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Day 3. The view of the hazy early morning air through the window of my hotel on the morning of day 3. Bangladesh ranks 169th (out of 178 countries) in the Environmental Performance Index for Air Quality. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/BNGD...SWh/0/O/94.jpg I decided to go for a run but immediately regretted it with the bad air and crazy traffic and only managed a few kilometres. Breakfast at the hotel after a good hot shower. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/BNGD...Jq8/0/O/95.jpg I had a relatively lazy day today, driving to Jessore and then flying back to Dhaka. There was the option to take a 10 hour train ride back to Dhaka instead, but I opted for the slightly less adventurous flight to Dhaka instead. Up on the hotel rooftop swimming pool where I went for a dip. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/BNGD...bN3/0/O/96.jpg And looking down onto Khulna city below. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/BNGD...vj6/0/O/97.jpg At 10:30am I checked out of the City Inn Hotel and met up with my guide, Popul, for the ~90 minute ride to Jessore airport. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/BNGD...K8P/0/O/98.jpg We arrived ontime at Jessore Airport where I thanked Popul and my driver and bid them farewell. The airport was quite small and had 6-7 flights a day to Dhaka. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/BNGD...fjs/0/O/99.jpg Boarding the Novoair ERJ-145 just before 1pm. Jessore Airport is also used by the Bangaldesh Air Force and some training aircraft were parked under open hangars. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/BNGD...2s/0/O/100.jpg I luckily had an exit row seat so plenty of legroom despite the small plane. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/BNGD...V6/0/O/101.jpg A decent snack box was served despite only being a 150 kilometre flight, complete with 'Twitter' brand biscuits. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/BNGD...Px/0/O/102.jpg After a smooth landing at Dhaka Airport, I headed through to the taxi desk again for a ride into town. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/BNGD...LC/0/O/103.jpg As it was the weekend the 15 kilometre drive took abit less than two days ago, and I arrived at the Fars Hotel just after 3pm. Upon checking in, they said that they had found my credit card. Apparently it had fallen out of my money belt when I was getting out my cash to pay Mr. Awal in the lobby for my tour two days prior! I thanked them profusely and then went up to the 14th floor to my room for tonight. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/BNGD...Qf/0/O/104.jpg I then went out to the Liberation War Museum, which was only a short walk around the corner from the hotel. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/BNGD...kx/0/O/105.jpg The museum commemorates the Bangladesh Liberation War, when then East Pakistan, aided by India, fought and gained independence from West Pakistan, resulting in the formation of Bangladesh. Pakistan was originally formed in 1947 from two distinct areas, East and West, separated by a thousand miles and India[/URL]. There were significant disparities between the two parts of the country. Bengali, the main language of the east, was not given official status. Despite having a larger share of the population, East Pakistan had a lower share of seats in Parliament and was allocated less than 30% of the Federal budget. In 1971, the Pakistan Army launched Operation Searchlight with the aim to take control of major East Pakistan cities to curb the growing Bengali independence movement. The operation also began the 1971 Bangladesh atrocities where many Bengali's were systematically killed. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/BNGD...BQ/0/O/106.jpg The war led to an estimated 10 million refugees flooding into the eastern provinces of India. A concrete pipe on display that was similar to that used for shelter and sleeping in refugee camps by East Pakistani's who escaped over the border. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/BNGD...TW/0/O/107.jpg Resistance was at first spontaneous and disorganised, but quickly grew along with support from India. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/BNGD...FG/0/O/108.jpg The tail section of a Pakistani Air Force Canadair Sabre jet fighter that was shot down by the Indian Air Force. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/BNGD...tP/0/O/109.jpg On 16 December 1971, Lt. Gen A. A. K. Niazi, commanding officer of the of Pakistan Army forces, formally surrendered. Over 93,000 Pakistani troops surrendered to the Indian and Bangladesh Liberation forces, the largest surrender since World War II. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/BNGD...Nk/0/O/110.jpg After the war, Bangladesh sought admission in the UN with most voting in its favour, but China initially vetoed this as Pakistan was its key ally. The United States, also a key ally of Pakistan, was one of the last nations to accord Bangladesh recognition. Pakistan finally recognized Bangladesh in 1974 after pressure from most of the Muslim world. After the very interesting dose of history I went for another walkabout through the streets and alleys of Central Dhaka. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/BNGD...K5/0/O/111.jpg I was still a little hungry after the light lunch, so had some tasty Rasmalai from a street stall. