Here we go!

Friday, 21 December 2012

So we are leaving tomorrow from Pierre's place in Dhaka. At least that´s the plan. It´s 1:30 AM and it looks like we are ready. Aside for a few details. For example, we realized this afternoon that we have no map nor guide of eastern India where we'll be in a few days. But a few Google Map prinstcreens on the iPad should do the trick. Google maps are also a good way of noticing that several mountain ranges are waiting for us as soon as we exit Bangladesh. Interesting times ahead!

As for Bangladesh, we expect a great ride. The weather is perfect (in the 20's during daytime and chilly at night). Most importantly, Willem, a Belgian friend of Pierre who has been living here for more than a decade, has kindly shown us an itinerary to go north using the backroads. By itinerary, I mean a list of village names that we will have to follow while keeping an eye on the compas. The main challenge before will be to exit Dhaka without getting stuck in traffic or falling in a hole (several of those are left open by construction workers with little warning).

On the tech side, my bike was missing when I arrived in the airport in Dhaka on Tuesday. The plane leaving Doha was probably full. The Bangladeshi workers are bringing so much stuff back home from the Gulf. Luckily the box arrived in one piece the following day!

The good news for Burma is confirmed: we have the special permit on paper (although we can't read it as it is written in Burmese - maybe it just says : "nice try!"). The embassy also gave us the visas for free on top. Pierre's natural charm for sure! People in Dhaka in diplomatic circles confirm to us that this authorisation is pretty exceptional. We are the first they've heard about at least. But there is a small twist. Apparently our visit has been announced to all local authorities. So we are a bit concerned that this will look and feel a bit like an official visit. In particular, there's a risk that we will get some kind of an escort following us... Finger crossed!

A picture from (the begining) of Pierre's farewell party Wednesday evening.

.. And my bike fully loaded for the first time a few hours ago!

Don't forget you can follow our "Spot" beeper live on Google Maps by clicking on the link at the top!

FX