Friday, 14 December 2012

Just About to Go On Holiday in 2012


5 Weeks In
I have survived 5 weeks.  That’s why I am writing this from an Airport lounge, as we are off on our hols to Malaysia for 3 weeks over Christmas and New Year.  So what its been like you all cry?  I can hear you – honest – I can.

Just now it is all about survival.  Already we have moved to another transit flat which is dark and quite depressing as our permanent accommodation took a while to find and once found is now basically having to be rewired, replumbed etc – even when it is a brand new building!  The projected move in date is now mid January 2013 – fingers crossed.  Mind you, one thing I have learned.  There is time and then Bangladeshi time.  Don’t hold your breath as you would die of asphyxiation.

This delay has basically meant we have been living with what we have brought in suitcases and whatever food that has been bought since.  An interesting experience I grant you.  Our 72 boxes are in country in a store, but until we get our pad, there is no point delivering them.  I am now starting to think whether that was a wise move or not.  

It did result in a mercy mission to the store to get golf clubs out and the kilt for the Caledonian Ball.  Yep, 5,500 miles away and I am eating smoked salmon from Dunkeld, Haggis from Orkney followed by Aberdeenshire beef and then dancing to a Ceilidh band, specially flown in for the occasion.  Talk about déjà vu or some kind of weird dream.

Life is like living in a village.  The community is small, even though I am meeting new people daily from other Missions etc and no doubt add to the address book as time goes on.  One restrictive factor has been the lack of wheels, which as of today has been resolved.  The diplomatic zone, is pretty straightforward to walk around whilst dodging 4x4, tuk-tuks and rickshaws.  However there is more to Dhaka and a car is essential - I hope.  Hopefully 2013 will see exploratory trips to further afield.