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/BNGD...F7/0/O/112.jpg Back at the hotel where chilled I out on the hotel roof, looking down on Central Dhaka below. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/BNGD...RH/0/O/113.jpg In the evening I went to a local restaurant and had some spicy chicken, naan bread and coleslaw for dinner. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/BNGD...58/0/O/114.jpg After the decent feed I went for a random wander through the streets again. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/BNGD...zq/0/O/115.jpg The rickshaws certainly outnumbered all the other vehicles! http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/BNGD...7s/0/O/116.jpg Cigarettes and tea. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/BNGD...Bx/0/O/117.jpg After the wander I headed back to the hotel to get some rest for an early morning start for my last day in Bangladesh tomorrow. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/BNGD...s8/0/O/118.jpg |
Day 4. Up early just before 7am on the morning of day 4. For my last day in Bangladesh I had organised a private photography tour of Dhaka. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/BNGD...DH/0/O/119.jpg After checking out of the hotel I met up with my guide today, Masbah, and then went for a short drive to the Kawran Bazar. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/BNGD...NH/0/O/120.jpg The Bazar was mainly a wholesale one, and hence the need to arrive at the early hour to see all the busy morning action before it petered out a few hours later. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/BNGD...tT/0/O/121.jpg Stripping the leaves from the caulifowers. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/BNGD...j2/0/O/122.jpg Girl. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/BNGD...74/0/O/123.jpg One of the numerous porters who can be hired to haul away the fresh produce. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/BNGD...6b/0/O/124.jpg Boy. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/BNGD...qg/0/O/125.jpg Loading the truck. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/BNGD...nS/0/O/126.jpg Wrapped up for the early morning chill. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/BNGD...LG/0/O/127.jpg Smoke. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/BNGD...29/0/O/128.jpg Everyone was quite tolerant of the intrusive tourist interrupting their morning routine. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/BNGD...Xp/0/O/129.jpg Buying coconuts as the sun started to get higher in the morning sky. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/BNGD...vg/0/O/130.jpg Wide load. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/BNGD...j2/0/O/131.jpg Pineapples. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/BNGD...Sc/0/O/132.jpg A gentleman pausing from his busy morning just long enough for me to take his portrait. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/BNGD...Pn/0/O/133.jpg Bananas. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/BNGD...S8/0/O/134.jpg The market was established in the late 18th century by Karwan Singh, a Marwari trader. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/BNGD...8w/0/O/135.jpg Inspecting the merchandise. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/BNGD...Vv/0/O/136.jpg One of the few ladies in the Bazar. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/BNGD...Tt/0/O/137.jpg You had to give plenty of room to the porters as they couldn't easily step around you with the heavy loads on top. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/BNGD...rP/0/O/138.jpg Indian gooseberries. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/BNGD...Lm/0/O/139.jpg Trio. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/BNGD...DL/0/O/140.jpg Chillies. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/BNGD...xs/0/O/141.jpg Green mangos. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/BNGD...XB/0/O/142.jpg Red onions. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/BNGD...X8/0/O/143.jpg Dried fish. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/BNGD...v9/0/O/144.jpg Fishmongers. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/BNGD...RJ/0/O/145.jpg Day's catch. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/BNGD...Ww/0/O/146.jpg Blacksmith. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/BNGD...Kd/0/O/147.jpg After the frenetic, fun and exciting morning at Kawran Bazar, we drove through the early morning traffic to Old Dhaka, and had breakfast of daal and paratha at a local restaurant. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/BNGD...gH/0/O/148.jpg Energised after the simple but filling breakfast, we headed out again, this time through the streets of Old Dhaka and Chowk Bazar. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/BNGD...Mm/0/O/149.jpg Alley. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/BNGD...x5/0/O/150.jpg Australian supermodel Miranda Kerr giving her endorsement to a local plasticware brand. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/BNGD...Qd/0/O/151.jpg Workshop. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/BNGD...Ln/0/O/152.jpg School kids. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/BNGD...k7/0/O/153.jpg Baking bread. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/BNGD...ks/0/O/154.jpg A colourful minaret in the distance as we continue our walk. