start my freshman year at IU. Over the past four years I have made some life-long friends and memories that will never fade, but it's time to move on. Yes, despite every bit of me wanting to just stay in Bloomington for the rest of my life, its time to begin a new chapter. And what better way to separate myself from IU than to move to the other side of the world.


        Bangladesh is a small country in South East Asia, nestled between India and The Republic of the Union of Myanmar (formerly Burma). I have accepted a position with the Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee, or BRAC, in the social enterprises division located in the capital, Dhaka. I will be working with the social media accounts as well as writing project reports for various enterprise ventures. As the worlds largest NGO (non-government organization) BRAC has done amazing work in advancing the economic and social infrastructural of Bangladesh as well as several other countries in Asia and Africa. BRAC does work in everything from solar power and microfinance to poultry and livestock. 


       As a telecommunications major, it may seem strange for me to move half way across the world to work for a company that has little to do with information technologies, but I am confident that my stay will be beneficial for not just my professional life but my personal growth as well. At my commencement ceremony Booker T. Jones said "My advice is, if you want to be comfortable at the top, get familiar with the bottom." I hope that my stay in Bangladesh will help me do just that. 


      While in Dhaka, I will be staying in a bed and breakfast/guest house called Sabrina's Home. After emailing Sabrina back and forth I am very excited to be staying there. Sabrina and her husband seem like amazing hosts for my stay.

         Sabrina has told me that Mr. Hu was formerly a professional chef and would love to teach me a few things while there. I couldn't ask for a better place to experience the food and culture of South East Asia. 


        I leave May 23 and arrive in Dhaka May 25, so I'm sure the next few days are going to be hectic. I am pretty excited for the trip, despite it taking 36 hours, because I will be stopping off in a few places on layovers. I've gone ahead and looked at places to eat while in between flights and much to my surprise/delight there is an Irish pub at each stop, including Dubai.  Hopefully I'll be able to enjoy a nice lager on every step of the way!