Frankly, I couldn’t wait to get back to India. I was tired of the constant chitter-chatter directed my way that seemed more mental harassment than genuine curiosity.
The food was terrible. I didn’t see any vegetable dish at all nor any fresh juices or lassi. The masala for the fish or chicken was heavy and always given in such small quantities. It didn’t seem to make any difference in a nicer restaurant or a simple place.
Like most things in BD restaurants were grey drab affairs- nothing to attract one inside.
Beer was usually impossible to find and I gave up on the insipid 5% Hunters beer.
It is no problem being asked “what you country” or any ungrammatical variation. Sometimes more questions and usually “insta, YouTube or Facebook”? To which I direct them to my blog (combining video, photos and text). That resulted in blank disinterest. I don’t think they knew what a website or browser is.
Like many other places BD is plagued with chaotic traffic with electric rickshaws zipping around at speed along with the old pedal rickshaws and every other kind of aggressive road hog. Dangerous it is and I did end up on the ground once in Khulna with a sore coccyx.
In Chattogram (2nd city of BD) there was also a flyover in the city and it reminded me of the shock I had in Kolkata cycling in on the iconic Park Street which has been completely ruined by a flyover above it. Not unlike the flyover above Mohammed Ali Road in Mumbai. All aesthetic and charm lost and for what?
I suppose I will think of more things to rant about but my visit to BD has given me a greater appreciation of India. I immediately felt at home. The professionalism of the security and immigration personnel at the border was exemplary. Although my bicycle was an oddity I was thoroughly checked out.
Tonight a simple veg thali and a Carlsberg was perfect. I can eat again!