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/BNGD...gb/0/O/155.jpg Flipping paratha. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/BNGD...NQ/0/O/156.jpg Up at a second floor shop to take in the view of the busy street below. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/BNGD...DG/0/O/157.jpg Sweets. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/BNGD...Bk/0/O/158.jpg On top. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/BNGD...D8/0/O/159.jpg Change. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/BNGD...XQ/0/O/160.jpg Fresh meat for sale at Mowlovi Bazar. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/BNGD...VS/0/O/161.jpg Grin. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/BNGD...rj/0/O/162.jpg Butcher. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/BNGD...2B/0/O/163.jpg Stopping to rehydrate with some coconut juice as the day started to warm up. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/BNGD...HW/0/O/164.jpg After another short drive, we arrived at Islampur Road, the largest wholesale clothing market in Dhaka. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/BNGD...Pk/0/O/165.jpg A rally going on for upcoming trade union elections. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/BNGD...ps/0/O/166.jpg Cloth. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/BNGD...3H/0/O/167.jpg Islampur Road is the largest wholesale clothing market in Dhaka. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/BNGD...D8/0/O/168.jpg Nawab Bari Pukur, a small pond in the middle of Old Dhaka. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/BNGD...g9/0/O/169.jpg Ducks. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/BNGD...HK/0/O/170.jpg We then walked down to Sadarghat-Gabtoli Road next to the river, where cargo was being unloaded and put onto trucks for its next destination. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/BNGD...DC/0/O/171.jpg Swarighat. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/BNGD...Wj/0/O/172.jpg Policeman. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/BNGD...PB/0/O/173.jpg Male. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/BNGD...3T/0/O/174.jpg Smile. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/BNGD...jm/0/O/175.jpg We then went down to the water to catch a small boat for a ride along the river. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/BNGD...8g/0/O/176.jpg My guide, Masbah, with an umbrella to keep off the hot afternoon sun. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/BNGD...RG/0/O/177.jpg Looking over to southern side of the Buriganga river. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/BNGD...Nd/0/O/178.jpg Workers chipping away the old paint of a ship under repair. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/BNGD...9L/0/O/179.jpg A couple making their way across the river. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/BNGD...N9/0/O/180.jpg After the cruise along the river, we headed ashore again at Sadarghat port and walked north through the streets. The old water tower at Bahadur Shah Park. It is now a memorial for soldiers killed by the British in the aftermath of the Indian Mutiny of 1857. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/BNGD...Wb/0/O/181.jpg It was almost 2:30pm, so we stopped for a lunch of rice, chicken and curry at a local restaurant. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/BNGD...SL/0/O/182.jpg This was the end of the photography tour and it was almost time to head to the airport for my flight home. I had a few taka left, so I got Masbah to take me to a local shop for some sweets to take back home. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/BNGD...Lz/0/O/183.jpg Horse and carriage, which is still a popular means of transport in Old Dhaka. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/BNGD...pm/0/O/184.jpg We had to allow for up to ~3 hours in rush hour traffic for the drive to the airport but fortunately it took only took half that. I then said farewell to Masbah and my driver and thanked them for a great last day in Dhaka. It was still an hour until check-in opened so I watched some Netflix on my iPad. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/BNGD...6X/0/O/185.jpg After I checked in and got my boarding pass, I had to go to another Flydubai desk to have my passport checked again. I guess they have regular document issues with workers flying to Dubai. The Flydubai lady then directed me to get a new boarding pass. My seat was changed from 2C to 2D, which had extra legroom since there is no seats 1D-1F in front and was a nice surprise. After passing through immigration (where the officer checked if I had a visa for Dubai, which was a first since the airline normally only checks this) I headed to an airside restaurant for some mediocre fish and chips for dinner. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/BNGD...bD/0/O/186.jpg About 40 minutes before departure we boarded a bus for the short ride to the plane. There were airport workers walking on the road (due to lack of designated foot paths) in the dark and a car reversing into the path of the bus, so the bus driver was constantly hooting the horn, just like back in the city! And about to board the Flydubai 737 at the end of an amazing trip to Bangladesh! http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/BNGD...GM/0/O/187.jpg |
Like so many of your trips a very special one.
