Howdy all! Hope this post finds you well! Today a little bit of a different angle on the ‘Through My Lens’ concept. This time I am taking you back to 2002, but not so much to a place you can think of as a ‘destination’.
In 2002 I went with a university group to Bangladesh and we visited Dhaka, the capital, the sort of north-west of the country in Rashahi, where we stayed at a disabled children’s home, and we also went south to Bhola Island, arriving by overnight ferry to a place which gets flooded regularly, a place which was described to us as one of the poorest parts of Bangladesh. We met those working in NGOs and in development and those receiving help, and we visited a few schools and met the kids, singing songs and the like.
Today’s photos is of that experience. I’ve included a few pics of myself as well which obviously were taken bu others in the group. The one time in my life I shaved my head! The families there were so generous, and I should add that whilst a number of children appear in the photos, it has been eighteen years since I was there plus and they are adults today.
Arriving to the island in the morning after overnighting from Dhaka. The ferry would get bumped in the night by other ferries sharing the waterways as they jostled for position. Arrival and it was a makeshift looking gang way we had to walk over. The ‘port’ was very busy with people.
The schools and kids we met were a real highlight. We sang them songs, they sang us songs.
I was so much thinner back then! Can’t believe it’s me (in the white T-shirt).
Leaving was hard to do, and involved another ferry. Watching the guys load the ferry too we were amazed at how it was done on such narrow and dodgy planks of wood!
Thanks all for stopping by today. You may never thing to visit Bhola Island, there are no attractions there, but there are good people, and I’ll always remember my short stay on the island. May the Journey Never End!
Andy's World Journeys 
The Bhola island looks good! In Hindi, ‘bhola’ means ‘innocent’. I wonder if anyone is innocent at the island…?
i think many people on the island are! thanks for commenting Renuka!
Bangladesh doesn’t often get talked about in the travel sphere, but from what I’ve heard, it’s nothing but beautiful! Your photos confirm the country’s beauty, and it’d be quite the enriching experience should I visit someday. I appreciate you sharing your past travels with us!
thanks Rebecca. when I have no current travels, the past is the only place to go!
I admire you for visiting a country that doesn’t seem especially attractive at first, it takes curiosity.
thanks! I think every country out there offers something if youre looking for it. the people are amazing in Bangldesh. But then despite the economics of the place, parts are also quite beautiful too
An interesting visit, for sure. I wonder if this was more part of a working project. I’m sure the kids had an unique experience as well.
it was a university subject and we went to a number of NGOs and stuff during 3 weeks there. special and unique place. thanks Christie!
Such a great opportunity for you!
It was indeed !
What an awesome experience that must have been. Are you tempted to go back? I only know one other person who travelled in Bangladesh (and had an extraordinary experience, especially with respect to the people he met).
ive been to bangladesh since then. and perhaps one day will go back but to Bhola Island probably not i dont have any contacts there these days. thanks for popping by!