Dark streets and a few random photos.
Unfortunately, our trip to Bangladesh ended on a bit of a sour note. Our only option to get back to Chittagong in time for our flight was a night bus. Our guidebook suggested avoiding night travel if possible, but we really didn’t have a choice. Our driver was fearless as he talked on the phone while navigating through dense fog, potholes, speed bumps, stray animals, and other fearless drivers. It was a bumpy ride. Four hours later we arrived at the deserted bus depot at one in the morning. The baby taxis that started to swarm around us were driven by men with “crazy eyes.” I kid you not. We elected to ride with the least crazy looking driver and headed over to our original hotel. I suppose if we had planned ahead we wouldn’t have been met with a closed gate and a sleeping security guard. Despite knowing there was no way possible the hotel was full, we were turned away. “No rooms.” BS.
Hmm… I don’t know if I need to explain, but the streets of Chittagong don’t exactly exude a friendly feel. One of the many men sitting on stools in the middle of the night offered to walk us over to a nearby hotel. We were a bit skeptical but grateful for his help. This hotel was also locked up but he rang for an employee and explained that we were two “foreigners” needing a room. The hotel immediately wanted to know where our husbands were so I quickly explained that our husbands were working in Dhaka (the capital). Molly added that they had to work but we had a holiday. We are wonderful actresses when given a chance. Unfortunately, two foreign women wanting a hotel room in the middle of the night was just too perplexing. We were turned away again.
At this point it was about 1:30am and neither of us were thrilled. We found another hotel in the guidebook that was just a few blocks away. Our kind friend offered to walk us there too. Well, by this time we had made a few “friends.” And by friends I mean, men who were following us down the street in the middle of the night in Chittagong. Not such a comfy feeling. Good thing I had Molly who will masterfully go Momma Bear when need be. I believe her exact words were, “Please stop! You are too close!” and you know there was a hand motion. She was successful in at least getting this particular follower to walk beside us inside of directly behind. It’s infinitely more comfortable to be followed from the side than the back. (You know, if you have to be followed.)
Finally, we arrived at the third hotel of the night. The staff wasn’t exactly friendly but we were allowed to check in (even though the rate was higher than typical). At last we made it to a hotel room only now we had a new problem. The bellboy would not leave. I suppose our hints (like saying “Ok, thank you.” and tipping) just weren’t direct enough. After a few awkward facial expressions to each other, we managed to get him out. We settled into our rock hard beds very eager for sleep.
xo, jill
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