Day Eight: The Booking (20 June)
on From Banglatown to Bangladesh (Bangladesh), 21/Jun/2010 13:07, 34 days ago
I’m sure I’ve seen, somewhere, a quote about the beauty of anticipation. Something about the excitement of an upcoming event or activity, the thrill of counting down, day by day. The dreaming of what is to come.Whatever it was, that’s what I’ve got. Because in less than four weeks I have a holiday, one that has been looked forward to for, what seems like, a very long time. I’ve got thoughts of trips and travel and adventures in new lands in my head. Of time to relax, to unwind, and to have a break from all-encompassing Deshi life.And treats. While material goods are, of course, not everything, you wouldn’t believe the excitement the prospect of treats, big and small, can bring. Thoughts of lazy days in hammocks, happy hour cocktails, chocolate cake, muesli and yoghurt for breakfast. Things that my little town in the hills just doesn’t offer.Today, that excitement is just a little bit more. A‘proper treat’ has been booked: a hotel for the final nights of the holiday. The most expensive hotel I have ever paid for, and, at half of my monthly salary, some could call it a little excessive given my current financial circumstances.But, I’ve seen photos of comfortable beds, white sheets, numerous pillows. Hot showers, freshly washed towels, complimentary toiletries. Bathtubs, both indoor and out. A swimming pool with the possibility of poolside massages. Balconies, where they’ll deliver evening drinks to your seats. Luxurious, definitely, in my pre-Desh life. And now, positively palatial. To the extent that, try as I might, I can’t really imagine myself there.The beauty of anticipation.