Road works

Lately we had some protests. This means Molotov cocktails being thrown, cars set on fire etc.

So when you turn the corner of the street of the opposition leader's office, what do you think?

Fortunately we have seen this before; road repairs.

Based on observation only this is the system:

A square of oil drums, on them some flat beds with sand and tar.
I assumed the sand is the filling and the tar keeps it al together.

Stir well during the whole process.

Feed the fire with sawdust, burns quick and hot.

 More fire.

 Just a bit hotter.

It's a big one today with several fires in a row.

 

The scarf helps against the smoke, but his life expectancy is probably not very high.

Really white hot! (this is not a black and white photo)

On another fire the tar is heated.

Tin on a stick for pouring.

The ladies main job is to carry the sand to the fire.

They seem relaxed, but they carry heavy weights, breath terible fumes and often sleep next to, or close to, the site in a makeshift tent.

 Bycicles are used for transport over short distance.

Not too good on the tires.

Bringing a bit extra tar to a repaired patch.

It's a reasonably quiet street, but it can cause traffic jams as it takes up a part of the street.

The result. Not perfect, but I have definately seen worse.

In short: brilliant to see, but don't breath while you pass and thank god it's not my job.
Most people go past as fast as possible, but the guys really enjoyed the five minutes attention they got from me. That sums it up for Bangladesh really. A caste system, but very friendly people.

New Market and Hay Festival

After a week of FOUR consecutive hartal (strike) days, my friend Anne suggested a visit to New Market.  YES please - the hartals don't have much of an effect here in the diplomatic zone, but the idea that you are at risk when you leave the house pervades.  I do go out, to my sports at the clubs nearby, to the supermarket for milk and vegetables, but I don't go far, and tend not to do frivolous or un-neccesary things, just the basic needs stuff.

So we (and the rest of motorised Dhaka) set off

We went with Anne's Bangla teacher David, which meant we could ask directions and get straight to the right corner of the market

 Block printing live
Anne bought this piece "unfinished" after it had dried

bag of blocks

printers

block library

modern art

 

more yarn for next years blankets!

As we were out anyway, we decided to extend our day out and attend the Hay Literary Festival which was taking place. It was great to grab some tasty lunch and to browse round the many book stalls.  The grounds of the Dhaka Art Center have lots of trees and shade, and it was great to people watch the well dressed Bangladeshi literati.  We sat in on some of a book launch...but left before it ended as it was not very exciting.

a dancing form of "simon says"

Festival volunteers having fun at a photobooth

next time don't complain that you can't get a seat on the bus

 it took us the best part of two hours to get back

yep - I bought a set