authentic Bangladesh

[banglastuden]

I am a student who has just arrived in Dhaka yesterday from the USA. My goal is improve my Bangla language ability and experience local culture as best as I can.

I am staying currently near Hotel Ornate but I was wondering about visiting somewhere in rural Bangladesh where there are villages and it is extremely poor but populated. I love communities like this because in my experience in other countries these places are rich with culture and authentic experiences representative of the country's history. Plus they usually are monolingual which will force me to struggle to only use Bangla. People speak English here in Dhaka so it's not good for me.

Any thoughts?

Secondly, I'd like to ask are there any cheaper local type accommodations available here. It is 2900 taka where I am now and I think that is pretty expensive for locals, correct? Any thoughts on some good places that are cheaper but very safe as well and hopefully surrounded by locals?

Lastly, where are the most famous places to eat at for the best Bangla food?

PS - I was going to inquire about nightlife but I assume there is none here since this is a Muslim country. Please correct me if I am mistaken though.

[bujhee kom]

Banglastudent,

A super warm welcome to Bangladesh. Hang in there, will write more in detail, shortly...

[banglastuden]

Thank you, bujhee!

I have more to add to the above.

I have constantly been doing research and I found this useful page:
https://www.helpgoabroad.com/blog/th...for-one-month/

So, as I suspected, the 2900 taka that I paid for my first accommodation here is very expensive by local standards. For breakfast, I only had two slices of bread and it was 135 taka. I will look to change where I'm staying immediately.

The article mentions guesthouses and hostels. I walked around just a little bit before I crashed in my room for about 12 hours but I sure don't recall seeing any signs for guesthouse or hostel. What are these two called in Bangla? Please write the name in the Bangla script if you know it (not romanization).

But it also mentions that I can hire a private cook by the hour to cook for me. What a wonderful option to have if I can locate someone trustworthy and who actually is a master chef of Bangla food. How would I go about locating someone or some people to choose from?
(side note: Where I am from in the USA we have a lot of tourists visit and for the youngsters visiting to learn English I always encourage them to get a local girl/boyfriend. That is a sure fire quick path to mastery. I'm not sure if that's an option here since this is a Muslim country but thought I would mention it anyway.)

I'm not sure how I could go about getting a place that has a kitchen though because hotels don't have one and I don't think the guesthouses or hostels would either. Thoughts here?

[Shingara]

So, you are a student and you have gone to Bangladesh for what exactly ?
Tlk 2900 for a room for a night isn't expensive. Pan pacific charge Tk 10,000 and Westin charges even more!

[banglastuden]

More issues:

1. I can't seem to locate a good supermarket around here (Hotel Ornate area) that is well stocked. I went to মীনা বাজার and they're ok but much too small. By supermarket, I'm referring to food only and nothing else but not an outdoor market. Similar to Kroger in the USA if that helps.

2. I'm having a HUGE issue locating an ATM that will accept an American VISA debit card. I'm beginning to think it's not possible here. But I hear the area around the Radisson is a huge foreigner area so I will take an Uber there and try more ATMs. I guess I can check out the biggest mall in Bangladesh while I'm up that way as well.

3. I can't locate a laundromat also. I'm having quite a time navigating this country but I'm trying.

[bujhee kom]

Again, my dear Banglastudent, that is an extremely genuine effort that you made your journey to Bangladesh to study the language, Bengali (Bangla) and also want to go live in the remote parts of BD to be with the common folks of the land. That's a great way to study a culture and study the language of it's people.

For maid and cooking/cleaning help: I advise you to look out for iDumb/Orpheus' 'Kajer Bua' full service Inc. (it only exists right here in banglacricket.com). Actually, you won't have to go look for this company, do not worry, the company CEO will FIND you.

And do practice caution as you would do anywhere in the world and stay safe. I will write more shortly.

[Zeeshan]

Originally Posted by banglastuden
More issues:

1. I can't seem to locate a good supermarket around here (Hotel Ornate area) that is well stocked. I went to মীনা বাজার and they're ok but much too small. By supermarket, I'm referring to food only and nothing else but not an outdoor market. Similar to Kroger in the USA if that helps.

2. I'm having a HUGE issue locating an ATM that will accept an American VISA debit card. I'm beginning to think it's not possible here. But I hear the area around the Radisson is a huge foreigner area so I will take an Uber there and try more ATMs. I guess I can check out the biggest mall in Bangladesh while I'm up that way as well.

