The Street

The street in Dhaka is an interesting place to be.  The immediate area where we live is very peaceful and green and with very little traffic.  Courtesy of the closed off roads and guards (many armed) who control access.

But within 400 m and a short walk one is in the crowded streets of rickshaw alley.  Here roadside stalls, rickshaws, pedestrians, and an occasional car all are in an amazing street about 7 metres wide.  As well there will be someone pushing or cycling with a huge load.





















One can buy live trussed-up chickens or very fresh healthy produce.  I brought two mangoes yesterday for 140 Taka.  About US$1.60.  A cucumber for 20 Taka (they laughed at me so I know I got ripped off).  Sometimes there is some very dodgy looking fish!  There always the man with the hot roasted peanuts and the cobbler fixing shoes on the side of the road.  As well the man on the sewing machine is there only some days.  You can pay for your phone at a tin shed or buy a power plug adapter (you need heaps of these).

Walking around with a camera provokes interest.  Once I felt someone tugging my camera and expected it to be a person trying to take it.  But it was someone who wanted their picture taken, which is a very common request. And not from children.





















The people are all friendly and impeccably dressed.  Even though the street is mud or dust (depending on when it last rained) everyone is wearing clean clothes.  The cars slow down so they don't splash people.
It is an amazing street.