First Impressions Without Pictures

After 35 hours of driving, checking luggage, waiting, flying and watching movies we arrive in Dhaka at 6:30 am. The first experience that we were moving to a different world was our arrival in Doha, Qatar. We walked off the plane and onto the runway, haven't done that in a long time. It was 7:45 pm and unbelievably hot! we took a bus to the terminal, went through security, got back on a bus and went back out the runway... again. The first class passengers were shuttled in brand new BMW 5 series and all the busses and tugs and baggage carts are new but we still had to walk the runway. Seems like a typical dichotomy here.

The administrators where at customs to help us through immigration. Which took a while but there were 38 new hires so we just talked and got to know our new colleagues. Lola ran around with the other kids and generally working herself towards a meltdown. They only lost one of our bags but of course it was the one with Jessica's coffee maker... so hopefully that will be found SOON.

We were taken to our new home where our house staff was there to greet us (never thought I would say that)! John and Lota have proven to be extremely sweet and gracious.

Our home is surprisingly luxurious. Entirely floored in travertine or limestone and large, very large. Amazing doors and woodwork. I'm working on our home internet situation and then I can add pictures to my words.

But just as the tour books and the recent National Geographic article say, the real jewel of Bangladesh is the people. Everyone is overly helpful and genuinely kind and that atmosphere has permeated the school. This is a warm place and everyone is so friendly. We are relieved that many of our reservations have evaporated and have had glimpses of how amazing the next year will be.

Ten days and counting... down!

Today makes ten days until we fly out... So many things to do! So many people to see! Please forgive us if we cannot make it to some of you. I also just wanted to say that I have no way of posting pictures until I get a computer in Dhaka. I know, such hard work to actually read and not just skim pics like some other social media I know.

We have been trying to take advantage of all the little things that we will miss in our new life. Walked to the Sunday in the park last night and enjoyed a couple of good bands and some good socializing... In shorts! Then we walked two blocks to the mini mart and got a couple of pints of ice cream. Have been eating out a lot, spending time in our yard, and riding my mountain bike... On mountains! Visited Lassen national park to hike and ride around. I have been in California for the majority of my life and have never been to Lassen. How does this happen?

Today's lesson: do what you can while you can! I know it sounds like such a motivational speech. We all get so caught up in our lives that when we have some free time, we usually are content to sit at home instead of getting out there and doing. And if you do you will be living in a van, down by the river! Which always sounded pretty nice to me... Provided it was a Westy, Sprinter or Sportsmobile! To start it off today I ran Lowgap Park. Think trails through hilly oak woodlands next to a seasonal creek. It took 40 minutes to get my nature fix for the day. Puts a different twist on the day. It would put a bounce in my step but since my calfs are sore it is more like a hitch in my giddy up... But a permagrin will have to do. T minus ten...

It's for real!

The movers came today... Such a simple thing just changed my life. I have moved myself countless times, moved my family, helped friends move but I have never been moved before! I just sat around today in case they needed anything or had any questions... They didn't. Six hours later our house is empty. No heavy lifting, no trips to the truck, no backing down stairs... Weird. Now I'm wondering from room to room and it hit me. We are actually moving to Bangladesh! (or more accurately some guys just moved us to Bangladesh) but my point is that it is finally happening, we have been talking about it for so long it just seemed so far off.

The next thing I realize is that all our stuff is gone. I don't even know where it is right now! And so my first lesson is learned; it is an amazing feeling to not have to move when you move. I feel like some one just let me in on a secret to life. About half way through the packing process I walked throughout the house (I could not just sit idley by). Everything was boxed. The had made chair shaped boxes and cargo bike shaped boxes. Realization number two hit me; these guys are doing a way better job than I would have!

I feel like I just won the lotto or something. It seems like such a luxury to have someone move you. This is a moment when I feel like we must be on the right path. Phase one, move material goods to Dhaka. Check. And now we will live out of suitcases for a month!