3. I can't locate a laundromat also. I'm having quite a time navigating this country but I'm trying.

This post (or even this thread) should help

http://banglacricket.com/alochona/sh...4&postcount=33

[bujhee kom]

Thank you Dosto (friend) Zeeshan. That was a good link of a good helpful post by Rabz.
I am also looking for a thread, I believe by Dr. Z on the local knowledge about BD.

[bujhee kom]

"Traveling to Bangladesh after many years: Words of Advice?"
http://www.banglacricket.com/alochon...ful+Bangladesh

"travel to dhaka and safety"
http://www.banglacricket.com/alochon...ad.php?t=35606

"Read This First: Useful Threads"
http://www.banglacricket.com/alochon...ad.php?t=39977

"List of historical people who travelled to Bangladesh?"
http://www.banglacricket.com/alochon...ric+bangladesh

"Things to do in Bangladesh, Dhaka in particular"
http://www.banglacricket.com/alochon...historic+Dhaka

"Omor Ekushey February: February 21st - My Language, My Pride"
http://www.banglacricket.com/alochon...historic+Dhaka

"Bargains from Bangladesh"
http://www.banglacricket.com/alochon...historic+Dhaka

[bujhee kom]

"History of Bangla, then Bangladesh"
http://www.banglacricket.com/alochon...t=19th+century

"Bengali cooking "
http://www.banglacricket.com/alochon...t=food+cuisine

"A million interesting things to do in Bangladesh!"
http://www.banglacricket.com/alochon...light=historic

[bujhee kom]

This is the best of the best threads on historic buildings and architectural etching, drawings and paintings of Dhaka (Dacca) mostly from the 19th century. Great images - must see!
http://www.banglacricket.com/alochon...=dhaka+century
Thanks to Navarene bhaiya (brother)!
No, Forget IT! All the links are broken or gone!! I guess when BC server crushed....Daamn!
Dear Nasif bhaiya, is this repairable? Can this be fixed? Thank you very kindly.

Here is a linbk to another site with similar etchings of old Dacca (Dhaka)
http://dhakadailyphoto.blogspot.com/...haka-city.html
Courtesy: dhakadailyphoto.blogspot.com

Here is another site, similar great old historic photographs of people and architecture of Bangladesh.
http://rajuport.typepad.com/blog/201...angladesh.html
Courtesy of Raju Bhaiya (brother) rajuport.typepad.com


Bangladesh important/historic/contemporary architecture
A fantastic thread from forum Skyscraperpage.com - Full of great posts and photographs, must see.

http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=134026
Courtesy: Skyscraperpage.com

"Short History of Architecture in Bangladesh"
By Dr. Muzammet Mridha
http://baa-arch.org/architecture-in-bangladesh/
Courtesy: BAA - Bangladeshi Architects in Australia

[bujhee kom]

Culture of Bangladesh - history, people, clothing, tradition
http://www.everyculture.com/A-Bo/Bangladesh.html

[banglastuden]

Thank you all for the links. Some remarks:

- I never knew the Bengali women would go heads up with the police at times. Very strong women indeed!
- One poster mentioned Dhaka being amazing to walk around late at night. Perhaps he is referring to Gulshan because it is dead here after maybe 2200.

On another note and returning to a few of my earlier inquiries though, I finally found an ATM that worked. HSBC can handle foreign cards in case there are others who find themselves in a similar predicament.

1. I'm still not seeing any guesthouses or hostels, are the words অতিথিশালা and যে ভবনে the correct words I should be looking for?

2. For the rural area I should visit, I'm still not sure yet. But the culture link posted did help me to eliminate the north and southeastern parts of Bangladesh as those areas are inhabited by locals that do not welcome outsiders no matter if they are locals or foreigners. Great link to enlighten me. Maybe I could head west or just slightly outside the city center although I'm not sure if what distance would be far enough to where the city would turn into village life...?

3. There was a food thread in there as well but it is about four years old. I'm not sure if it matters though if I can just figure out some sort of accommodation that is cheap and comes with a kitchen. And thank you for the member reference for a cook but are there well-known businesses I can look into as well?

I'm still not sure about a supermarket or where the laundromats are.

Thank you

[NoName]

As per your laundry dilemma
https://www.google.ca/?gfe_rd=cr&ei=...6!2i514!4f13.1

For supermarkets ask any of the locals, you'll always find one near you in the city.

