KolkataHighlights: * Colonial architecture - Kolkata reminded us of Old Shanghai. Its many British colonial architecture around the BBD Bagh area are as grand as the bund in Shanghai. However, many buildings are not well preserved at all. Rain and smoke from street dwellers polluted much of the facets and the contrast of architecture and current use is disheartening. On a different note, many couples find a private moment under umbrellas in Victoria memorial garden, which wasn't interesting until there was an umbrella under every tree, and every bush! * Public transportation - We were impressed with the availability of ecomonic and efficient public transportations such as ferries and the Metro Underground. Each trip only costed 4-8 Rupees per person one way, and was very efficient compared to any ground transportation. * Running into the communist party gather - Having grown up in China in the 80s, we recognized the event right away. We decided to check it out... red flags, ribbons, loud speakers, the whole nine yards! It was as grand as any party gather can be, perhaps the best representation of communist India. * The locals' morning rituals - We started our day with a walking around the BBD Bagh area experienced the locals' customs: - shaving and haircuts (many get this done on the street) * Chinese restaurants - It has been more than a week since we had any Chinese food, and we were craving for it. We had backed out from a Chinese restaurant earlier because we did not like the smoke and liquor filled rooms, but decided to try again. When we opted not to have the buffet in Mainland China restaurant, the waiter sent for the head chef, who recently came from Shanghai. He was so happy to see us and talked to us as if he hadn't talked to anyone in years. Needless to say, he was happy to cook for us as we appreciated his cooking, and we got to satisfy our cravings. |