Mahmud from Sweet Bangladesh

Day trip to Maoa

2010-12-26T21:47:00.000-08:00

Travelers of Bangladesh (TOB) a group in face book. Almost all the members are adventures. They do job 5 days & escape Dhaka Thursday night/Friday morning for any kind of adventure. I joined this group long time ago, but did not get the chance to go any tour with them.

Last week I received a message that TOB arranged a daylong Trip to a Chor (River island) of Padma near Maoa (Maoa is located on the bank of river Padma, 30 Kilometer from Dhaka). I decided to join the trip.

Early in the morning we gathered in Gulistan. Total 21 peron took BRTC bus to Maoa & after 45 minutes we reach maoa. We took breakfast in a local restaurant with plain rice, pumpkin curry, mashed potato & prawn. Then hired a trawler (Engine boat) to go to a river Island.

We started around 10 a.m & after 45 minutes we reached such a Chor. Faysal put up the tents with the help of others. We put our stuffs in the tent. Rabbi started to prepare his kite. He bought this kite from Singapore couple of months ago but could not fly as it needs 15 Kilooersted air to fly.

After some time, Rabbi succeeded to surf his kite. We all tried to surf it but could not as we did not have the practice. Some of us went to visit the other places of the chor. I changed the dress & drive to the Padma for swimming. Some of the members followed me.

In the afternoon we returned to Maoa & did our lunch with fresh Hilsha fry. The shop owner was surprised to see that we ate 78 pieces of Hilsha!

At 7 p.m we started to Dhaka for another buy week.

Thank you Stuart, thank you Lonely Planet.

2010-04-03T04:19:00.001-07:00

I never expended even dreamt that a world renowned Lonely Planet Bangladesh Guide book will publish my name as a Travel helper of Bangladesh. This is true that I have been trying my best to help foreign travelers from every possible corners from my side. Even though, I could not believe when I read the comments on me. Obviously, it is big inspiration for me also an obligation to do my job more attentively.

Observing Pahela Baishakh

2009-04-18T03:28:00.000-07:00

Pahela Baishakh (Baishakh 1 st) is the first day of the Bangla year. Pahela Baishakh is celebrated in a festive manner in both Bangladesh and West Bengal. In Bangladesh Pahela Baishakh is a national holiday. Pahela Baisakh falls on April 14. The main event of the day was to open a halkhata or new book of accounts. This was wholly a financial affair. In villages, towns and cities, traders and businessmen closed their old account books and opened new ones.

New year's festivities are closely linked with rural life in Bengal. Usually on the day everything is scrubbed and cleaned. People bathe early in the morning and dress in fine clothes and then go to visit relatives, friends and neighbours. Special foods are prepared to entertain guests. Baishakhi fairs are arranged in many parts of the country.

Observance of Pahela Baishakh has become popular in the cities. Early in the morning people gather under a big tree or on the bank of a lake to witness the sunrise. Artistes present songs to welcome the new year. People from all walks of life wear traditional Bengali dresses:
Young women wear white sarees with red borders and adorn themselves with bangles, flowers, and Tips (a spot on the forehead). Men wear white pajama (Loose Pant) and Panjabi. Many townspeople, start the day with the traditional breakfast of Panta vat (cooked rice soaked with water), green chillies, onion, and fried Hilsha fish.
Like millions of Bangladeshies, this year we also observed Pahela baishak in a field at Uttara in Dhaka. Early morning we gathers in the field, ate panta vat, fish & many other Bengali dishes. These are some photos of the festival.

Gretchen Beck, 65 Years Young Tourist

2008-11-03T03:51:00.000-08:00

She was 65 years old. But who can guess to see her smiling face & her spirit to travel new places? I am telling about Gretchen Beck who came Dhaka 10 days ago from San Frnsisco. We met earlier on the web through some travel sites (Thorntree, Indiamike). Yesterdy, I received a phone call & she informed that she came Bangladesh & interested to meet me.

Today morning I went to Pacific Hotel lobby. We met, discused an hour about her trip to Bangladesh. I am happy to find that she liked Bangladesh very much. She is leaving tomorrow to India. So, could not make dinner/lunch together. But Gretchen assured me to come Dhaka again.

