geographyproject2345

[geographyproject2345]

Final Project

Final Project

Final Project

Saraan Fareez Mamun Sharla Stolhandske

GEOG 100 FIC

08/08/2023

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Vancouver, Canada. Dhaka, Bangladesh, and Paro, Bhutan. Chosen theme: Culture Introduction

History, traditions, ideas, and practices that characterize a civilization form a compelling tapestry called culture. A community's soul reflects its individuality and helps us grasp its essence. On our cultural adventure, we explore Vancouver, Canada; Dhaka, Bangladesh; and Paro, Bhutan. These sites are a microcosm of their areas, with centuries-old customs and lifestyles. Culture, which encompasses human life, is the focus of this task. Shared experiences, ideals, and manifestations form a society's culture. It affects our identities, habits, and feeling of belonging. We want to discover the differences between these three places and the commonalities that unite us by studying their cultures. Vancouver is a model of cultural tolerance on Canada's west coast. This vibrant metropolis blends Coast Salish traditions with global influences. The city's culture reflects its past as a commercial station, Pacific gateway, and cosmopolitan metropolis. From Chinatown and Little Italy to the Punjabi Market, Vancouver's streets are a perfect mix of languages, cuisines, and cultures.

Indigenous art, artifacts, and storytelling are shown at Vancouver's Museum of Anthropology, demonstrating its devotion to Indigenous history. Indigenous performing arts survive thanks to the yearly Coastal First Nations Dance Festival. Diwali, Lunar New Year, and Vaisakhi show the city's tolerance for many cultures. Moving continents, we arrive at Bangladesh's bustling city, Dhaka. With a 1,000-year history, Dhaka proudly displays its culture. Here, old and modern live in dynamic harmony. Ahsan Manzil Palace and Lalbagh Fort symbolize the city's Mughal past, while rickshaw art on the busy streets captures its dynamic creative energy. Bangla, crucial to Bangladesh's liberation, remains central to its culture. Culture

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shapes history, as seen by the Shaheed Minar, which commemorates language movement martyrs.

Visitors may immerse themselves in the native lifestyle in the city's "bazaars," a sensory explosion of colors, noises, and smells. We next go to Bhutan's tranquil Paro valleys. Bhutanese culture and spirituality are embodied in this gorgeous town in the Himalayas (Fry & Chun, 2023). Bhutan's exclusive focus on Gross National Happiness rather than GDP shows its commitment to holistic well-being and cultural preservation.

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Bhutan/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x375b92a573c595cf:0x bb0cac652836bcda?sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj-

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Perched on a cliff, Paro Taktsang, or Tiger's Nest Monastery, is famous. This hallowed location symbolizes Bhutan's spirituality and Buddhist devotion. Bhutan's colorful religious festival Paro Tsechu features traditional dances, rituals, and art, revealing the country's deeply ingrained culture.

Description and discussion of 3 important places

Vancouver, on Canada's Pacific coast, is known for its multiculturalism and cultural variety. The city has a mix of people, languages, and customs. Vancouver is multicultural because people from throughout the world live there. This cultural blend makes Vancouver

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cosmopolitan in its neighborhoods, food, festivals, and everyday life. Vancouver has many diverse cultural places and activities. Chinatown is one of North America's oldest and most significant. Its bustling marketplaces, historic buildings, and genuine restaurants immerse visitors in Chinese culture. Vancouver's English Bay hosts the annual Celebration of Light, an international fireworks competition that attracts thousands. The event's pyrotechnics synced to music symbolize numerous nations and cultures and demonstrate Vancouver's dedication to cultural exchange.

Bangladesh's capital, Dhaka, is rich in history and culture. The city has been crucial to many emperors and kingdoms from ancient times.

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Bangladesh/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x30adaaed80e18ba 7:0xf2d28e0c4e1fc6b?sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjQ2__00s6AAxV_V6QEHd6gD3EQ8gF6BAgtEAA

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Dhaka's architecture, culture, and lifestyle reflect its history. The magnificent Lalbagh Fort captures Dhaka's heritage. Built-in the 17th century during the Mughal Empire, the fort's complex architecture and rich gardens reveal the city's cultural history. Pohela Boishakh, the Bengali New Year, is a boisterous April event. Dhaka's unique culture is celebrated with colorful parades, traditional music, and sumptuous feasts at the opening of the Bengali year.

