Microwave incident

The other day Linda was heating her lunch in the microwave owen at the office. After two minutes on full effect she opened the door to get her tempting food, hungry after half a days hard work with this years big funding application due in a couple of weeks.

To Lindas surprise a little fellow, ms or mr (not fully clear)coachroach walked out from the microwave. (Only to be struck hard to death by a shoe, but that was just a mistake. Right, Linda?) Surviving two minutes hard core microwaving, not bad at all. The Swallows office continues to be impressed by the astonishing survival skills of Bangladeshi little creatures.

My man this morning

Days in Bangladesh never really turn out as you would expect. Planning is more difficult than in Sweden, due to all kinds of circumstances beyond control. This morning the monsun humidity made my kitchen door impossible to open. The dear cat was locked in the kitchen screaming to get out to watch the morning news in my company, and I was almost screaming to get inside the kitchen for my morning coffee. With no help early in the morning to open my door I decided to take a CNG (see above) to the office and start working early, having my coffe at the office. A CNG usually costs about 50 taka (5sek) and takes before rush hour maybe 20 minutes to the office. This morning I was on my way early and traffic was still not too bad. But instead of going directly to the office the driver decided that he (1) needed to have his morning tea halfway (being culturally sensitive I just politely waited for him. Bengalis probably need their morning tea the same way I need my morning coffee, I was thinking.) Then after three more minutes on the way to the office the driver (2) needed to fill upp gas in the CNG. This took us on a detour and the whole event lasted maybe 20 minutes. And the metre was ticking away. Finally we continued. All of the sudden the driver stops again. This time to (3) buy some bananas. Ok, the man needs his breakfast. After about one hour on the road we reached the office and the rate of the trip showed 80 taka. Hm, paying extra for the delay? Well, my bangla is not good enough to argue and I just desperately needed that coffee as soon as possible.

Some Bangla logic learned this morning. Think you are on your way early to the office, end up coming almost later than usually and paying some extra money!

All along though the spirit of my rickshaw wallah was on top of the world and seldom I smile this much a normal morning in Sweden. People everywhere going about their business and the bustle of a South Asian city in the morning is on the top list of things I love in this world.

Enough of morning reflections, back to work. I am late now, I guess...

Ant invasion

July is obviously the month of joy for the surprisingly big ant community in Bangladesh. Every day at the office the small, lovely inhabitants of our office are present just about everywhere. All over the desk, the computer and the sink. After a few minutes at your desk they have decided that the person sitting there also is a suitable host and they honour you with their presence walking up and down your arms and legs.

According to one of our colleagues ants are good for many reasons, among them to predict the weather. When Bangladeshi ants decide to hide under your bed there will be lots of rain. We are in the middle of the monsun here and I am a bit careful with looking under my bed since I then should expect to find a huge amount of little fellows.

Maybe anyone can investigate if this ant behaviour is exclusive for Banlga-ants? There is so much to learn in this world.

Take care!

Former PM Hasina detained!

Yesterday morning former PM Sheik Hasina was arrested on charges of corruption and murder. Dhaka university is on strike and there is growing tension in Dhaka and the country. Soon the opposition leader Khaledia might also be behind bars. No one seems to know who is pulling the strings.

More updates to come.