Sorry for the lack of posting lately. I have been on my one and only holiday in Bangladesh. Google the "Bangladesh Sundarbans" to see where I've been.
I signed up for a boat tour with The Guide Tours. This was a necessity, as this protected area is only accessible by boat, and only recognized tour companies with a permit are able to anchor over night in the Sundarbans. Otherwise, your tour begins and ends at the forest station. The Guide Tours boat is reminiscent to a Mississippi river boat. It's beautiful. Our tiny cabins had two cot sized bunk beds with a window to the outside and one to the central alley. On the top floor is seating for viewing, the dining room and the captain.
We slowly made our way from Dhaka down the incomprehensible maze of river pathways out to the forest station. This took two days in itself. The journey was fantastic though. I did not find myself asking, "Are we there yet? Are we there yet?" The first full day we trolled along looking at little fishing boats, riverside villages, a swimming cow and her calf. The locals waved at us as we went by, wishing us Asalaam Walekum. We waved back and took uncountable numbers of photos. That evening Fazul and his family, his brother's family and his sister's family (13 in all) hauled up mattresses to the prow and we all layed down under the stars. It's amazing how quickly you get to know people when in close quaters.
The following morning we got up early to watch the spectacular sunrise followed by a second day of travel to the Sundarbans. In the late afternoon we arrived at the Coast of Bengal and anchored. We were greeted immediately by monkeys and spotted deer on shore. I had read it was unlikely to see wildlife if entering the Sundarbans on a large boat (and we had 7 screaming children under the age of 7) so it was quite a surprise to see so much so soon.
We took an evening boat ride through the narrow channels followed by more excellent cuisine. Ana, one of the guests, bought fish from some local boats earlier in the day, and made us two delicious meals with her purchases. The prawns were bigger than I thought possible. They look like small lobsters. You only eat a half a prawn at a time as they are cut lengthwise! In a country of tiny things (a quote from my supervisor) the prawns are monstrous.
Due to the looming deadline of my presentation, I have to go. I will complete this post next day. But stay tuned, the best is yet to come (da da dum).
Lindsay
Sounds wonderful, Besides meals provided on the cruise it sounds like you were able to prepare some of your own meals. Such as the lady who bought and prepared the fish.
ReplyDeleteIt must be nice to get out of the city and see the country and get to know some new friends. We are looking forward to part two.
Love Mom and Dad