Bangladesh - The Glass

There is a glass of my experience. OK - so there isn't, but work with me here. I've never been to a Muslim country before. I've heard a lot about them, I've read about them, I've studied their architectural properties, but I've never been in one - as me - alone. However, in order to maintain optimism, I'd like to propose that my glass - which you are all faithfully imagining - is both half empty and half full.

Take an everyday situation like me going to a restaurant. Though I will be led to the back of the restaurant and seated in a curtained off area labeled "females," I will also get to eat curry dishes for less than a dollar. See, glass half empty and half full.

Just like my choice in wardrobe. As the clothes need to cover everything I get to select so many more of them to wear all at once. Besides, when else have I had an excuse to wear a floor length dress to go to the market?

Also, the exclusivity of the Islamic faith in regards to whom is allowed into places of worship is teaching me to more appreciate the accessibility of Christianity. Everyone and anyone can go into a church. How cool is that? I'm also learning to accept the 5am call to prayer as a free wake up call. Glass half full.

By far though, the biggest drainer of the glass and hardest thing to optimize is the staring. Bangladesh is the most densely populated country on the planet. It's population of 140 million - that's half the population of the United States - live in an area half the size of Oregon. There are people - everywhere. And they are all staring at you. Blatantly, indignantly, turning and pointing, gap-mouthed staring. My guidebook lists the following phrases in English and Bangla on its cover: Hello, Thank you, Yes/No, I don't understand Bangla, and Please stop staring at me. Like saying that will help. The glass half full argument is that I finally get to live out my dream of obtaining celebrity status. On any given day I have the draw of Barack Obama, Oprah, and Angelina Jolie all rolled into one. But really, after about five minutes, all I want to do is hide. I have built up some serious stamina though for that day when I finally do become a star.

Bangladesh is what it is. And to me, even in the face of my optimism, it is overpowering. Glass half full or half empty - I'm leaving.