Some censuring Readers will scornfully say, why hath this Lady writ her own life? Since none cares to know whose daughter she was or whose wife she is, or how she was bred, or what fortunes she had, or how she lived, or what humor or disposition she was of? I answer that is true, that 'tis to no purpose to the Readers, but it is to the Authoress, because I write it for my own sake, not theirs. ~Margaret Cavendish in 1655

Sunday, July 31, 2005

where in the world?


Aloha friends and family. I've been not busy at work or play, so not alot to report on as of late. For those concerned, I'm not near the flooding in South Asia. Its happening in Mumbai (Bombay) and that's around 1,000 KM away from me the other side of India. As you can see, I'm neighbors with Myanmar (Burma), Bhutan and Nepal and surrounded almost completely by India. To the north of Bangladesh is the Indian states of Assam and Darjeeling, where the most expensive tea in the world is grown. Bangladesh also grows a medium grade tea in Sylhet, but it's not at a high enough altitude to grow the really good stuff. However, Rajshahi (where I was posted as a PCV) grows some of the best mangoes in the world. That also goes across the border into India and the Malta Mango.
Well, folks, that's your geography lesson for today. Hope this clears up where in the world I am. And for the pre-'71 grads, Bangladesh was East Pakistan from '48-'71 and India's state of East Bengal pre-'48. That is why Kolkutta (Calcutta) is in the state of West Bengal and it has no East counterpart. Confusing? You bet. But if you're in the neighborhood, just swing on by! Houseguests are considered a gift from Allah in Muslim households, so that means you always can get a snack and tea at least 85% of the time here. Thank goodness for that or I would have starved in Rajshahi!!!

Sunday, July 24, 2005

birthday girl

Yeah for me. I'm officially 28 and it was a good birthday. After work, I met up with Roommie Carrie and New Roommie Aliza and went to the American Club for dinner. We met up TronBhai and his Bo Miranda and Walzak. Yep, you guessed it... former PC meeting for a drink at the pub. Carrie brought a chocolate cake and my cake was aflame with all 28 candles! My Honey Rana couldn't be here for the day, but that couldn't be helped, so it wasn't perfect. Otherwise, it was a good day. The folks even called from America on my mobile, so I got a parental blessing on the day, to boot.

wedding sari picture


So this is the promised sari picture, courtesy of Roomie Carrie. As you can tell, it is heavy gorgeous and just plain HEAVY!!! The sucker must of weighed 20 pounds. I needed help to get into a standing position. Somehow, I just don't think this 63, 000 taka (1,000 USD) sari will be bought by me anytime in the future. But it's fun to look! I still need to go to Mirpur 11 and look at the wide variety of wedding sari shops that the neighborhood is renown for. I'll keep you all in the loop when that happens. Have fun! ~Laura

Wednesday, July 20, 2005

pearls

Harry has been read. I won't ruin the end for others, but it is a sadder ending than I anticipated. It was a very tall book, but a quick read. That's the bonus of reading a kids book. However, onward... Roomie Carrie and I are going pearl shopping for Cousin Danielle this evening. Cousin Danielle is getting married Sept. 2006, but she likes planning ahead. So, we're off to buy 14 sets of necklace/earring sets. I just hope that she likes them all. Fingers crossed. Luckily for me, pearls are cheap here and are a continuous fav at home. yeah for me! If there are any 'orders' for pearls from family and friends, just email me and for a small, nominal fee, a lovely set of pearls can be yours.

Sunday, July 17, 2005

my inner child is at the bookstore...

Aloha All! Life is very calm as of late and I'm enjoying the leisure time to pursue reading. I'm darn happy that the newest Harry Potter came out and to celebrate, I bought a copy yesterday (I let the kids have the first day) and have knocked down a few chapters already. The only glitch is that I'm having a hard time remembering the last book in detail. It's hard getting older - the memory isn't the same. My mom recently told me, "Laura, don't grow old. It's a b*tch.". Shock me to no end to hear that flying out of her mouth, but I'm sure she meant it in the best possible way.... :D So, if you don't hear from me in the near future, please know it's not from lack of love, but I've got a few hundred pages to go and so little time...

Sunday, July 10, 2005

wedding sari shopping

Wedding sari shopping is really a different experience! As normal, I looked at a bajillion saris and didn't pick one. However, not like normal, I about had a canary when I heard the price. Between 60 to 63 THOUSAND taka for 1 sari. In US dollars, that's about a thousand bucks. While some would consider that a bargain price for a heavily beaded sari with satin petticoat and a large dupatta (scarf-like thing), I think that I will keep looking. My roommate Carrie went along with me on this adventure. I'll try to get a photo of me in this get-up. It took two guys to rig it and the one guy 'stylized' me. He had me looking down, like a shy, sweet, young 'Deshi bride. Too bad that isn't going to happen in real life!

Sunday, July 03, 2005

Happy 4th of July!

Happy 4th of July! While it's not quite the same being abroad during national holidays, I still enjoy thinking back to when I was younger and being on a boat out on the water during the fireworks. You don't know where to look ~ in the sky or the reflection on the water. Enjoy the holiday fully and take care getting home. ~Laura

Saturday, July 02, 2005

The rainy season is here!

Yeah! I am so happy that the monsoon has burst into action and there is rain and more rain in the foreseeable future! Yes, I had to wade through water this morning to get to a CNG on my way to work, but it's cool out! Yeah!!!! It great weather to stay in bed and read fluffer novels. Or even, non-fluffers. Just to lay about and read. Also, all of the 'Deshi ladies are cooking kitchori, which is my favorite! It's rice and dhal cooked together with spices and tons of tumeric, so your hand is yellow after eating. With a nice hard-boiled egg that's been fried in coconut milk, is really the best. Yummmm! Just make sure that everything is aired out and if it's cotton, then send it to the ironing shop to be pressed. Enjoy this late start to the monsoon. ~Laura