Baridhara and Gulshan: My neighbourhood

The main street outside Baridhara. I don't think I could drive a car here, or ride my bike: It's not just busy and chaotic, but also on the wrong side of the road (thanks to Great good old colonial power Britain).

Inside Baridhara: A special park next to a (not even that dirty) lake, especially designed for walking. Signs encourange women (only!) to walk "at least 3 hours a week" to reduce their risk of heart attacks. For running, its really nearly too hot - but I try, you know me.

The view from our roof terrance (yes, we've got one, very nice for evening yoga). And yes, the house on left does have its own swimming pool.

In Gulshan, further down the lake, poverty and "development" live right next door. Image living through a flood in these shacks!

The Gulshan Hospital, on the other hand, looks very nice: No need to worry about getting sick here - if you can affort it!

For about 60 cents (55 Taka), you can buy half a kilo of vegetables on the local market. Some look really strange, like the mini-cucumbers. The problem of cooking is just that it's too hot for it - especially on a gas stove!

In the evenings, young people gather around the lake, some play music, some just read a book.
Bar and café culture does not really exist among the local "normal" (i.e. not incredibly rich) people, so many come and hang out here.