My first IT job. My first onsite deputation. Great!! Isnt it? But bad news was to follow. My first onsite deputation. In Bangladesh.
Everything is relative in life. And so was this opportunity. After the time that I have been through, this opportunity was anytime better.
So relatively, I was happier. Bangladesh, although a different country should be a lot like India. With asian look, relatively similar lifestyle, similar(not same) food preparation methods etc. Also, having Bengali people around, Bangla does not seem to be an alien language. Add to it, with the given foreign allowance, I expect, I would make more saving in BD.
But there were things of concern too. I was skeptical about social security, social norms, conservativeness degree etc. Also, although food preparation methods are similar, rice would be the staple food along with fish or other non-veg stuff. There would be less entertainment, would have to stay away from family and friends.
Irrespective of anyting. I had to go, with mixed feelings. We were informed that our accomodation, travel to office, food and other needs will be taken care of. And that we would be given foreign allowance. A bit of motivation for the compromises.
There are very few flights from Mumbai to Dhaka. And there are no flights from Pune to Mumbai after 1800 hrs. I did not know that earlier and was surprised.
Ultimately, the packing was done. And I left for BD. The travel from Pune-Mumbai-Dhaka was a long one. The Mumbai-Dhaka flight was at 0300hrs. Sleep was sure to be screwed up. Fortunately, other colleagues joined in. Unfortunately, the flight got delayed.
We landed in Dhaka at 0900hrs. A not so sleek bus took us from the flight to the airport exit. The airport was, as expected, not a modern one. It took long time to collect the luggage. A vehicle was waiting for us. Luckily, BD has all Toyota vehicles. The ride from Airport to the Hotel was comfortable one. Something good to start with. I hoped, it continues.
Everything is relative in life. And so was this opportunity. After the time that I have been through, this opportunity was anytime better.
So relatively, I was happier. Bangladesh, although a different country should be a lot like India. With asian look, relatively similar lifestyle, similar(not same) food preparation methods etc. Also, having Bengali people around, Bangla does not seem to be an alien language. Add to it, with the given foreign allowance, I expect, I would make more saving in BD.
But there were things of concern too. I was skeptical about social security, social norms, conservativeness degree etc. Also, although food preparation methods are similar, rice would be the staple food along with fish or other non-veg stuff. There would be less entertainment, would have to stay away from family and friends.
Irrespective of anyting. I had to go, with mixed feelings. We were informed that our accomodation, travel to office, food and other needs will be taken care of. And that we would be given foreign allowance. A bit of motivation for the compromises.
There are very few flights from Mumbai to Dhaka. And there are no flights from Pune to Mumbai after 1800 hrs. I did not know that earlier and was surprised.
Ultimately, the packing was done. And I left for BD. The travel from Pune-Mumbai-Dhaka was a long one. The Mumbai-Dhaka flight was at 0300hrs. Sleep was sure to be screwed up. Fortunately, other colleagues joined in. Unfortunately, the flight got delayed.
We landed in Dhaka at 0900hrs. A not so sleek bus took us from the flight to the airport exit. The airport was, as expected, not a modern one. It took long time to collect the luggage. A vehicle was waiting for us. Luckily, BD has all Toyota vehicles. The ride from Airport to the Hotel was comfortable one. Something good to start with. I hoped, it continues.
