Summary of thoughts from Bangladeshi citizens who accompanied and guided the Iowa teachers:
Dr. Bimal Paul, Professor of Geography, Kansas State University
Dr. Alam, Professor of Geography, Rajshahi University
Mr. Moshiur Rahman, Tour Guide, Bengal Tours
Mr. Khaled Rahman, ,Student, Dhaka University & employee, Bengal Tours
(1) What have you most enjoyed showing the Iowa teachers group about Bangladesh?
The seriousness of the flood, the livelihoods of the people, the pottery, natural silk and the lush green beauty of Bangladesh.
The lifestyles of the people of Bangladesh and how they cope with the varied natural disasters and the physical features.
All of the natural beauties and places of historical interest.
(2) To your surprise, what things were the teachers interested in or delighted by?
The teachers were interested to know everything -- all aspects of Bangladesh, major and minor, especially in the natural hazards.
The teachers were interested in talking with many people, mostly students, on a variety of levels.
The teachers were delighted to see rickshaws and our different modes of transport, and to experience the zig-zagging traffic, the billboards, and to taste the mango and jackfruit.
(3) What would you most like the American teachers to remember about Bangladesh and its people?
To remember the natural beauty of the country and the simplicity of the people; especially the hospitality of the rural people.
The width of our rivers, our agricultural and other products, the floods, the large population, the traffic jams and foods, and to remember the people as friendly, open, helpful and hard-working.
(4) From working with the teachers, what renewed appreciation do you have of your own country?
We have renewed insight of the extreme flooding and the increased awareness of people living in all aspects.
Bangladesh is popularly known as a uniform country — physically, culturally, socially and economically. From traveling with the teachers, I have discovered that within this uniformity there are remarkable variations throughout the country.
Journal entry from Kay Weller for August 8, 2007:
It was back to the books today for our group! There were presentations from the Bangladesh Disaster Management Bureau, the Comprehensive Disaster Management Program of the U.N.D.P. and the Red Crescent Society.
What challenges they face year after year! Bangladeshis are now facing the worst flooding in a decade and most people are managing far better than I would expect. As we have driven through the country our hearts go out to the farmers who have lost crops.
Naturally, our group could not resist shopping. If the Disaster Mangement Bureau thinks they have a challenge, they ought to be packing our suitcases.
More for “Our Favorite Things” by Kim Daughtee (Sung to the tune of 'My Favorite Things')
Monkeys and tigers and bears at the zoo
So little time with so much left to do
People are gracious and wishing us well
Back in the states we’ll have stories to tell
Swerving and dodging we’re stuck in the traffic
Queen in the front seat is getting quite frantic
Beggars and gawkers outside of the bus
Hoping for taka from each one of us
CHORUS
Luke in his lunghi puts on a good show
Sarah is looking for somewhere to go
Dawn taking snaps with a masterful eye
Nothing gets by her as life passes by
Dan is the guru of putting together
The CD of photos is his greatest pleasure
Ann is the master of all that we’ve done
Together two heads are much better than one.
CHORUS