A week before the trip, during one cloudy afternoon, our office began to buzz with an unusual energy. Colleagues from different projects, all connected through the same programme coordinator, filled our workspace with chatter and anticipation. It was a typical late afternoon, the air was heavy with the citrusy aroma of lime from hurried lunches. Ironically, we had just learned that we would soon be visiting the region known for producing some of Bangladesh’s best citruses, not to mention its world-famous tea. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect. We were informed of our participation in the “Learning and Sharing Workshop” under the “Capacity Strengthening of Multi-Actors to Limit Climate Change Impacts and Enhance Resilience (CAP-RES)” project. The residential workshop was set to take place at the scenic Novem Eco-Resort in Sreemangal, Sylhet. 
On September 2nd, during early morning hours, our group of 32 participants piled into two minibuses and set off for Sylhet, a region celebrated for its rolling hills, dense greenery, its unique crystal rivers, and several springs and waterfalls. Our destination was Sreemangal, renowned for its vast tea plantations and pineapple orchards. Though the roads were far from smooth and our bus driver seemed somewhat unsure of himself, the lively company made the journey enjoyable. After a long, bumpy ride, we finally arrived at Novem Eco-Resort in the late afternoon, hungry but in good spirits after a satisfying brunch at a highway stop called “Ujan Vati.” We reconvened for dinner, where the team laid out the agenda and objectives for the workshop. The primary aim of the workshop was to review the progress of the CAP-RES project over the past 18 months and gather participant feedback to refine the project’s work plan and budget moving forward. Our days in Sreemangal were sweltering, with the humidity hanging thick in the air, but the nights brought with them torrential rain, making the already slippery slopes around the resort even more treacherous. Despite this, the night-time hangouts were a highlight of the trip. Many of us would gather in one of the villas, braving the wet and muddy hills, and stay up chatting until the early hours of the morning. 
The resort itself, spread across multiple hillocks, provided stunning panoramic views but required some serious trekking to get around. Our rooms were perched atop these hills, so moving between the seminar hall, dining area, and other spaces often felt like a mini-hike. But the spectacular scenery, coupled with the camaraderie of colleagues, made it all worthwhile. The workshop officially commenced on September 3rd. The first day kicked off with an overview of the CAP-RES project, setting the tone for the subsequent sessions. Afternoons often included time for sightseeing, allowing us to explore the stunning surroundings of Sreemangal. While most participants ventured out, some also stayed. The evenings also had sessions till it would be dinner time. It was during one of these evening sessions on September 3rd that a new project, “Generating Ambition on Locally-Led Adaptation (GA LLA),” was introduced. GA LLA is set to complement our organization’s ongoing efforts by focusing on locally-driven climate adaptation strategies. This announcement was an exciting addition to the workshop’s agenda, leaving participants eager to see how this new initiative would unfold. 
September 4th brought one of the most enjoyable and engaging sessions of the workshop, with interactive group activities taking place outdoors. A unique mix of team games followed, ranging from a pen-bottle race for the men to a marble race for the women, with everyone later joining in for a lively game of ball-fetch. These activities, while light-hearted, emphasized the collaborative spirit that underpinned the workshop’s goals. The vibrant discussions and group work throughout the day led to critical evaluations of the CAP-RES project, resulting in a wealth of valuable insights and actionable recommendations for future project implementation. With the official business concluded, we spent our final night enjoying each other’s company and reflecting on what had been a highly productive yet fun-filled workshop. The scenic beauty of Sreemangal, coupled with the intellectual and emotional exchanges, made the experience one to remember. 
On the morning of September 5th, after a final breakfast, we packed up and split into the same two buses for our return journey to Dhaka. This time, the driver, perhaps overconfident after the first trip, drove with a bit more recklessness, adding an extra layer of excitement to the already bumpy ride. But despite the twists and turns of both the road and the journey itself, we all made it back safely, filled with nostalgia for the memories we had created in Sreemangal. 
This retreat wasn’t just about learning and sharing—it was about forming connections, deepening our understanding of climate resilience, and enjoying the beauty of nature in one of Bangladesh’s most picturesque regions. It was a trip that left us all inspired, both professionally and personally.
About the Authors: Nishat Tasnim works as a research officer at ICCCAD.
