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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Greetings! This post is great. For example, I didn't know about Bangladesh and bricks. It's very interesting, and those photos of the kids working are great, although my favorites are the ones where the orange sun is about to set over the horizon. Thanks so much for sharing. It was obviously a dream trip for you ✌️
Cheers @jesuslnrs than ks for dropping in, Bangladesh is a fantastic country to visit, I shall never forget it, I appreciate your positive vibes, thanks for joining my adventure. Have a great weekend
A great tour, thanks to your post I immersed myself in worlds unknown to me... Wow, I didn't know about this part of the story, a great journey.
Cheers @cositav thanks for dropping in, no until I visited it was not even existing in my world, now I will never forget it. Thanks for your positive vibes, have a great wekend
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It's really a perfect place to cross the river, it's really amazing, the beauty of the view you get is really extraordinary ❤️🙏
Yes indeed, thanks for crossing with me LOL
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STOP😀 👍
It reminds me of how different the world is from what we usually see on social media. I can totally relate to the ferry adventure—sometimes it's the little moments like that that make a trip so memorable.
Cheers @iamlovelykate thanks for dropping in, your positive vibes have summed the adventure up in a nutshell! Have a great weekend
What an adventure - you were truly off the beaten track. Nice fact re. brick making - I live and learm. That ferry is an adventure all by itself - I think I would be very happy when I get across.
The dead fish would make a nice dish with those pretty peppers. I am sure you ate very well whilst there.
yes , it was good to embrace the unexpected, best road trip ever if I am honest. Me no likey fishy things , I shall pass. But yes the food was really great, the biggest problem was that it is a "dry" country where you are unable to order alcohol!