I’m writing this post before the trip to see how closely my hopes for the trip match my actual experience. Without further ado, here are seven reasons I chose Bangladesh as a vacation destination.
1. The Food
There clearly is good food in the US, but I hear some foods are better elsewhere, especially produce. Unfortunately I will not be there during the summer mango season, but regardless I will compare the food there to what I am used to here. I want to try it all, from fancy hotel meals to street food.
2. Language Learning
I am deeply curious about the feeling of being in a country without knowing the language. I want to experience full language immersion, fumbling through broken Bangla with strangers, getting reading practice on signs and in stores, and hopefully putting smiles on some faces along the way. It will be very difficult, but I believe it is the kind of challenge that is deeply satisfying.
3. Invigoration
Ten years ago I spent time in England, and the experience shaped my life for several years afterwards. Each country has unique approaches to the same familiar human needs and wants. Seeing new approaches to the familiar either makes you appreciate how you do things, or provides the excitement of trying a new approach. Either can be energizing when life feels too routine.
4. It’s a Small World
The internet is allowing everyone to experience a kind of culture shock from the comfort of their own homes. You can find detailed comparisons and analysis of almost any cultural norm online. One of recent favorites is the growing urban development community. They show a clear picture of how individual health and happiness, business revenues, and the health of the planet all suffer from poor city planning. For me it finally answered why an English village could feel ‘cozy’ but the city I lived in did not. There will be many differences between Bangladesh and the US, and by experiencing them I hope to learn more about the kind of place I would eventually like to live in.
5. Wanderlust
I have seen countless movies and shows that depict southern Asia as a beautiful place. It has mountains and beaches close together, warm weather year round (sometimes too warm), and dense jungles full of wildlife. Exploring new places like this is something that I crave above all else.
6. Fantasy Meets Reality
I’ve been watching Bollywood films for half my life. Like many other Americans, I was first exposed to the genre when Slumdog Millionaire came to theaters in 2008. There is a scene early in the movie where the two brothers begin traveling the country, riding on the tops of trains. The sense of adventure in that scene captivated me instantly.
I’ve watched countless other Bollywood films since then, which has created a sense that is almost familiarity. I know what the buildings look like, how people get around, the clothes, the food. Learning only from movies makes this feel like fiction. Everything I know is from curated sets designed to tell stories. I have never squeezed onto a crowded bus, stopped to rest at a tea stand, or experienced any of the other sensations of unfiltered life. The trip will provide a sense of closure. It is like mature love vs infatuation. Until now I have only marveled at the glamorous aspects, but will I feel the same way after experiencing the imperfections of real life?
7. Rave Reviews
Bangladesh is not a tourist hotspot yet, but the few blogs and video reviews online depict it as a beautiful country with friendly people. There are mountains and beaches, swamps, forests, and swamp forests. Once you are there it is very affordable as well. It is the chance to experience a different culture without the overwhelming influence that major tourism brings.