Sunday, May 29, 2011

Beautiful bangladesh: School of Life

My Bangladesh is finally captured in this brilliant video. Hats off to the red dot guys. This should inspire people to visit Bangladesh and enjoy the school of life.

Time:

For those who live in cold countries and think that 15 degree Celsius is 'summer' should know that it is winter temperature in Bangladesh. So, the best time to visit will be November-January. It is also the time for our fabulous cuisines made from the new rice flour , milk, sugar, molasses and spices. They are usually called "pithha" or " Bangladeshi sweet dish" . You cannot really describe them in short because there are hundreds of variants and they all taste just Yumm!

By now, you have guessed it, We put a little too much effort in making and eating food. But hey! no complaints. Winter is heaven for fresh vegetables and pithhas. But the real delights are grown in summer. Yes, fruits! The Mango---its a thing to die for, literally. So, if you are a big fan of death by fruit, please visit Bangladesh in summer. March-April.

If you think you will have mango and that's it, you are very very wrong. Bangladesh is full of various fruits and fruity delight. The best place of course would be to visit a village. The capital enjoys an endless supply of goodies from all over. But, why take imported food when you can get it fresh? I mean, right off the tree! Just get in touch with your long lost Bangladeshi friend or family and give a buzz. We are known for our over whelming hospitality. Really! People will flock around you and stare at you and shower you with uninvited love..... you might have to run! :D :D

Oh come on! I am kidding.

where to stay:

Truth be told, I am not a very big fan of staying at hotels. They are nice and comfy and all that, but , I am more for a cozy kind. So, just blend in with your friend's family. Its cheap, fun and more adventurous. Having said that, if you are the selfish kind, here are some more expensive starry options:

Name, address and google map of hotels

What to buy:

Now that we have managed to tackle the "eat and sleep" basics, let's talk about what to shop. well, basically, everything is cheap or cheaper. So, buy everything! Clothes are of particular bargains. From rags to riches, there are limitless choices of clothes, head and foot wear. Sun glasses, shoes and white toothy smile-- all under a hundred dollars. Just don't expect any BRAND. Did I mention, you could get a Dentist for two crowns and a scaling for 100 buck? maaaaaaaan, that's cheap!

Handicrafts are plenty. household items, pearls ( yes , real pearls) , bags, Silver , you name it , we got it. The leather goods are top class ( world's best really). So are the cotton and natural boutiques.

If you are big on conservation and living green and all that, Bangladesh offers the best market for you. You can find the JUTE bags, clothes and other items- all natural, all green, all conservative.

what ever your likings may be, go and explore. you will always find something intriguing and at a very low price.

The down falls:

Well, no country is perfect. You will definitely hate the capital ( I do, most part of it). It is a busy city with mouth watering street food and wonderful people. But, that's it. There are too many people. and they all contribute to the dust, dirt, inefficiencies and traffic jams. So, better take your travel medicines. Get your shots. Avoid too much street food. ( all ladies can actually cook everything that you may find on the street, so, don't bother being too brave). Get out of Dhaka and go to the country side. Visit the historic towns and places. DO NOT miss the beach. DO NOT miss the food. and, DO NOT miss the flight.

Happy Traveling!