Travel day number 2. It is quite a long way from South Africa to India, especially Kolkata.
After our flight delay in Nairobi, we eventually landed in India. First to Mumbai and then we took another flight to the other side of India, to Kolkata.
We were amazed to see how big, beautifully decorated, organised and calm Mumbai airport was. Far different to what we remembered from past trips to India.
In Kolkata we saw the same relaxed atmosphere. Everyone smartly dressed and calmly going about their business. No hussle and bussle, noise or persistent touts. This threw us a little. Had India changed that much?
Well, we soon discovered ... No, not all of it. We caught 'the Volvo air con bus' to the Esplanade. The journey began well. No traffic, no horns - very nice. As we approached the centre, what a change occured.
Traffic chaos, unbelievable congestion and horns came next. Welcome to Kolkata, India just as we remember. Welcome back!
At the Esplanade we departed the bus into what can only be described as mayhem. Cars everywhere, people everywhere, dogs everywhere. How were we ever going to cross the main roads to look for a hotel! We followed the locals lead ... took a deep breath and made a run for it.
We checked out a few places, some clean and expensive, some cheaper but hardly habitable. We decided we had to pay a little more than we wanted and settled on a well recommended place we had heard of.
Our room is on the 4th floor of an ageing colonial building with a vintage lift and a friendly liftman. It has a pretty roof terrace overlooking central Kolkata.
Finding food came next. After 3 airplane meals, we searched the streets of Kolkata for something new to eat. We settled on a roll/pancake, each filled with vegetables and paneer (cheese, like feta). We watched closely as the pancake was made, then filled with toppings and rolled.
Bed next. We need to sleep, although it is so hot and humid here, let's hope we can!
After our flight delay in Nairobi, we eventually landed in India. First to Mumbai and then we took another flight to the other side of India, to Kolkata.
We were amazed to see how big, beautifully decorated, organised and calm Mumbai airport was. Far different to what we remembered from past trips to India.
In Kolkata we saw the same relaxed atmosphere. Everyone smartly dressed and calmly going about their business. No hussle and bussle, noise or persistent touts. This threw us a little. Had India changed that much?
Well, we soon discovered ... No, not all of it. We caught 'the Volvo air con bus' to the Esplanade. The journey began well. No traffic, no horns - very nice. As we approached the centre, what a change occured.
Traffic chaos, unbelievable congestion and horns came next. Welcome to Kolkata, India just as we remember. Welcome back!
At the Esplanade we departed the bus into what can only be described as mayhem. Cars everywhere, people everywhere, dogs everywhere. How were we ever going to cross the main roads to look for a hotel! We followed the locals lead ... took a deep breath and made a run for it.
We checked out a few places, some clean and expensive, some cheaper but hardly habitable. We decided we had to pay a little more than we wanted and settled on a well recommended place we had heard of.
Our room is on the 4th floor of an ageing colonial building with a vintage lift and a friendly liftman. It has a pretty roof terrace overlooking central Kolkata.
Finding food came next. After 3 airplane meals, we searched the streets of Kolkata for something new to eat. We settled on a roll/pancake, each filled with vegetables and paneer (cheese, like feta). We watched closely as the pancake was made, then filled with toppings and rolled.
Bed next. We need to sleep, although it is so hot and humid here, let's hope we can!