We are half way through the month of October. This last week has been cooler. I can tell this because I sweat less at night and can sleep better. You definitely can not say it is colder--we wouldn't consider turning the ceiling fan off--but the first signs of fall are here.

Language study has been progressing steadily these last two weeks. I enjoy learning and do it without too much difficulty. This has helped make my time in Dhaka restful. I am aware that next month, when I am working, it will be quite different. So for now I am actually enjoying this rest.

This last week my housemate had guests. I went with them to Dhaka's ancient city center. The streets were quite small and it seemed like they were filled with people absolutely everywhere. We went to the 'terminal' where the riverboats are docked. These boats sail at night to the southern cities of Bangladash. In addition to these large boats, smaller boats can also be seen. The boats in the picture below are used to get to the other side of the river. One person rows about ten passengers across at once. On the other side of the river you can see the clothing industry. Clothing export accounts for 75% of Bangladesh's income.

Small river boats

Leaving the boats, we continued with our sight seeing trip. We drove through extremely narrow streets with many stores. The street was so narrow that two cars could barely pass each other. Fortunately no cars came from the opposite direction! The street was full of rickshaws, pedestrians and people carrying large bundles on their head. Goods were being loaded and unloaded everywhere. We could hardly drive through the streets, but that made it possible for us to take in all the sights!

Dhaka_oude_binnenstad_vanuit_auto_gezien_DSC00663_klein.png Driving slowly (being driven) through busy narrow streets.

Language school continues for the next week and a half. Not much else planned. The real work begins when I move to the hospital October 24. I'll keep you informed.