Side Trip to Bangladesh

Our week in Bangladesh was made great due to the Pan Pacific Hotel and the people who are wonderful. We spent a lot of time enjoying the hotel – the pool, the health club and Club Level. The flowers must be dirt cheap – we had a fresh floral arrange each day with a dozen roses and white flowers that put out a nice smell but only in the evening. Club level was awesome. One day we did a city tour but after visiting two places gave it up because of the incredible traffic. The next day we did a river trip which we really liked. The boat was basic but the guide made a wonderful lunch – his wife and child came along which was nice – she told her husband…“They are Americans. I want to go.” We stopped at a fishing village. The people we very friendly and didn’t expect anything in return.

In the places we visited I don’t know who took the most pictures.. us or the local people using their cell phones to take picture of us! We were obviously the attraction. It was actually quite fun. No one begged – everyone was respectful. The youngsters who knew a few words in English said “Hello” and then became very shy. One young boy about 7 in a suit came up and in perfect English offered his hand to shake and said. “It is a pleasure to meet you.” Some asked if they could take our picture with their children… Obviously there are not many American tourists in Bangladesh – it was quite refreshing. They are gearing up for the Cricket World Cup. Most are very poor but there are also a lot of nice cars. Bangladesh is one of the most populated countries in the world… but they are friendly, welcoming and very hard working. Friday is the Moslem holy day so the ride to the airport that took 3 hrs on arrival took 25 minute when we left.