Paro reflects Bhutan's cultural preservation and Gross National Happiness (GNH) focus. Bhutan's architecture, dress, and lifestyle reflect its cultural uniqueness. Bhutanese society is

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shaped by GNH, a development concept that values well-being above money. The annual Paro Tshechu religious festival is a major cultural event in Bhutan. It draws residents and visitors with colorful mask dances, ceremonies, and shows. The event connects individuals to their spiritual origins via religion and culture. Bhutanese Gross National Happiness promotes sustainable development, environmental protection, and citizen well-being. Vancouver, Dhaka, and Paro provide different perspectives on culture and tradition. Vancouver's multiculturalism and cultural events show its variety, Dhaka's monuments and customs show its history, and Paro's dedication to cultural preservation and happiness exemplifies Bhutan's development model. These locations demonstrate the depth and variety of culture, making them significant destinations for tourists exploring human civilization.

Impact on the chosen places

Culture is the dynamic web of human experiences, connections, and endeavors that define a place. This essay examines cultural influences in Vancouver, Dhaka, and Paro, Bhutan. Each city has a unique story of how individuals like me developed its rich culture. Vancouver's unique culture is shaped via personal connections. Residents engage, creating a cosmopolitan metropolis of cultures, languages, and ideas. As a Vancouver cultural activist, I've observed how personal experiences influence the city. Interacting with varied people has helped me appreciate Vancouver's diversity.

Vancouver is lucky to have cultural events. I've hosted ethnic celebrations to celebrate community traditions. Several groups present music, dance, and cuisine at the Vancouver Cultural Fusion Festival. These programs foster intercultural understanding and tolerance. Vancouver has altered culture by encouraging inclusiveness and dialogue. Diversity has shattered stereotypes and crossed obstacles. Sharing stories and cultures in Vancouver has promoted

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diversity and respect (Curran & Dolkarb, 2022). Dhaka, Bangladesh's capital, is historical and cultural. Exploring its culture has enhanced my connection to the city and its people. Visiting Old Dhaka markets and chatting with local crafters taught me about the city's culture. Cultural experiences in Dhaka transformed me. Local artists and crafters helped me save ceramics and weaving. These projects preserve culture and enhance the local economy.

Through cultural exchange and preservation, my Dhaka experiences have molded its culture. By supporting local artists and customs, I have preserved Dhaka's past while embracing modernization. Bhutan's magnificent scenery makes Paro a unique cultural experience. Bhutanese culture shaped my values. Gross National Happiness and human-nature harmony define my perspective. Cultural exchange and collaboration in Paro have broadened my worldwide view. My culture and local celebrations have promoted cross-cultural dialogue and learning, strengthening the links to the Bhutan world. I recognize my Paro interactions and experiences are cultural. The links, stories, and love for Bhutanese traditions foster cross-cultural understanding. Personal experiences and interactions may transform city cultures in a connected world. Cultural engagement and variety power Vancouver, Dhaka, and Paro. These cities flourish as global cultural hubs where personal stories, collaborative projects, and open-minded connections combine with collective narratives.

The Story in The Context of Geography Concepts

Space, location, and region help us comprehend how physical surroundings affect human activities and civilizations. Explore how Vancouver, Canada, Dhaka, Bangladesh, and Paro, Bhutan exemplifies these concepts: Vancouver exemplifies urban space. This enormous metropolis sits between the Pacific Ocean and the Coast Mountain Range. The physical layout and infrastructure influence urban space, affecting people's movement and interaction. The

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various Vancouver neighborhoods of Chinatown, Little Italy, and Punjabi Market each contribute to the cultural environment. The place is shown in how Gastown and Yaletown have separate identities owing to their history or urban development. Vancouver's skyscrapers, parks, international cuisine, and festivals give residents and tourists a feeling of place.

