Disparity

4/27/2013

The shopkeeper

Another hot day on this side of the world with temperatures reaching the high 30's or around 100 F. The day was uneventful until I met these locals at lunch, whom spoke rather good English. I told him my story and got the best comment came out of the shopkeeper: "it's too bad that you lost your passport but now you can stay in Bangladesh forever." "Hahaha, that's funny," said no one, ever! I got a good laugh anyways and got ripped on for eating my food with a spoon rather than my hands. Oddly, it wasn't the lukewarm food that bothered me but the chilled, not cold, coke. This comment was followed by a lesson on the difference between a samosa and singara, which the former seems to be used unanimously in the states though the latter was the companion to my meal that I has mistaken as the former. Though they took off earlier, I caught them standing outside after I had finished. I found out they both work for a Taiwanese garment factory in Gulshan. Sumon isn't particularly fond of his post and is looking to start a business of his own. So if anyone is looking to invest in one, I have a local contact for you. He graduated from the American National University of Bangladesh if this helps in your decision making lol.

Sumon ended up being my guide for the remainder of the afternoon after his colleague returned to work. He took me to Bashundhara city shopping center to find a bag. He knew one of the owners so we stopped there. Even though it wasn't exactly the size or price I was aiming for, I felt like I had to get it. It's bad to refuse a kind gesture. In the shop, the owner also sold belts. Here I got another lesson on Bangladesh versus Chinese products. The bag I had bought was imported from China as were many of the belts and wallets. He confirmed that though Bagali quality of leather surpasses the Chinese, the style of the belt, especially the buckle, will make the sale. Due to the lower quality, Chinese belts actually go for cheaper than the local made ones. Business venture anyone?

Before he headed back to work as well, I introduced him to Clare, another CS that arrived at Chris' last night. She's doing a research internship here for two months. We went shopping for three pieces together. I found out on our walk back that she had taught English in Busan the same year I was there, only a month staggered. Small world everyone!

So to add the grand finale to the day, the card reader I had bought the other day, decided to either erase or not read the pictures on my CF card. Really, really, can this trip get any worse?

A local market frequented by as many flies as people. Would you buy one of these pumpkin slices?