So, Gretchen hope to see you again in Dhaka.

Guorun' mail, my ignorance

2008-10-14T22:31:00.000-07:00

Couple of days ago, I received an e-mil from Guorun Hulda, journalist of Morgunbldid (Iceland). He informed that he & his editor have been looking for a lady journalist of Bangladesh named Sumi Khan but could not trace. So, they requested for my help to trace Sumi Khan & let them know the contact details of her.

I started my journey. After couple of days, I became an expert on Sumi Khan. I came to know that this lay is famous Journalist & she was attacked by the criminals earlier for her writing (I did not know this matter!).

However, after several days checking, I found that Sumi Khan is working in a Television Channel now (Ekushe Television). I contacted her over phone & told the details. She gave her e-mail I.D & oteher address.

I provided all the details to Halda & hope he is happy now.

Long time, No see!

2008-10-14T22:26:00.000-07:00

Last couple of months I could not write my blog as I was very busy with my IELTS Exam (Actully, I sid not study so much but I had tension about that Exam). Al last I got band core 7.0 which seems O.K for my applying to Australis for immegration.

During these days, I met some more Travellers liker Glen (Australia), Anj (Holland), Khair (U.K) & some others.

The Father & the Son

2008-06-28T22:53:00.001-07:00

Chris Black & Neville Black- the father & the son. They came from Australia & enjoying Bangladesh. Chris, the 62 years old guy was surprise to me with his energy. In his age (If I alive), I am sure that I will not be able to show such energy. Naval, the nice looking guy was also enjoying the Bangladesh travel.

Last Friday, we went to visit Manikgonj to see Bangladesh countryside. On the way, we stopped National Martyrs' Memorial monument in Savar, around 35 Kilometer from Dhaka. It is the symbol of the valour and the sacrifice of those killed in the Bangladesh Liberation war of 1971, which brought the independence of Bangladesh from Pakistani rule.

From Savar we drive around 1 hour to Dhaka-Aricha highway & then turned left. After some time, we reached a local Bazar called : Dhankura, Under Manikgonj district. We stopped there & passed 2 hours through taking tea, buying vegetables (vegetable is cheap here, just one fifth price from Dhaka). We also entered some village houses to see their lifestyle.

After that we started to our journey to further east & through passing narrow road, we reached Baliati to see the Zamindarbari. Baliati Zamindarbari is one of the remarkable examples of the 19th century palaces of Zamindars in Bangladesh. A fascinating set of buildings of their Zamindarbari extended the reputation of the splendour and prosperity of the Saha family throughout undivided Bengal. We also took lunch in the village restaurants (Though Chris & Black took only some snakes & Green coconut).

In the afternoon, we went to Narayangonj to take a boat trip. We hired a boat for 2 hours & traveled through the Balu River. Around 7 p.m, we returned to the hotel.

By the way, last night both of them went to my house & took dinner. Do not know thether they liked Bangladeshi food or not. But I am sure they liked my wife’s hospitality.

Zoltan is coming.

2008-06-14T20:32:00.000-07:00

Sometime some people ask me, you are doing many things for foreign tourists through spending money from your pocket. What is the benefit? I reply : Friends in whole world. Yes, this I the truth. Since last couple of years, I got some friends all over the world. I have friends in Germany, Australia, Switzerland, Austria, Spain, Iceland, USA, U.K, Poland, Mauritius, Holland & many other countries. They always keep in touch with me. I think this is a great achievement for me which I could not attain with the money.

Zoltan (Ulric Johannesen. Zoltan is his nick name in Thorn Tree Form) is coming Bangladesh for 2 nd time. He end of 2006 & we passed nice time. He visited my home village in Barisal. He was so happy to visit Bangladesh that he assured me to come this beautiful country every here. Yesterday, I got an e-mail from him that he finalized his trip to Bangladesh this Nov. This time we will take Rocket Steamer Trip & try to visit Northern Bangladesh.

Zoltan, my friend, I am waiting to welcome you in Dhaka.

