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Josh took this photo of me waiting on the platform of the New Delhi Railway Station with all of our luggage as we learned that the train would be 5 hours late. I was warned this might happen and at this point in the vacation we were both more that used to things in India – which is to say trains do not run on time, they get there, but often hours late. I was told it is better to fly, but the train offers a place to sleep overnight, pretty good food, and a little adventure.
Josh @ Lunch Time on Sealdah Rajdhani Express. After over 15 hours together in this little rail car, we were giggling at just about anything. Eating, napping, reading, music, and watching the landscape killed the time. A great way to go – once.
My Name Is Khan was a controversy while we were in India. My understanding is that SRK, the main character in the movie, is Indian and a Muslim. He owns a cricket team and commented on how Pakistani players were not allowed or asked – not certain – to be on the Indian teams. A right wing party wanted to boycott his movie over this comment. It was advertised very heavily all over India.
Victoria Memorial Hall in the heart of Kolkta. It sits in the middle of a large garden and contains interesting exhibits on the history of Bengal, West Bengal and the formation of Bangladesh. I also learn that the first non-European Nobel Laureate came from West Bengal.
Esplanade Mansion in Kolkata. All I have been able to figure out is that it was built in 1910 by Martin and Co and josh says it is Art Nouveau (and he knows his architecture). It would also seem that it was built by a Jewish family of Syrian descent.
The Lion Capital of Ashoka on the side of the Writers Building in Kolkata. I started to become obsessed with this national symbol of India. It is both historically interesting and pretty.
Royal Insurance Building in the heart of Kolkata. This scene in many ways sums up what Kolkata looks like. You have a beautiful old building that is also interesting in its decay with people selling color items on the sidewalk and driving by is an old cab.
Just another random street fire. People seem to cook, warm and dispose of trash this way right in the middle of busy streets.
A panoramic view of a central part of Kolkata attempting to give you a feal for how it is there. Kolkata turned out to be a favorite of both of us. I am not sure either of us knew, but it is charming in so many ways and people tended to leave us alone. That allowed for more relaxing wandering around. I even haggled a few things in the market and bough a coupe books.
Sorry Josh, but this is the only proof we ate real India kati rolls. After wandering through the New Market, which was behind our hotel, we took a friend’s advice and gave them a try.
In the final hours of an amazing trip to India for both work and to celebrate one year with Josh we deiced to sit by the pool, think about how it was 50 degrees colder back home, and relax before the long trek home.
To browse the entire set of photographs from this trip starting with the photos of Kolkata please see my SmugMug album.