Computer and So on

This morning I had a bunch of email from folks through CouchSurfing in Bangladesh about where to go to get my computer all patched up.. So, early on I caught a CNG over to a part of town I'd never been to (a kind man on the street translated for me with the driver, who had no idea where to go).

When we arrived (twice as long as I thought it would be, of course) he dropped me off and I looked around.  Hmm... I don't see any big electronics megaplexy kind of thing... awww man...

I walked over to the nearest policeman (I seemed to be in an area of the local police and military and coast guard offices) and showed him the name of the place (it's an English name, BCS Computer City), and he nodded and by charades (damn I'm getting lots of practice with that game!) told me how to get there.

So, I walk along as he's directed me.

The fathead.

As I turn the corner I am curious about where one might hide a 10-story office building along an area of road that looks much like a slum shantytown, but I figured Oh well, I'm sure he wouldn't send me the wrong way, and kept walking.  Ha.

Goats and cows began to line the streets again (never something you find around new/modern stores in my experience), and slowly there were fewer people wearing shoes, fewer people in business attire, and fewer places to step without walking in something icky (downside of flip-flops!).

Alright, so fathead has obviously sent me the wrong way, but I don't want to attract double the attention by walking by the same groups of people who are poking their heads out to watch me, so I decide to walk around the block and back to where I started - it's nice out, I'm in no rush!

I get around the block and find a group of policemen, this time in different uniforms, this time finding one that speaks English.  He says, "Oh, no problem! It's that building right there!", pointing across the field (in the OPPOSITE direction from where fathead told me to go) at a tall concrete building I would have thought was apartments.

I thanked him, and turned a cocked eyebrow to fathead who standing not far from me, watching us chat.  I pointed at the tower, then at my piece of paper and then gave him a look and shook my finger at him, tsk! tsk!!  He shrugged and giggled.  His partner slapped him in the back of the head (thank you!).

What, did he think the slums were gonna freak me out? Seriously?!


Dude, get a clue...

So I walked up and over a block and found my way to Gateway-Tech in the BCS Computer City.  I had to have my bag scanned upon entering the tower, there was airport-like security (not exactly sure WHAT that was about, really) and then I easily found my way to the shop thanks to my CS friend.  His pal was there, spoke English (woooooohooo!) and laughed at me with a raised eyebrow when he saw that I'd already taken it apart and removed the screen.

Whaaaaat??  I needed to find the part number!!!

He took me to a nearby parts booth and they said they could get the part.  He'll order it in for me, and it will be ready by Thursday morning for Tk9,500, about $130CAD.

Rock on, says this happy cat.  Back in business soon!