New Market

Though construction was not completed until 1954, Dhaka still refers to this behemoth market as "New Market". Last week, my friend Corinna and I decided to venture to check it out. It did not disappoint. I really have yet to see a market in Dhaka which does not enthrall me. Everything here always feels so exotic, and the activity always keeps your attention.

We journeyed through slow traffic for about an hour to get there, all the while yapping and peering out the windows. Every stopped traffic light, as always, was accompanied by the familiar tap and "Madam" on the window, as the poor hoped for taka to be handed through the window.

 (above) how the street can change in seconds

 (below) street life is so hard- a little girl clothes less as ladies pick each others' hair

 The market is so hectic and vibrant. We asked a silk shop owner where to buy silver, and he led us through the aisles and across an outside section to show us. He told us what items should cost, as we walked by shoes, pashmina scarves, jewelry, kitchenwares and more. Just to "practice his English", he joined us for most of the day, saving us at every stall we stopped by. We enjoyed his company and the knowledge he brought. On numerous instances, he told us just to walk away, that the cost was too high.

Neither of us was out with a mission to purchase anything in particular. We just enjoyed the morning and the array of sights before us. I definitely hope to visit again soon and stroll along the 10,000 stalls we did not get to in our first outing. Dhaka... one can never call it boring.

Animals Available

Last week, my friend Corinna and I went to New Market (post to follow). Just before arriving at New Market, we passed Elephant Road and all of its pet shops. The area begins with beautiful flowers for sale and quickly turns into rows and rows of fish, birds, cats and supplies. Of course, we stopped for a look see. Corinna is a bird conniseur, while I fancy myself a die hard fish fanatic. So for both, it was bliss.

Hard to believe neither of us walked away with an addition to each family. I do plan to set up our 26 gallon tank, which we brought in our HHE shipment. The above rams (bottom left photo) will be one of the first inhabitants to said tank once it's up and running. It's hardly a completed home for us without a fish tank humming inside.

We both enjoyed how our driver edged up another car length or two as we meandered down the street.
Not sure if he was just extra attentive that day or ready for a fast getaway, as Corinna and I drew more attention than most of the pets. It's not every day the locals see two fanatical caucasian pet ladies, especially one toting a small baby in a pouch. As usual, we are a spectacle where ever we go.

Happy New Year!

Thank you 2011 for a wonderful year!!

Wishing you all a Happy New Year and Wonderful 2012!!!

Krishnachura Trees

There are several trees here in Bangladesh that are familiar to me now. But there are 3 that I am positive of on site- mango, jackfruit and krishnachura. And though the fruit/flowers of each are a dead giveaway, I recognize them all now also by foliage and even the bark of the jackfruit tree.

 (above, l/r): jackfruit and mango in Dhaka, (below, both): krishnachura in Dhaka

The krishnachura (pronounced in Bangladesh as keesh-na-sura), delonix regia, is a very beautiful plant. The leaves are dainty, like a locust or mesquite tree, if you're familiar with them. And though I'm a sucker for beautiful foliage, what girl isn't right?, the show they put on during blooming season will knock your socks off.

folliage pic from Wikipedia

The flowers are a vibrant red with orange/yellow stamens. One can see where it gets its common name of Flame or Flamboyant tree. The seed pod that follows the flowers is equally as impressive, growing to lengths of 60 cm long and 5 cm wide, dark brown in color hanging from the branches.

Flamboyant tree, St. Kitts 2002

We saw our first Flamboyant tree in St. Kitts, over 10 years ago and have noticed them in countries since then. It is a tropical tree, so can be seen in many countries now, Guatemala, here, Madagascar, India, to name a few. We have friends heading to Madagascar next year and am sure they will see these beauties along with baobabs and many other amazing species... jealous :)

I learned the name krishnachura from our driver. And I'm sure he's tired of me pointing and saying it daily when we pass them. My Bangla vocabulary is not huge, but repetition is proving productive, adding a few words here and there. The handy men and guards laugh at my repitoire of : "shesh"/done, "donhobad"/thank you, "tik tiki"/gecko, "tikasay"/ok, etc. Let me tell you, I am no where near conversational Bangla, but enough to make locals smile (or just laugh at how simple minded I sound).

Anyway, if you ever get a glimpse, these trees are amazing!