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
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
No comments:
Post a Comment