Dhaka... again.

So far, exploring the city and understanding the lives of the Bangladeshi people has been an incredibly humbling experience. One can read about the country and its inhabitants in books, but once you really live among this reality, it truly begins to set in. The fresh perspective Bangladesh has given me, is amazing. The sights and sounds will ring in my ears for years to come. I don't really know what to say anymore. Grameen has also had a positive effect on my time here. I'm learning the impact the Grameen Bank has among the poorest of the poor. It's all so wonderful. I'm at a loss for words. I wish I could articulate more, but these experiences will ferment with time into something that will last me for the rest of my life.

So to keep it brief let me recap some short anecdotes.

1. ALWAYS travel with VISA and not Mastercard. I went through Hell trying to withdraw funds from ATMs.
2. Break the ice with the locals and you gain their trust and possibly their respect. We played a simple hand-game with some children and they loved it.
3. Keep in touch with family.
4. Store loose currency in safe places.
5. I'm running out of clean pants. I only brought two and shorts are forbidden in the Bank.


This Sunday, the interns are going on a 5-day excursion to a village branch. This will give me a real look at how Grameen affects the lives of its borrowers. I am excited, but also quite nervous. I don't know what to expect. It's all been such an adventure.

Sorry for the brief post, but I'm finding it difficult to select the best words. After the overnight trip, I will write in full detail about the experience.
Also mother, you need not worry, I am in good health and in good spirits.

Love,

Louis