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I wish I saw some of those markets when I went. The hotel wouldn't even get us a car for sightseeing due to the security situation. :(
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Daniel... ^^^mesmerized with your photography. The hustle & bustle of old Dhaka serene beauty of countrysides are a treat to watch. Actually i'm a third generation who were evicted and settled in India during partition. Heard stories about Bagerhat, Khula from my grand dad and dad. Got to see images through your eye. Thanks a ton !!
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Another fascinating report accompanied with fantastic photos! I'll be making my first visit to that part of the world next month with 5 days in Myanmar. Bangladesh (never thought I'd say this) has been added to the list of places to go. There's just a special feeling going somewhere that most people never bother to visit. All your portrait shots are fantastic as well!
Originally Posted by DanielW
(Post 28141707)
Nawab Bari Pukur, a small pond in the middle of Old Dhaka. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/BNGD...g9/0/O/169.jpg |
Enjoyed your report.
Also, I don't think that Miranda was modeling for that job. Nice PS job by locals :) |
Originally Posted by offerendum
(Post 28141830)
Like so many of your trips a very special one.
Originally Posted by hkskyline
(Post 28141935)
I wish I saw some of those markets when I went. The hotel wouldn't even get us a car for sightseeing due to the security situation. :(
Originally Posted by GuyCCU83
(Post 28142170)
Daniel... ^^^mesmerized with your photography. The hustle & bustle of old Dhaka serene beauty of countrysides are a treat to watch. Actually i'm a third generation who were evicted and settled in India during partition. Heard stories about Bagerhat, Khula from my grand dad and dad. Got to see images through your eye. Thanks a ton !!
Originally Posted by ChiefNWA
(Post 28142251)
Another fascinating report accompanied with fantastic photos! I'll be making my first visit to that part of the world next month with 5 days in Myanmar. Bangladesh (never thought I'd say this) has been added to the list of places to go. There's just a special feeling going somewhere that most people never bother to visit. All your portrait shots are fantastic as well!
This is my favorite I think. Do you commonly book photography tours? I've looked at them a few times but I've never committed to one.
Originally Posted by bwiadca
(Post 28142877)
Enjoyed your report.
Also, I don't think that Miranda was modeling for that job. Nice PS job by locals :) |
amazing report as usual Daniel.
I have to ask as it didn't see readily clear....are those mallards alive or dead? LOL |
Fantastic report - as usual! Bangladesh is one of those too-often-overlooked countries that I would be more than glad to visit!
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looks like it's all hustle and bustle in Bangladesh. interesting that you took a boat 'cruise' along the river.
thanks for sharing DanielW. |
Your photos are just stunning, I can't look away. As always, thank you for taking us with you ^
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Originally Posted by offerendum
(Post 28141830)
Like so many of your trips a very special one.
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As expected another trip report to an interesting destination and amazing photos. Thank you for including us in your travels!
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the runs?
Something came upon me as I was reading you great report. Diarrhea.
The Sundarbans is considered the place where cholera was unleashed. One of the world's first cholera pandemics orriginated in Jessore. Dhaka has the world's largest Diarrhea hospital I lift a cup of hot cocoa to your ability to travel without constantly....ok that's enough:rolleyes: |
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