Just another Weekend In Bangladesh

A producer working with Jute fibers. To the right: Reba, Shingita (an MCC administrator) and I in our sharis, ready for the wedding....

Paper making below. These are super hot metal cannisters used to dry the paper. To the right a couple of the producers I met--one with her baby.

The bride (left) and the Groom (right) share their first look under this long towel. Can you imagine? To the right, the Priests and the groom say prayers and other marriage things.

Bride. looking gorgeous and oh so decorated. She had some attitude, which I found refreshing and fantastic. check out her Mahindi (henna).

This past weekend has been a good one. I first attended a wedding for a Co-worker's daughter in Fenney, a long journey south from Mymensingh. They are Hindu, so it was quite a new experience for me, and so fascinating. The wedding was still going on when we left at midnight! It is more than a "walk down the aisle, get married, run out and have the reception." First we ate a great meal (with vegetarian options, I was lucky this time), looked at the bride and groom who were on separate stages. Chatted amongst ourselves...and waited for the Hindu priests to name the "auspicious hour" when the couple would actually be married. Much ceremony, much decoration and really loud live music with about 4 kinds of drums.

The next day we (about 7 co-workers from Mymensingh) visited a paper project near Fenney. First we stopped for a nice breakfast of tea, pyrota (fried chapati), egg and dhal. Then we all took 2 CNGs (small go-kart/dune buggy/small taxi type transport that is everywhere here) to the project. It was my second trip to such a place, but my first trip was during orientation while I was very jet lagged, so this trip was much richer. I met some of the producers and chatted with them about their work, if they like what they do. They were telling me I should chew "pan"--a leaf with a betel nut inside that you chew sort of like chewing tobacco. I tried it once and don't think I will be trying it again as it made my mouth go numb and made me drool. It makes your teeth all red and they say it's "not good for the teeth" but so many people here really enjoy it, especially after meals.

After we saw the work, we were (of course) invited for tea and snacks. We had oranges, chana chur --kind of like chex mix, mishti, and other good cakes. We stood around and chatted, then were all surprised with a gift of a beautiful red, paper box made right there. The paper is gorgeous. If the srapbookers in North America only knew about this place, they'd be going crazy over it.

We departed by rickshaw, to the bus stand. Loaded up. and headed for Dhaka. About half way through our bus driver stopped for prayer and Bita, being the boldest Bengali woman I know rushed us across the street to use a stranger's toilet. I was very happy. Then we got back and I bought Samosas for everyone..but then I look and the bus is pulling away, honking! Who does this bus driver think he is? Also he thought the bus was actually a jeep and was off roading. I was super happy to get to Dhaka and be off his crazy bus. The busses are always kind of scary, but this one was execptionally scary.

The next day, Friday, we had to get ready for Robin's surprise birthday party. It all went off with almost no glitches and she was truly surprised. It was fun to hang out with people and to chat and be social. I love the sisters at the convent, but sometimes I need more of an outlet than the mission provides.

The weekend was also good because I heard some local live bengali musicians at Probortena. Probortena is an orgainzation that works for Women's rights here in Bangladesh. They have a cafe as well as sell beautiful fabric and clothes. If men want to go there, they must be accompanied by a woman! That is truly revolutionary in this culture. We listened to music, had fushka and drank lassis. Now I am winding down and getting ready to head back to Mymensingh by train, for another week of teaching....