Vancouver is part of North America's Pacific Northwest. Stanley Park's rainforests, seashore beaches, and mountains give the city its regional character. Additionally, its closeness to the US border has led to economic and cultural relations with adjacent American communities. Dhaka, one of the world's densest cities, exemplifies urban congestion. The Buriganga River restricts the city's size. Rapid urbanization and population increase have caused vertical and horizontal expansion through high-rise structures and adjacent regions. Dhaka's neighborhoods, such as Old Dhaka, with its antique buildings and bustling marketplaces, reflect the place. Each neighborhood has cultural and social value, shaping the metropolis. The tiny alleys, busy bazaars, and traditional buildings depict Dhaka's past and present. Dhaka's regional prominence comes from being Bangladesh's capital and economic center. A hub of government, business, and culture, it links the nation.

Paro is a unique cultural zone owing to its individuality and preservation of traditional traditions. Bhutan's Gross National Happiness program emphasizes cultural and environmental integrity. Paro's Himalayan scenery defines its culture and how people connect with it. The regard for Paro's cultural icons, including the clifftop Paro Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) monastery, shows the location. These spiritual and historical sites make the area unique. Bhutan's focus on cultural distinctiveness has led to intentional seclusion from other influences, changing the region's meaning. Bhutan's regional identity as a symbol of cultural preservation and sustainable

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development in a rapidly changing world is strengthened by Paro. Migration and demographic trends shape Vancouver, Dhaka, and Paro's cultures:

Vancouver: Migration shaped the city's diverse culture. Asian, European, and other immigrants have enriched Vancouver's culture with their customs and languages. Chinatown and Punjabi Market honor Chinese and Punjabi contributions. This multiculturalism has contributed to gastronomic fusion, heritage festivals, and a multicultural mindset. Dhaka: Bangladesh's metropolis has seen rural migrants seeking economic possibilities. This inflow has shaped the city's diverse terrain with rural and urban cultures. Traditional and urban lives influence architecture, gastronomy, and social standards. This influx has caused informal settlements and infrastructural pressures.

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Dhaka,+Bangladesh/@23.7808405,90.419689,12z/d ata=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x3755b8b087026b81:0x8fa563bbdd5904c2!8m2!3d23.804093!4d9

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Paro: Bhutan's isolationist policy has preserved its culture by limiting migration. However, economic forces are driving rural-to-urban migration. Paro's culture is changing as more Bhutanese youngsters leave agriculture.

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https://www.google.com/maps/place/Paro,+Bhutan/@27.3996499,89.437251,13z/data=! 3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x39e19de85a6c39b7:0x1fa780f5a070190!8m2!3d27.428684!4d89.41636

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Maintaining cultural roots while accepting economic progress is difficult. Vancouver, Dhaka, and Paro demonstrate how geography and culture are linked. These localities accept their surroundings, form different identities, and contribute to regional contexts. Population dynamics and migration influence their cultures, stressing the relationship between human mobility and cultural change.

The personal impact of selected locales

Vancouver, on Canada's west coast, thrives on its ethnic variety.

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Canada/@56,- 96,3z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x4b0d03d337cc6ad9:0x9968b72aa2438fa5!8m2!3d56.1303

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My worldview and admiration for diverse cultures have been shaped by the mosaic tapestry spun by ethnic populations. I encountered a variety of languages, cuisines, cultures, and worldviews on Vancouver's busy streets. This encounter opened my eyes to new viewpoints that enhanced my life. Vancouver's many cultures allowed me to meet individuals from different backgrounds. Conversations with other people showed me the richness of different beliefs, practices, and traditions. The lively Chinatown, Little Italy, and Punjabi Market revealed others' lifestyles. These experiences taught me to appreciate diversity and realize that humanity is more important than culture (Roman, 2018).

My Vancouver experiences helped me grow personally. Exposure to diverse cultures forced me to face my preconceptions. This self-examination challenged my preconceptions, encouraging empathy and humility. The city's focus on inclusivity and tolerance allowed me to express myself without criticism. Through this, I learned the value of constant learning and flexibility for personal progress. Vancouver allowed individuals from many countries to bond. These interactions shaped my identity. Sharing tales, meals, and experiences with people from quite diverse backgrounds broadened my worldview. These interactions reminded us that our narratives are intertwined and that our links form us.

