Shorot
There are six distinct seasons in Dhaka. Shorot is Autumn. This season’s most notable feature is the presence of floating white clouds. Dhaka doesn’t have many perceptible changes in weather, daylight hours, or foliage that point to Autumn setting in. To boost the feeling of Autumn, I have ordered some fall decorations. Our Halloween costumes have also arrived, along with a measly bag of candy that I was able to get on Amazon.
Our driver decidedly told me that the rainy season is over. Which made the one day last week that felt like an Oregon Autumn very surprising. And it made this week’s torrential rain and flooding in the roads even more surprising. We waded through water above our ankles from the car door to our daughter’s school and entered to see the building full of people who were barefoot. I enjoyed two days of listening to the nostalgic sound of heavy rain falling on our windows.
On September 8, our sweet son turned one. No longer a baby and somehow a toddler, it felt bittersweet to celebrate him. The following weekend we held a birthday party in our apartment. Our beloved household helper gifted him red shorts and a matching button-up shirt with cherries on it for him. He flapped his arms and legs excitedly when we dressed him up, and it was clear to see how special he felt in his party attire.
Our oldest is settling into school. Dropoffs are becoming less painful for both of us, and I treat myself to a daily chai in the school’s coffee shop each morning. While she is at school, I have been able to have several lunches with other women that I have met. It is nice to have the support here to take breaks and enjoy some time on my own. Being apart while Miles travels is also much less painful here. Between our community and our household helpers, I am very well cared for.
I am enjoying decorating our apartment. I have found several items here locally. My big purchase of the week is my new sewing machine. One of my goals during our time here is to teach myself how to sew. Luckily, fabric here is inexpensive, so if I make something truly horrendous, I don’t have to feel as guilty about the waste.
I have been asked if I have learned any Bangla, to which the answer is no. Our world here is all English-speaking; although the tone and cadence of how Bangladeshis speak is very different. It has been a learning curve for me to learn to communicate efficiently.
Lastly, a few things to look forward to in the coming weeks. Our daughter gets to swim at her school, and she is very eager to begin. I get the opportunity to have a solo trip, as does Miles. He is going mountain climbing, and I am going to a five-star resort. Miles and I have a very different idea of what is relaxing. I am going to begin recording for the podcast that will be featured on our website. And in the coming weeks is the Marine Ball. I am going to have a Sari made to match Miles’ dress blues!
