So we finally arrived Boga Lake after 6 hours of climbing up and down various terrains. It's called a lake, but more like a small pond, especially to someone who was brought up in a riverine country.My first reaction was: Whoa, I shaved my legs for THIS?
Couple of things you should know if you're planning to travel there.
First, all 14 of us were cooped in one (albeit big) room.
Second, you are expected to bring your own mosquito net (Bandarban is a malaria prone area). They provide blankets and pillows, though.
Third, no shower or running water. You shower in the lake. Your soap and skin sheddings feed the 14 species of fish roaming in it. Must be why the Tilapia fish tasted so great.
Fourth, no toilet either. There's a hole with two planks on top of it (to preserve your shoes?) but the smell deters you from using (utilizing?) it.
Fifth, a fairly large number of cattle are tied to trees outside your cottage. They sit, ruminate their food, and give you the lazy eye as if they are Tony Scarface, and you're the one fresh off the boat. No, you can't eat them. You only get to step on their manure when you're trying to discreetly answer the call of nature at midnight.
Sixth, the typical dinner is rice, boiled whole cabbage, fried egg and fried Tilapia fish. If you're vegetarian, like five of us are, bring your own food. Breakfast comprised of boiled egg, stale bun, and some jelly which I luckily refrained from.
Seventh, there is NOTHING to do after sundown. We had dinner at 7 and by 8pm, we were all in bed.
Which I was happy to do after an overnight bus ride and six hours of climbing.
Woke up early the day I died. But that's another entry.