Kevin Bluer came yesterday

2008-05-07T03:41:00.000-07:00

Kevin Bluer, the nice & smart guy (Kevin, you should be a Hiro, not IT professional!) reach Dhaka yesterdy. He mailed couple of dys ago & to arrange a 6 day long trip. I Decided to arrange a tour to Rangmti Hill District, Dhaka City, Historic Rocket steamer trip Bagerhat 60 Dome Mosque. He took dinner at my place & started the journey to Rangamati with mahmuz (My brother. He is also a guide).

He will return on Fridy & see Dhaka city.

Ann left last Thursday

2008-05-05T19:29:00.000-07:00

We (I, my wife Ruma & son Tasin) was so sorry while Ann De Wulf left our house to her next destination. Ann was not a Traveler. She came here to do some business in Jute made products though that was very initil stage. She went to some Jute mills & met some jute products suppliers (Jute Bag, Show piece). With his nice smile & kind behaviour, she became a friend of us.

We will never forget her innocent face.

Ann De Wulf is coming

2008-04-22T20:31:00.000-07:00

Ann De Wulf, a Belgium women mailed me couple of months ago about staying at my place. Being my room were free, I agreed with joy to host her. She informed that she is coming for some Jute made items business matter. Probably she will meet ome jute item makers.

I will be present at airport to welcome Ann pn 26th noon.

Good Buy Anupma

2008-04-14T22:23:00.000-07:00

Anupma returned from Rayenda on Sunday afternoon & directly came to my house. We (I & my wife Ruma) was surprised to see her as her clolor was changed to black from pure white. She informed that she had to do hard work last couple of days (Every day 8 hours work under the Sun!).

Today is the Pahela Baishakh (Bengali New Year). Early in the morning we took traditional Panta Vat (Water sank rice which cooked 1 day ago), Hilsha Fry, Dal Bora, Dal Vorta, Chilie & Onion. At 10 a.m, Anupma left our house to take flight to Bangkok.

Good Buy Anu. Hope we will meet again in Bangladesh.

Stuart : At last in Dhaka

2008-04-13T02:52:00.000-07:00

Al last, Stuart Butler managed to ome Bangladesh This time British Airways did not find any reason to cancel his flight. So, Stuart is in Dhaka. Last night, he took dinner at my house. The fact is that we are not so happy to invite foreigner for Lunch/Dinner as their are not eater. We arrange a lot of food for them. In respoonse they eat very small quantity.

Today early morning the car driver came to my house. I went Hotel Victory to introduce him with Sturt. At 9.30 a.m, Stuart started his Northern Bangladesh trip by that car. I returned my work.

Hoping his safe travelling in Bangladesh.

Stuart : the poor guy!

2008-04-06T21:49:00.001-07:00

While I was ready to welcome Stuart at the Zia International Airport, received a SMS in my mobile from Stuart in which he informed that his flight delaying in France so he is not coming on Monday. At once, I conveyed the message to Michael, friend of Stuart who has been waiting Dhaka since last couple of days to meet & start traveling with Stuart. So, he became little frustrated hearing the news.

I have many things to do : Make phone call to the driver about changing tomorrows trip, request Victory hotel to cancel Stuart’s reservation. So, good buy for now.

Paula reached early morning

2008-04-04T20:13:00.000-07:00

April 03,2008

Today very early morning left the bed (5.30 a.m) & took a Baby taxi (Tooktook) to airport to pick up Paula. Around 7.30 am, Paula completed immigration & came out. After some complementary discussion, started journey to the hotel. I booked Hotel Zakaria of Mohakahli, a mid range Hotel near Gulshan area, for 1 night as She is leaving for Rayenda tomorrow afternoon.

My brother Mahfuz will come within an hour to show her Dhaka City

Stuart : Problem with flight.

2008-04-01T19:36:00.000-07:00

Stuart, an Austrlian traveller e-mailed me couple of weeks ago to help him through hiring a car for his 2 weeks norther Bangladesh Trip which supposed to be started from Apr 04,2008. Accordingly I arrange a car @ BDT 2,400/day + Drivers foo & acco.

But today receivd an e-mail from Stuart that all of a sudden his flight cancelled & he is organizing another flight & hopeful to reach by Saturday afternoon & start the journey from Sunday morning.

