Yo! A huge "dhonnobad" to my bangladeshi friends, my bangla-family, my students, my colleagues, and to all mamas, uncles, bhais and aunties I've met, for making my stay in Bangladesh absolutely unforgettable! Now that I am leaving the country, it feels like I've only been here for a few seconds... Yet, whenever I think about the countless memories and experiences I've gathered, it feels as if I've been here for decades... You are to thank for that!
Bangladesh is definitely one of the craziest countries I've ever been too. Extreme poverty and wealth exists side by side, and so does honesty and corruption, and pollution and fresh air.. Moreover, it didn't take me long before I started calling Bangladesh a 'rainbow-country' - Because there are all kinds of people here, who cover the entire color palette: Every day I've met people with opportunities, people without any, people who value traditions and norms a lot, people who don't give a shit about them, people who fight for change, and people who think it's a lost call, people with a solid education, and people who have never opened a book. I've crossed paths with men who view women as equals, men who view them as obejcts, women who dream about getting married, starting a family and spending time in the house, and women who dream about landing the top positions, starting their own businesses, and travelling the world. Despite the many differences, there is something that all these people share, and that is being super friendly and hospitable, and eager to make you like their country. And guess what - they succeeded!
It's been great drinking tea at least 10 times a day, and I have enjoyed all the in depth conversations I've had with inspiring souls. I think it's cute that almost no one knows how to swim in this country (even though the worlds' longest beach is here), and I love the fact that you somehow manage to fit barber shops into the tiniest spaces. I'll miss tasting fruits and veggies that I didn't even know existed, and it's been awesome eating all meals with my hands. Keep on loving the rain, and keep on eating rice 3 times a day, at super random times! In my opinion taking a rickshaw is the coolest way to get around town, and I think it's fun that people here will proudly show you a can of condensed milk when they hear you are Danish. -Not to mention their eagerness to tell you about the "Meena cartoon" if your name happens to be Minna. I have enjoyed watching the sight of men with orange hair and beard, and the clotheslines with so much colorful clothes hanging from every balcony. And believe it or not: Part of me will be devasted next time I turn on the tv, and I realise that I won't be able to watch yet another bad episode of 'Sultan Soleiman'.
Finally, I want to say, that I'm well aware of the problems that there are in this country. Extreme poverty, overpopulation, corruption, waste, and inequality, are just some of the issues that are yet to be dealt with. But I have been happy to see how many strong souls, progressive thoughts and awesome initiatives there are wherever you look. And I believe that if you keep this up, change is gonna come. Step by step. And I'll be back before you know it, to do whatever I can to reach that goal with you.
This was supposed to be a short post, but Bangladesh has found a place very close to my heart, and deserves so much more than just a few words. So again, thank you all for such an incredible time, that will stay with me forever. Lots of love from me to all of you