Longest Beach.20
I can’t say that I *know* this, but my instinct strongly tells me that the pine trees planted along much of the coastline in Cox’s Bazar district are the result of a program to resist coastal erosion. They do not seem at all haphazard, but instead regularly spaced in the manner of trees I’ve seen on tree farms around the world. On a recent beach walk I chatted with a colleague, who at first said he didn’t much like the trees – after all they’re not the most beautiful of trees and they do shield the beach view from a distance. I pointed out what I thought it meant about mature, evidence-based government policy to use what is likely a well-chosen type of tree (I’m betting these trees tolerate sandy, salty and windy growing conditions quite well) used as a bulwark against rising seas in a nation that’s really quite at risk. One could compare that favorably to the mature, evidence-based policy-development skills of certain other nations or national leaders, could one not? 🙂
Longest Beach.15
My daily posts of photos were interrupted by internet connectivity problems. Since I have a firm ambition to post once per day, I may make up the three lost days by posting a few extras over the coming few days, if I can manage. Thanks SO much to my loyal readers and commentators – special recognition to Steve & Diane in particular :-).
Longest Beach.14
I believe that this is actually an earring. When I first saw it in the water, I wondered if those were eggs and if it was some kind of seed pod or something. Now I’m fairly confident it’s an earring, another sign of human impact on the local beach. Look closely and you’ll notice this is also a bit of a reflection-selfie :-). And below, our little lost earring in context:
Longest Beach.9
I began my regular beach walks during the end-of-year lull, when many domestic tourists (Cox’s is a major national tourist destination) chose to stay home before the elections. I’ve realized in the past week how many more people are back on the beach: not only do I see more people, I also see more signs of people and their stuff: cigarette packs, shopping bags, discarded clothing. Yesterday was the second monthly beach cleanup, an initiative from the UN & NGO community here to help clean up the longest sandy beach and show support for the local community. It’s also a fun way to meet new people and still get in a nice beach walk! 🙂
Longest Beach.8
Yesterday I saw a few purple shells for the first time. I’d never seen them on my walks here before!
(so much world, so little time....) 