September 15, 2012: All quiet here in the enclave.

We wanted everyone to know that we are fine and safe here in Dhaka.  The embassy has sent out warnings about the possibility of unrest, but also that they have not been advised of any new dangers.  Things, of course, are not well in North Africa or parts of the Middle East.  Even Australia has seen violent demonstrations--we were in Sydney six weeks ago and thought it was incredibly calm.

Tonight, for instance, we went to the opening of an art gallery--the grandmother of one of Gail's students owns the gallery (and the building)--so we got to see some expensive locally produced art.  Well, more expensive than anything we own that would be considered art.  Several hundred or thousand dollars for original oil paintings, for instance.  Everyone was gracious.

And we went shopping this afternoon and saw no evidence of any unrest, except that we did notice more beefy young American men, apparently Marines on their day off.  Last night one of the other administrators told us she saw a demonstration in front of the US Embassy (six blocks away), but thought it was a parade.

One of the reasons things here are not in the uproar that other Moslem countries have experienced is that, for one, this is a moderate, secular society with a tradition of tolerance.  The other reason, I think, is that most people are so poor that they have no time for politics; just living is enough of a struggle.  To get an idea of the place, check out this link: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/10/world/asia/killing-of-bangladesh-labor-leader-spotlights-grievances-of-workers.html?_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss&src=ig

No, it's not Venice.

You can also check out these pictures from an August trip into the city with the new teachers.

The Banana Man

The Bangladesh Parliament

More Waterfront

The Music Store

The Fish Seller

At the Vegetable Market

School Children of Hindu Street

The Streets of Dhaka