Dhaka, Bangladesh, is a vibrant cultural hub that has shaped my identity and belonging. From its bustling marketplaces to its ancient landmarks, Dhaka is full of history and tradition, revealing an intriguing and transformational world. Exploring Dhaka's culture was like travelling across time. The city's history is remembered through Ahsan Manzil and Shaheed Minar. Immersing myself in traditional music, art, and food gave me a feeling of belonging to a place that, despite its differences, shared my beliefs and experiences. The friendliness and hospitality of Dhaka residents strengthened this relationship.

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I experienced significant realizations while walking through Dhaka's busy streets. The city's resiliency, the contrast of technology and history, and people's steadfast spirit taught me to accept change while respecting the past. I learned that unity and variety are strong during religious holidays, which changed my view of societal cohesiveness. I learned to appreciate simplicity and personal connection in Dhaka. I learned the significance of human contact in dynamic marketplaces, where merchants welcome customers warmly. My appreciation for education and spirituality shaped my view of lifelong learning and reflection. Dhaka's tenacity and the people's commitment to retain their tradition despite modernization reminded me of the value of roots.

Paro, amid Bhutan's beautiful countryside, prioritizes happiness and spiritual well-being. Paro changed my life, helping me develop and connect with this magical nation's culture. Bhutan's Gross National Happiness (GNH) ideology challenged my achievement standards. I like the focus on overall well-being, community, and environmental care. The peaceful monasteries and prayer flags in the air made me rethink my contentment. I discovered myself in Paro's tranquillity. I discovered peace in reflection away from contemporary distractions. My program included mindfulness and meditation from Bhutan, which helped me gain self- awareness and purpose.

Bhutanese culture has shaped my health. The happiness, mindfulness, and environmental connection I learned in Paro have shaped my life. The feeling of connectivity with myself and the world has changed my priorities, creating a more balanced and satisfying existence. Vancouver's cultural richness, Dhaka's rich legacy, and Paro's focus on well-being have shaped my worldview. These three destinations have helped me develop, extend my viewpoint, and find

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my identity. Learning and connecting in these varied places continue to influence my self- discovery and personal satisfaction.

Interconnectivity of the places and experiences

Cultural tapestries are constantly changing due to numerous influences. Exploring the connections between Vancouver, Dhaka, and Paro reveals surprising linkages. Personal experiences in each area have illuminated the cultural and global factors that define our environment. These encounters have made me realize cultural connections and their tremendous influence on my thoughts. Multiculturalism is evident in Vancouver, a booming coastal city in Canada. Its diversified population matches the city's thriving food scene, which offers international cuisine. Dhaka, Bangladesh's capital, has a diverse cuisine that reflects its past as a cultural hub. On the Bhutanese Himalayas, Paro has a unique cultural identity founded on Buddhist traditions and stunning scenery.

Despite their distances, all three locations have mixed cultures. Global influences assisted by technology are partly to blame. Social media and easy travel have facilitated the cross-border interchange of ideas, art, and customs. Vancouver's Chinatown, for instance, blends Chinese and Western cultures, echoing Dhaka's Silk Road commercial history. Traditional Bhutanese architecture and contemporary influences in Paro demonstrate the worldwide tapestry of civilizations. I've been lucky to live in Vancouver, Dhaka, and Paro and experience their unique cultures. Each location has molded my viewpoint. Vancouver exposed me to a "cultural mosaic," where variety is valued and adds to the city's vibrancy. This attitude shaped my visits to Dhaka, where diversity was celebrated despite problems. The busy streets of Dhaka's Old Town and Vancouver's Gastown reflect their metropolitan vibrancy.

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My stay in Paro was different yet complementary. Bhutan's serenity and strong spiritual undercurrents reminded me of mindfulness, which I learned at Vancouver's yoga facilities. This contrast helped me realize how common ideals vary by culture. The Bhutanese devotion to the environment and Vancouver's dedication to sustainability made me realize the need for connectedness in Paro. Reflecting on these interrelated cultural experiences shows that common ideals, historical linkages, and cross-cultural exchanges weave our global civilization. Vancouver, Dhaka, and Paro show that civilizations are nodes in a vast network of human experience. The popularity of yoga studios in Vancouver and Dhaka and the enthusiasm for local handicrafts in Paro and Vancouver's artisan markets show these linkages.

