Out and About in Old Dhaka

So we headed out to Old Dhaka yesterday, which was kinda intimidating. We took a cab down, which took almost an hour and then arrived at Sadarghat Boat Terminal, where we had no problem finding somebody to take us out on a boat. It was a pretty neat thing to see. All the ships being built and all these people employed by the shipping industry. We saw one ferry absolutely packed, and it makes you realize a little more why there are so many sinking boats here. Anyways, our timing wasn't great as it was 12:15 when we started, and I almost died of heat and sun. Way too hot. Our boat guides then agreed to take us over to Ahsan Manzil (the Pink Palace). And as you can see - it is very pink. It was quite impressive. But in taking us over there, we then had guides for the day - oops, but it was actually probably a good idea, the roads in Old Dhaka are extremely confusing. So, we then headed for some food, which I am not regretting slightly, not feeling so hot last night, or today. But it was cool in the restaurant, which was much needed. So we had our political/economic tour in the morning, and it was off to the religious hot spots in the afternoon, and I have to say they were very impressive. We stopped at the Hindu temple, the Armenian Church (17th C.), the Sitara Mosque (Star Mosque) and another mosque that I can't remember the name of. It is amazing how welcoming everyone was. The Armenian church from the outside was absolutely beautiful, and because it is walled, there is a serenity in the yard that I didn't think existed in Dhaka. The caretaker was extremely welcoming and showed us around a little. There was also a very funny goat (I mehhhed at him Robin and he mehhhhed back). Anyways, the Star Mosque was also amazing. This beautiful tile work was so impressive. We started to attract a crowd at this point. No matter where you go, kids love seeing pictures of themselves. We were welcomed into the Mosque to see more of the tile work and again, everyone was fantastic. At the last mosque, we attracted more children, and John was invited to play a little cricket, he got schooled by 9 year olds though. They were good. Finally we headed over to Bangsal Rd. where we got to see Rickshaws being made, which is a never ending job in Dhaka as there are so many of them. We had adventured around in a rickshaw for most of the day, and it was kinda neat to see them being made. Finally, we caught a baby taxi home, which was a rather harrowing experience. About 10 minutes from home, it started to pour. It was a crazy down pour which ended up lasting well into the evening, so last night was chilling at the hotel. Oh, I forgot, we almost got in our first rickshaw accident. In a rickshaw jam, our driver decided he would pick up a little speed, and then he couldn't stop in time and we ran right into the back of the one in front of us, almost launching both John and I to the pavement, but we both caught ourselves, and survived the experience. It was a great day. I was stared at constantly, and had a few men do the full on whip lash look, to John's great amusement. So getting a little more used to it, but sometimes you just want to turn around and stare right back at them. Ok, breakfast time, and then off to work. Miss you all!