Not much time, so this is just to say that WE SURVIVED! The drive to / from Agailjhara is actually 7 hours on the scariest roads many of us have been on. Constant near-misses (it's a high speed game played with margins of fractions of inches ... we saw the tragic result of this in the form of a newly wrecked bus) and bone-rattling bumps (especially for those of us in the back of the bus!) meant it was physically very exhausting.
BUT ... the 4 projects we visited were so inspirational, positive and uplifting that it more than made up for the journey. We all feel very, very lucky to have been able to visit these wonderful artisans. We heard so many stories - some that make you weep, but others that fill you with hope - they all truly make the job we do come into full focus.
We've decided to cancel the trip to Feni tomorrow - it would just be way too much time on the bus, and the project there is very similar to ones we've already seen. Prokritee assure us that the artisans will understand.
In the morning I'll try to get caught up on the blog with artisan stories and pictures while the ladies go off to purchase salwar kameezes. Then we hope to explore old Dhaka.
Off to CORR Jute Works after breakfast...
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Ten Thousand Villages
371 Richmond Road & 1174 Bank Street, Ottawa - http://www.alternativetrade.com
~~ Shop fair trade - Your purchase makes a difference ~~
--
Ten Thousand Villages
371 Richmond Road & 1174 Bank Street, Ottawa - http://www.alternativetrade.com
~~ Shop fair trade - Your purchase makes a difference ~~
2 comments:
Oh man, I remember traveling to Agailjhara too. Glad you survived.
I've been to Agailjhara too but I forgot everything.
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