This connection has drawbacks. The fast spread of global influences might eclipse local customs. It's important to remember that civilizations change. Global and local influences produce dynamic cultural manifestations that reflect our changing reality. Dhaka's rich art scene, influenced by global trends yet grounded in local storytelling, exemplifies this delicate balance. Vancouver, Dhaka, and Paro represent global culture (Quainton, 2022). The features and global influences that link these sites demonstrate the power of human contact, communication, and invention. My experiences in each area have deepened my knowledge of this interconnectivity, proving that cultural exchange is two-way. As I travel, I am reminded that each connection adds to the mosaic of cultures, creating greater understanding and a more integrated human experience.

Conclusion

In Vancouver, Canada; Dhaka, Bangladesh; and Paro, Bhutan, we explored the unique fabric of culture and geography, learning how they impact human experiences and worldviews. The investigation has shown how interconnected we are as a varied global society, encouraging

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everyday experiences and opinions across borders. Vancouver, known for its diversity and natural beauty, was our starting point. We found a happy cohabitation of many cultures that strengthen the city's personality. The mix of cultures and religions has created a thriving cultural landscape with festivals, foods, and art from across the globe. We next went to Dhaka, a city that embodies Bangladesh's history and perseverance. We saw old customs and new goals blend in the rush and bustle, capturing the nation's history to the present. Finally, we enjoyed Bhutan's Gross National Happiness ideology at Paro. Preserving Bhutanese customs in stunning settings showed how the environment affects culture. We learned that culture and geography shape individual experiences and views throughout our journey. Exposure to many cultures in Vancouver fosters tolerance and understanding. Dhaka's dynamic interplay between tradition and modernity forces citizens to question their identity in a changing world. Paro's natural scenery and spiritual focus have fostered a contented and harmonious lifestyle. Culture and geography blend to foster personal development and a better understanding of the world. As we finish our trip, interconnectedness emerges. Vancouver, Dhaka, and Paro are separated by distance, but their human experience is not. Culture and location show how intertwined our world is. Each city's distinctiveness weaves human civilization. Vancouver's multiculturalism festival shows how people from different countries can coexist. Dhaka's lively mix of old and new shows the worldwide battle to retain cultural identity despite modernization. Pero's emphasis on spiritual well-being reminds us that all humans seek meaning and satisfaction, whatever of culture.

Culture and location are more than labels or geographic markers; they offer life flavor, color, and significance. They give us a feeling of identity and belonging, helping us connect with people and the world. The vast human experience is shown by Vancouver, Dhaka, and Paro's diverse cultures. These expressions reveal people's values, history, and goals. As we stand at the

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intersection of these three locations, we see the necessity of honoring cultural variety. An aesthetically and emotionally fascinating tapestry is created by sharing ideas, customs, and experiences. As the globe grows more linked, we must value our humanity. Understanding and valuing the cultures and locations influencing people worldwide strengthens our relationships as a varied but cohesive global society. The trip to Vancouver, Dhaka, and Paro reaffirmed that our shared story transcends our tales. Culture and place celebrate the kaleidoscope of humankind. These cities teach us to be open, adaptive, and polite and discover beauty in our world's variety. Each culture is a thread that weaves our ordinary existence.

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References Currana, D., & Dolkarb, T. (2022). Legal pluralism and environmental governance: the regulatory

design potential of Bhutan's gross national happiness and Canada's reconciliation

approaches. Fry, G. W., & Chun, H. (2023). Happiness Education. Happiness Education: Holistic Learning for

Sustainable Well-Being. Quainton, A. C. (2022). Eye on the World: A Life in International Service. U of Nebraska Press. Roman, M. (2018). The Internationalization of Teacher Education Faculty in Two Global Cities: A

Case Study of Two Universities in New York and Hong Kong. Seton Hall University.