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.