BANGLADESH 1997
In 1997 I had the privilege of working as a volunteer in a field hospital (eye-clinic) in a remote village, called Kachua-Hat, in northern Bangladesh. My duties varied from illustrating a book and teaching materials to assisting with eye surgery! (I managed not to faint).
It was an overwhelming experience. Staying in a tiny village where most people hadn't seen a white European person before (except in the cinema, with all the prejudice about 'loose Western women' and 'being up for anything' that entailed... there were some groping attempts).
One couldn't even go for an evening walk to watch the sun set without all inhabitants of the village (as well as some cows, goats and stray dogs) following.
But it was a life-changing experience. I fell in love with Bangladesh and its people!