Floating down the river to an overnight stop in some remote hotel on the banks of the Mongla River it was interesting to see a number of brickworks lining the banks.
It is one of the fastest growing industries in the country with an estimated turnover of over $80million per annum
Bangladesh is the world's 4th largest producer of fired bricks with an estimated 7,000 kilns producing some 23 billion bricks in a year.
The industry is a major employer, providing employment for many people. Over 1 million are employed nationwide mostly labouring jobs the workforce made up of the poorer classes, the uneducated and illiterate, as well as migrants.
and at the end of the working day well these guys need to get home for their tea, and as there are no road bridges in this area, the only way to ross the mouth of the river is by ferry. A ferry the likes of which I have never seen before.
Mass transit to cross the river forming an orderly queue, no pushing no shoving
All aboard that's coming aboard, motor bikes included
Late comers well, just jump and hope for the best.
Joining the end of the queue, as the saying goes ...."When in Rome...." or in this case when in Bangladesh smash it like a local.
An unexpected and most welcome venture a few of us made; one of our companions had torn a pair of trousers she had been wearing, they needed a repair. No doubt my "You scruffy git" comment forced her hand.
.....man with a camera trying not to crushed in the rush to disembark
We were staying on the outskirts of the city of Mongla, a sprawling metropolis with a population of over 150,000.
An angel with broken wings, or the bottom feeder of a begging gang?
They were suddenly distracted when "Debbie does Dallas" popped up the computer screen
A fine selection of fresh vegetables
...and the King of chillies, The Naga, the hottest chilli, my introduction to this wonderful fruit was many years ago in Nepal, I have stayed faithful ever since, not suited to those who think Korma is a curry, not really suited to those that think Vindaloo is the hottest and most fiery.... try it when you next make a home made curry, just a couple finely chopped will do.
Dead fish
Julia's pants under repair, and a damn fine job was done too and all for the princely sum of thruppence.
Time to do the boat in reverse, and in the morning, do it all again, but this time with luggage.
Thanks for visiting my page, I am pleased to make your acquaintance. this is Stephen aka, @grindle, happily retired, travelling the world snapping away. My weapon of choice is currently a Nikon Z6(2). Unless stated all images are shot by me (©@grindle) all text is mine, based on various info sources. NOT AI generated. If you like my blog, it would be very much appreciated if you upvote and follow me. Also please feel free to drop a comment.
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