Plus ca change plus ca reste le meme!

Hear you are all in artic weather at home hope the crisp clear air will enlighten those in need of it, as this morning in the financial section of the Daily Star a Bangadesh newspaper, there is more than a quarter of a page given over to the EU falling apart and a big poster of Brian Cowen being held responsible, did I say I was Swiss?! Life has been hectic, I can't believe I am only into my 6th day here and I have done and seen so much, so many variations of life and living.  Yesterday I came to the Concern office for a briefing on my trip to a project today and met all staff need to hit the gender button again, top heavy with men but all very interesting and they have created a lovely garden space in memory of Aengus Finucane so that was nice to see.  I also went  shopping for a wedding outfit for my friend Lovely's daughter Shuchi, no mum but father came along and it was very funny as he would like her to get married in traditional dress which is very ornate and she would like to accomodate his wishes but with a more modern look and of course Ms. Diplomacy herself was in the middle!  Anyway needless to say that was the first round to her, I think I'll leave them to it. What does amaze me are the shopping centres/malls 10 stories high and supermarkets with individually wrapped fruit and then you go outside and are in the 'real world'. 

My friend's NGO was awarded funding for some projects and wanted to celebrate(we know what that is like (TBT/TBL don't we?!) so we went to the British club for a drink, if there is one thing that hasn't changed much in 30 years its that and I can leave it behind.   It is just like home waiting to see if you will be funded and able to start/continue a programme and to think of the trillion they now say we may lose, from the EU reserves, because of the abuse of power by greedy, selfish, unthinking, stupid people who are so arrogant and will not listen to anyone but themselves.

Today I had the privilege of visiting one of Concern's Street Dwellers programmes, I have to say I was sceptical as the work has shifted and of course it wouldn't be as good as when I was here last!!!!  Well it was inspiring and what made it so much more so was  the fact that it is a partnership arrangement, 5 partners and Concern co-ordinates it, all partners are from Bangladesh.  The mutual respect between all parties was in evidence and the benficiaries mainly women and children sleeping on the streets were open in their appreciation of some of the safety and health aspects the programme has brought to their lives.  The children wwere mostly in a daycare/playschool setting with 7 of them attending national school.  Having been party to variations on this type of programme I can definitely say this work is wonderful and working it is not handouts, so donate to Concern when next you put your hand in your pocket! I returned to the office where I am since and spoke to all relevant people involved and let them know my views and areas that they could develop and this was at the request of one of the partners and indeed the women themselves so still networking!  Thats enough for now as my chariot awaits!  Allah Hafez!

From there to here

Well after a chaotic couple of weeks prior to departure I am at in my element with the smells and hustle and bustle of Dhaka.  Staying with my friend Lovely I haven't had time to think about anything other than presenting myselgf for the next invitation!  If you saw the traffic in Dhaka and how everyone finds their space to drive in you would understand me.....this is where I learned to drive!  Spent today with Jean's friend and partner and visited the leather factory and found our old friend Hashem who I hope to meet tomorrow. Got to go thanksgiving dinner waiting, how did he election go?!

evanna80days: countdown has begun!

evanna80days: countdown has begun!: "I am finally getting excited will be in Bangladesh this day next week and the 30th anniversary of meeting Jean, I would think an emotional t..."

countdown has begun!

I am finally getting excited will be in Bangladesh this day next week and the 30th anniversary of meeting Jean, I would think an emotional trip down memory lane but with loads of happy memories!