So, I have re-organize the car schedule.

Paula Ogletree : the young Volunteer

2008-03-31T03:31:00.000-07:00

Paula Ogletree, Communication Director of HODR (A US bases volunteer organization which has been doing aid work since last couple of months at SIDR effected Rayenda area) sent an e-mail couple of days ago & requested for Rocket Tickets to Rayend as well as Hotel booking in Dhaka. She got my e-mail from David Discoll who came couple of weeks ago & I had the opportunity to help him through providing a guide.

Though Paula wanted to take Rocket for Rayenda on Apr 3, but I checked & found that that days there is no Rocket Ticket. So, requested her to take rocket on Apr 4 & use these 2 days to see Dhaka City & Sonargaon. She agreed. Accordingly, I am doing all the arrangements for her.

Waiting for Paula’s safe arrival in Dhaka.

Cha with Lidia

2008-03-30T22:43:00.000-07:00

Mar 29,2008
Early morning I received a phone call from Lidia, a Vietnam Girl who is now a Citizen of USA. She called my from a Hotel near to the airport & informed that she should change the hotel as that Hotel tariff was too high. She requested me to suggest a hotel. I suggested Hotel Ramna which is the bet Hotel for Backpackers. That hotel tariff is only Tk. 300 (USD 4.2).
Lidia also requested m to meet her at Ramna that afternoon.

Accordingly, after finish of my work, I went to Ramna Hotel. Being holiday, the traffic was good. I found her at the lobby & went to the restaurant. She informed that she would stay 1 month & requested for some suggestions. I gave a list of places of interest in Bangladesh. We took Tea & Mughlai Porata & left the Hotel at 7.30 p.m for my home, sweet home.

Couch Surfing gathering

2008-03-30T01:52:00.001-07:00

Again met Sierra at Sajna restaurant, Banani. This time not as a tour operator, as a Couch Surfing member. Sierra earlier informed me that she is the Moderator of CS Group, Shanghai & wanted to meet up with some CS members of Dhaka & have dinner together. She fixed the date Mar 28 (Friday) & place sajna restaurant.

Accordingly, I & some of CS members (Sanjida, Ashrafuzzaman, Akhand & some others) went to Sajna & exchanged our view about Couchuring. Also had dinner together.

At lat I gave some gifts to Sierra & her students (A hand bag for everyone, a Bangladesh flag for Sierra).

See Dhaka city with the girls

2008-03-28T20:54:00.000-07:00

March 27,2008

Early morning went to the Guest house at Banani to pick up up Sierra & her students to see Dhaka city. They all came from American University, Shanghai, China for volunteer works under Habitat, a renowned NGO in Bangladesh. Last couple of days girls took part in the construction of house in some rural areas of Bangladesh. So, were little tired & exited to get some relief.

We started at 8.45 & directly went to Zia Uddayan (Zia Park) which is the Mausoleum of Late President Ziaur Rahman who was killed in 1981. The place is one of the architectural mausoleums of Bangladesh. After taking some photos we went to see National Parliament Building which is one of the nicest architect in Asia. Then we entered the Jute product fare from where girls bough many jute bags, cloths & jewelries.

Our next destination was Inducement War Museum. While we went there, surprisingly found that all staff are ready with flower baskets & whole museum was decorated with flowers. We asked the reason & came to know that an Indian army officer coming to visit this museum who fought against Pakistan during the Independence war of Bangladesh. That was a great moment for us to meet the hero. We took some photos of him. Visiting all the galleries, we went to Tantibazar, the gateway of Old Dhaka. With a big queue, we started to walk through the history. The narrow street, ancient buildings reminded us that this area was build in early of 16 th century. We walked around 1 our & bough some Sea Shell bracelets. From Tantibazar, we went to Sadarghat river station, took many photos, ride on some launches & see the main transportation of southern Bangladesh.

Now the time to have Lunch. We went to famous Bangladeshi restaurant Al Razzauqe & took lunch with Nan Ruti, Vegetable. Sierra tried the famous Kacci Biriany.

