La Mar Cebicheria Peruana

Even though I've heard mixed reviews, I've been wanting to try La Mar for a while now.


With sunny skies and temperatures in the 70s, Louise and I decided last night was ideal to check out their bayside patio.


We split the cebiche clasico, which was halibut and the empanadas sampler - shrimp, chicken, beef and vegetarian. Despite it touting itself as a "Cebicheria Peruana," we agreed the cebiche was disappointing. The halibut was tough and Louise thought the sauce needed seasoning. The empanadas, however, were terrific and the views were unbeatable.

On the Boat in Bangladesh

We headed south out of Dhaka on a 23-hour steamer trip. Some sights along the way:


Kids at the bow.


Fishermen. Shrimp is the country's top export.


We made about 10 stops along the way. Out in public, I saw about 100 men for every woman. Really.


Net fishing. People get paid 100 taka or a bit more than a dollar for 1,000 shrimp larvae. And, yes, they count them by hand.


Did I mention Bangladesh produces six different types of bananas?


Cutest baby ever!

More Dhaka

Kids at the port.


Old Dhaka market.


The ubiquitous rickshaw. (Yes, I rode in one. Yes, it was scary.)


Shave and a haircut.

Steamer Trip in Bangladesh

Three steamer ships are currently in operation in Bangladesh. They were built in India in the early 20s.


Until fairly recently, the paddle wheels were powered by a continually stoked wood fire. Now, they rely on diesel fuel.






I was lucky enough to get an air-conditioned berth in a first-class cabin.


There were several others "classes" of service, but most people paid very little for a spot on the floor.


It was a 23-hour trip from Dhaka to Morelgonj.

Departing Dhaka

Sadarghat is the name of the boat terminal in Old Dhaka. It's absolutely crazy crowded. After a two-hour car ride through Dhaka, I had about 30 minutes to spare before the steamer left the station. Here are some sights:


With so many waterways, boats are used to transport everything from goods to people.


Shanties on the shore.


I didn't know there were so many different types of bananas. They're much sweeter than ours in the U.S.


Yes, they're smiling at me - the crazy tourist.

At the River in Dhaka

Not Dhaka

The meeting I'm attending is being held at the BRAC Centre for Development and Management. It's about 30 km outside of Dhaka. And, judging from the harrowing, 90-minute van ride from the airport, it's an oasis outside the capital city.


It specializes in sponsoring conferences and other international events.


The grounds are peaceful and well-kept and the accommodations are clean and comfortable - by Bangladeshi standards.



Unfortunately, the compound is surrounded by barbed wire and a guard mans the entrance gate 24/7.


We meet here, eat here and sleep here. I've been advised - repeatedly - not to leave the compound. And I won't.