I took a short trip to Dhaka last week, after three and a half months in India. I did not think I’d ever say this but the truth is I was missing the place. Goes to show that it’s the right people who make a place feel like home. I realize that I have been fortunate to find good friends in the city during my last two and half years there.
I suppose it’s easier in Dhaka as most expats live in a small area of the city and frequent one of the four clubs there or the many restaurants scattered like dandelions at every nook and corner of the expat area. Also, with nothing much to see in terms of tourism and sparingly few modes of entertainment, people being the social animals they are, gravitate towards each other. That includes interoverts!
So, in this cauldron of expats I found my tribe after 8 months in the city. It didn’t help that I had to stay in India for three months every year during the time I was there because of the children’s summer and winter break, or that the members of my newfound tribe also travelled regularly (because once you’ve lived in Dhaka, you realize that you need to get out once every two months, to remain hale and hearty. This, of course, is not the case for those who have schoolgoing children because then the school is a big part of one’s social life). With so many limitations, it was a blessing to have been able to connect with a group of women who shared my love for books, coffee, travel, and my distaste for inane gossip. I was fortunate to be a part of a group of women, who were non-judgemental, fun and supportive. It helped me thrive in a country where unsaid rules are as many or more than the said ones.
P.S. There were a few friends I couldn’t meet as they were travelling during my visit, but an opportunity to meet so many others during a short, unplanned trip was a miracle (as people travel out of Dhaka, often).
I’m also grateful for a five-star review that I received on my book, ‘Coming Home’, last week. This comes after a long lull in reviews. I wish readers understood that, all writers want, are reviews.
Ratings & Reviews for
Coming Home
Smitha Vishwanath
4.80 71 ratings64 reviews
5 stars 60 (84%)
4 stars 8 (11%)
3 stars 3 (4%)
2 stars
3 reviewsFollowMarch 16, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed Shanaya’s story, which is rich in personal growth and warm and relatable relationships with loved ones and friends. Ms. Vishwanath’s descriptions are so beautiful and evocative that they enable the reader to feel as if they’re walking alongside Shanaya, and they can smell the nature and taste the foods – I truly felt transported. Would highly recommend!
Here’s another five-star review by Darlene Foster, author of 22 books, including theAmanda Series.
Author 22 books211 followersFriendsJanuary 28, 2024
I’m drawn to stories that take place in countries other than my own. This engaging story provides vivid descriptions of places in India as well as Dubia as we follow Shanaya, a young successful career woman, while she navigates the affairs of the heart. Shanaya feels the loss of her dear mother deeply, is concerned about her father now that he is alone, and strives to bring the relationship between her and her sister closer. This story is about relationships; between family, co-workers and friends as Shanaya moves from Dubia to various places in India. Will she find her soul mate; someone she can love and who loves her for who she is? Will she find home? The story made me want to visit India, especially Kerela. I also enjoyed the quotes at the start of each chapter. A recommended read.
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On the downside, my journey from Dhaka to Bangalore was frustrating. I missed the flight from Kolkata to Bangalore due to a change in the Gate. The airline staff called me on my phone 27 minutes before departure. It took me five minutes to reach the gate which was on another floor and at the extreme end of the airport while the gate I was at, was at the opposite end. The staff refused to let me board the flight and said I was late. They said they had announced my name. I wondered if I had gone deaf only to realize that the airport I was at, was a silent airport, so no announcement had been made that could be heard all over the airport.
At the end, I had to buy another ticket that put me back by INR 9325.00. There were others, who missed the flight, and while I wanted to fight their battle ( as they couldn’t afford to buy another ticket), I couldn’t, as the next flight was a hour later and I had to do security check all over again. On the whole it was a frustrating experience. I’ve raised it with the Airline but I haven’t received a reply yet.
I learnt my lesson: I should check the screen with the boarding gates feverishly to ensure that I do not miss a gate change again. The lesson, sadly came to me at a whopping cost of INR 9K!
I wish the process is improved at airports, so someone is there at the gate mentioned on the boarding pass to divert passengers to the changed gate, the staff at the check-in counter remind passengers to check the screen for change rather than simply circling the gate on the boarding pass and telling people to go to the gate at the boarding time. Also a message should be sent to the passenger advising him about the change.
Until these changes see the light of day, it’s a reminder to all of you reading this post to check the screen and on arrival at the gate, confirm with the staff, if it is indeed the gate at which your flight is departing from.
Thank you for listening to me rant. I hope knowing how it works ensures you don’t miss a flight for the reason I’ve mentioned above.
Coming to Thursday Doors, I have three doors this week. These are for the Thursday Doors Challenge, hosted by Dan Antion
That’s all from my side this week. I hope you had a good week.
The book is sadly not available on Amazon. But if it is made available, I will let you know here.
I hope you enjoyed reading this review. Happy Reading to all of you!
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