Taking the lunch, the girls became tired & requested to skip other places (Star Mosque, Armenian Church, Lalbag Fort, Shahid Miner, Dhaka University. They requested to go to the Zoo to see some animals. So, they went to zoo, pass some time & returned hotel at 5.30 p.m

Call from Sierra local contact

2008-03-25T01:32:00.000-07:00

Earlier I showed my interest to Sierra to show her Dhaka city & surroundings. Yesterday I received a call from her local contact Mr. Prince Sanjoy that he is ready to accept my offer to show his Chinese guest Dhaka City & Sonargaon on 27 th March. So, today I passed a busy day through making the route, arranging guide & other matter. I planned to visit the following places ;

- Zia Uddayan (Zia park)
- National Parliament Building.
- Independent war museum.
- Lalbag Fort.
- Old Dhaka (Hindu Street, Shakhari Bazar)
- Sadarghat (Main River Station)
- Dhaka University Campus
- Armenian Church, Star Mosque.
- Sonargaon (Ancient capital of Bengal)

I hope I will enjoy the Kids surprising eyes while they will visit Old Dhaka, Sadarghat, Lalbag fort & some other areas of Dhaka.

I am eagerly waiting for that day.

E-Mail from Sierra Melcher

2008-03-18T02:42:00.000-07:00

Sierra Melcher, a teacher of China, e-mailed me couple of days ago. She is coming Bangladesh on 23 rd March with her 14 students for volunteer work. He found me in http://www.couchsurfing.com & wants to meet me and some others CS members. I am communicating with other active CS members of Dhaka to have another CS gathering . We had a nice gathering early of this year at Café Mango, Dhanmondi. More than 30 CS members came to that gathering (Don’t be upset with the numbers as in Dhaka the regular internet users are very few). I am hopeful that this time we will get same numbers of CS members.

Now, I am getting ready to welcome the Kids in Dhaka, to exchange views & give them some Gifts (Thinking to give Bangladesh Flag & a desk calendar of my office). Lets see.

Gary Steel : The slow traveler

2008-03-16T20:05:00.000-07:00

Mar 16,2008

After fishing my work, I struggled to go Motijheel (Hotel Pacific) from Gulshan. Rickshaw, Bus, Rickshaw-at lst reached Hotel pacific at 7.30 p.m. In the lobby, a nice old man was waiting for me. He is Gary Steel (Australian), Assistant Professor, University of Maryland University College, South Korea. He e-mailed me couple of weeks ago about his ensuing BD trip & requested for some help. We went to a restaurant, took Nan Ruti, Vegetble & Tea. Talked about his trip. Gary was rushing to leave Dhaka to countryside to escape from the rush. His next destination is Sylhet. I informed him to go Srimongol & gave the eco cottage details. He told me an interesting thing that 2 yaers go his son wanted to come Bangladesh & corresponded with me. Though I could not remember even that made me happy.

After a nice talkng session & inviting him for a dinner at my place when he will return Dhaka from countryside, I left from Hotel Pacific to take bus to return my house at Mirpur where Ruma (My wife) & Tasin (My son) waiting for me.

Call from Gray

2008-03-16T01:57:00.000-07:00

Mar 15, 2008

Very busy day at Work. Afternoon while I was on the way to my house, a guy (Gray of Australia?) called my mobile & informed that he came to visit Bangladesh & wants my help to make his itinerary. He is staying in Pacific Hotel. So, I informed him that I will meet him at Pacific tomorrow afternoon.

Anupma : At last on the way to Rayenda

2008-03-16T01:54:00.000-07:00

Mar 14, 2008

Today is Friday, my weekly holiday. 10 o’clock we went to Dhaka Travel Mart where many Tour operators & Airlines are offering discount prices on travel. Today I decided to help Anupma to go Rayenda. At 3 o’clock we reached Sadarghat by Tooktook & found that no Launch will go to Rayenda. Anupma became little frustrated. I quickly check with Rocket Steamer authority & arranged a Cabin in Rocket. The cabin was very good (2 Set inside a Cabin). Anupma Liked the Rocket & cabin. I left Sadarght before Rocket starts. Good Bye Anupma. See you again.