Kolkata

So we went to Kolkata for the wedding reception of our friend Jitu from graduate school.  Sandip and I spent a lot of time discussing the differences between Kolkata and Delhi.  They are both huge, but Kolkata felt more accessible, more small town.  There are less “big sites” to see in Kolkata, and therefore far fewer foreigners.  We also noticed that the streets of Kolkata were clean by comparison to Delhi-trash was here and there, and also in designated trash areas.  Delhi it is far more widespread.  Much like Delhi, Kolkata has some colonial buildings in concentrated areas, some of which are better kept than others.  Both have different types of air pollution-Delhi it is from people burning things to keep warm, Kolkata is from the diesel engines on the cabs and buses.

Wanderings on a Saturday 

On Saturday we walked around the city, got a tour of the Consulate, and had a lovely and very tasty lunch nearby the consulate.  We also saw New Market-put in by the British-an indoor market that has just about everything you could need.  Men followed us around inside either trying to direct us to booths, or offering to carry things we buy for a small fee.  We were just there to look. Here are some pictures from our walk.

 Because the two always go together.

 Street food vendors were everywhere!

 Walking near the Consulate.

 I think I mentioned to some of you that electricity distribution is a problem in India. 

 This guy was just napping on the sidewalk underneath a makeshift tent.

 This is getting a good view of some of the older buildings.

 And men carrying things on their heads in front of St. Thomas church.

 The clock tower outside of New Market-one of those crazy places with a maze inside. (we didn't take any photos inside, sorry!) Built by the British.

Bess and Alex-our gracious hosts-outside the entrance to new market.

 Hard to really see the scaffolding on this, but it was pretty amazing in person.

 Walking along=clean streets!

 The original rickshaw. This is carried by a person in the front (as opposed to a four legged animal) and 1-2 people sit in the back.

Wedding Reception

Many of you know Jitu, our dear friend from Maxwell.  Though he is posted in DRC right now, he had two weddings-one in Nebraska and one in Kolkata where his family lives.  So we were very excited to be able to go to Kolkata.  The wedding reception was at the Taj Bengal, and like I mentioned was pretty well populated.  There is a lovely outdoor garden at which the reception was held.  After the formal events, some of us hit the bar in the hotel and actually there was a really good singer.  The bar was quite fun and I got to spend time talking with Janet’s mom and sister who were awesome.  I did laugh out loud when I heard the first 4 notes of a song.  Sandip asked what I was laughing at…then she starts belting “you know I can’t smile without you!”  I sang along (thank you, I think, mom!)  see pictures below.  

M

Janet and Jitu

Me, Jitu, Sandip

 Scene from the garden

Sunday day

On Sunday we went to the Victoria Memorial in Kolkata.  Lonely Planet tells me that it is like US Capitol meets Taj Mahal and that is about spot on.  Built for Queen Victoria, it wasn't completed until like 20 years after her death.  Inside there is a museum with lots of Kolkata and Indian history and art.  Some of it was better than others, like any museum.  Some of the work was sort of out there not as well preserved as you would expect, but it was still cool.  There was a lot of the goddess Kali-the female counter to Shiva the destroyer.  Haven't looked her up yet, but she was totally someone you want in your corner.

 Us outside the memorial.

 The grounds around the memorial.

Statue (obviously) of what I have no idea.

 Unfortunately a lot of the lights at the memorial were a like this.  Looked like the work of bored kids.

Who doesn't need a good topiary of animals at their memorial?