Life of a Diplo-Cat: 2015

Oops, it's been over a year and.... we're abroad again! The Diplo-Cat actually arrived a few days ahead of us in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Moe arrived no worse for the wear and my fantastic colleague sent us pictures of him sprawled out in our new apartment, king of the castle. I think he probably misses the birds and squirrels outside the window in Virginia but he's pretty happy.

We took a rest stop in London - it was great meeting up with one of our Denison friends! The hotel was great - kids got ice cream, teddy bears, and their own bathrobes and slippers from the "Albert kids concierge". They did really well on the plane - kid headphones rule!

We've already been here almost a month, unbelievably. We were prepared for culture shock, particularly the traffic, using mosquito netting, and not having potable tap water. The biggest surprise adjustment was the noise. Outside we have construction, low flying air planes, music from the daily prayers at the mosque, barking dogs, and other noises you'd expect living in a big city. Inside, though, we have an AC, a fan, an air purifier, and a dehumidifier (which has to be emptied 3 times a day) in each room, which make a lot of white noise and make it very difficult to hear across the apartment. This is actually good for sleeping when you get used to it. But I am adjusting to life sans baby monitor, and silent marble floors instead of squeaky wooden ones make it pretty easy for kiddos to get up without being heard. In the kitchen, I keep checking to see if I left the water running every time the water distiller starts to refill.

We've gotten settled pretty quickly. At work, I have been able to get out to Dhaka University, several government ministries, some civil society offices, one of the military cantonments, and a couple receptions. As a family, we've done a pretty good job of getting out as well. Eid weekend, when many Dhaka residents left to visit family in the countryside, we visited several historical sites in Dhaka. We've also made it to a few stores, a few restaurants, and a nice spa. David bought his first punjabi and Christy bought her first sari today. (pics to follow when we wear them). We of course have been enjoying the pool at the American Club. Our driver has Saturdays off, so David braved Dhaka traffic and self-drove our new (locally purchased Japanese import) gasp!.... mini van!... to the Club and Embassy.

School starts in another week for Nicholas and in September for Claire. Our house hold effects (HHE) should arrive at the end of the month too. We're clearing out of the house tomorrow for painters to come add a bit of color to our walls, So, with any luck we'll really feel at home in another month or so.

A few pics from our first month: