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!
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!
Glad you have arrived safe and sound. Looking forward to hearing about your adventures through your blog.
ReplyDelete