[banglastuden]

Thank you for the link but I was hoping I could possibly get some insight into how to fish out these places myself using Bangla. You see, this is what the dictionary gives me when I type in "laundromat":
http://www.english-bangla.com/dictionary/Laundromat

"no results" so with that combined with the lack of English language Bangladesh forums online, I didn't expect searching in English to yield much or anything useful. Works here though, I guess.
https://www.facebook.com/search/1018...ces/intersect/

Closest to me it seems is Bandbox so I'll try them out in a few hours.

I'm really hoping I can get some advice on the accommodation issue as I won't be here in town for that long really. I've found a bit cheaper hotel at $26 but it's still not what I'm shooting for as it doesn't have a kitchen and it still seems high comparatively speaking.

PS - I know I should be only using Bangla now and I will but I just want to get situated quickly before my bad Bangla comes out.

[mufi_02]

^try airbnb. Last time I checked, there was some nice places throughout Dhaka.

[NoName]

I don't think there is a Bangla word for laundry/laundromat. We just say 'laundry' or just say the phrase 'wash clothes' in Bengali.

I don't live in BD so I can't suggest much in regards to cheap accommodation

[banglastuden]

I'm already a longtime user, strangely enough none of the more budget options (under $50) here have private kitchens. But I have sent some inquiries out nonetheless as that is a good option.

[mufi_02]

Originally Posted by banglastuden
I'm already a longtime user, strangely enough none of the more budget options (under $50) here have private kitchens. But I have sent some inquiries out nonetheless as that is a good option.

This forum isn't that active. Please post your inquires in the Facebook page - "Desperatly Seeking Dhaka".

There will plenty of people who can help you there.

By the way, what's your nationality? How old are you? And what made interested in bangla ?

[bujhee kom]

Originally Posted by NoName
I don't think there is a Bangla word for laundry/laundromat. We just say 'laundry' or just say the phrase 'wash clothes' in Bengali.

I don't live in BD so I can't suggest much in regards to cheap accommodation

Laundromat in Bangla (Bengali) is "Dhopakhana" - ধোপাখানা - But I beleive some people in Bangladesh may not understand it ot know the word. Just as NoName bhaiya said, in BD we just say laundry.

[Zeeshan]

laundromat is dholai... as in New Zealand gave us dholai in first match..

[bujhee kom]

Ohhhooo..yes yes Gopal..Dholai it is...and that's why the area near the canal in Dhaka was named Dholaikhaal....Dhopakhana is more of a Kolkata/West Bengal common.

[iDumb]

You found accommodation for 25 dollars a day ... I doubt u will find some cheaper hotel that is liveable. the best option I think would be that you have to go into monthly rent ... which should be in 15k taka a month depending on where u stay ..

Most of us live not in bd here (few do hopefully they can help you out) but our knowledge comes from recent visits ...

As mufi suggested try Facebook ..

I don't know what u really want ... u want a private cook but also want a dirt cheap place to stay ... doesn't make sense .... yes your dollar will go a long way in Bangladesh but things will still cost you ... it's not gonna be free .... that's the sense I get from your posts

If u want to save money and live like "middle class/poor" local then it will be very inconvenient for you but can be done ....
_ Meaning renting an apt around not so great places
_ hiring a maid who will come for few hours a day and do everything for you ... (u have to shell out money for this ) ..

This maid Wil be your laundry... maybe I wasn't exposed to many places but I too had problem with laundry ..they were charging me by the piece and wouldn't do underwear or socks ...and when u do by the piece it becomes crazy expensive ...for most local ppl they do it at home / maid ..

Not sure how/where the wealthy/rich do it though ..

I also stayed in hotel in my visit to bd ..I paid close to 50 dollars a day for a room ... that's in chittagong .. and had very basic svc too ... had hot shower and sitting commode ... they say it was 3 star hotel ... I don't know if it's possible to have any less accommodation ? They had pretty bare minimum ...

What would they omit in less than 3 star hotel then ?

[ReZ_1]

Welcome to Bd. I am bit curious to know what made you to come to BD. I mean do you have any ancestral roots here as you know some bengali or something else influenced you to study about Bd? How many countries did you explored before?

[banglastuden]

Quick updates:

- I'm happy to say I finally found one of the cheap places the article I posted was referring to. This place is 500 taka per night and is not bad in terms of cleanliness to boot. The downsides, for me at least, is that there is no wifi or even a place to charge your electronics as well as the bathroom/shower is shared. Surprisingly enough, it too much cleaner than I expected. I really hope there are no mosquitoes tonight like there are none currently in the room.

- I'm using the wifi of a market shop that the owner graciously allowed me to use.

- I'm going to keep checking out the laundry option but so far it's looking like dry cleaning only with no by the kilo places existing... but we'll see.