“Simultaneously noble and squalid, cultured and desperate, Kolkata is a daily festival of human existence. And it’s all played out before your very eyes on teeming streets where not an inch of space is wasted.”
Lonely Planet Kolkata
Nick's mum and dad, and his sister Danielle decided to come to India to see us. It was Danielle's first visit to India and we tried to ease her in gently to a big Indian city by choosing Kolkata. Hopefully it worked!
Waiting at the airport for the big arrival.
One of the few times rules were actually observed in India was only putting four people into a local taxis. At least it gave us a chance to get photos of each other!
Les looked happy to have arrived in Kolkata!
Someone had to have the death seat in the front!
Danielle was happy to make it to the hotel in one piece.
Our first day we spent on a full day city tour, booked through Calcutta walks.
On our way to our first stop we passed this hearse, advertising air conditioned comfort for the coffin!
Our first stop was The Pareshnath-Jain Temple, also known as the Jewel Box of Kolkata.
Back out on the street, this man making a drink from sugar cane was enjoying the attention.
Activities on the pavement were varied!
The highlight of the tour was the flower market!
Everybody was so friendly and did not mind having their photo taken. I asked one guy, “How are you?”
He replied, “I am very kind! Do you like my Kolkata?”
We visited Saint John's church and the most interesting thing about it was the picture of the last super. The painter substituted Judas for the then police chief following a difference of opinion. Imagine his surprise at the unveiling!
Next stop was the Victoria monument.
Nick was no longer the flavour of the month. Everyone wanted their photo taken with his gorgeous younger sister.
'Uncle' Les did not miss out on the action either!
The final destination for the day was Mother Teresa's house. A very moving experience.
We set off on Day two to do a walking tour with Let's Meet Up Tours called 'See the Shops'. It was Dann's turn for the death seat!
The last supper for the goat!
Chicken feet!!!
Trying on a couple of very over priced shirts! Some starting prices were 1200 rupees! He ended up buying them for 175!
Stopping for a chai tea at a roadside stand.
We finally found a store in Sudder street that did not quote ridiculous prices. Thank you Sunshine
Human rickshaws in India are only available in Kolkata. This guy might struggle with the five of us in the back!
On Park street listening intently to our guide. Apparently Nick doesn't believe him!
Team t-shirt photo! Not sure why I am sticking my chest out???
'Uncle' Les was the star again. Being videoed here about what he thought of the tour!
Trying to close the bag before setting off to the airport. Hand luggage size seemed like such a good idea when we bought our packs!
Delayed but still smiling at the airport in Kolkata! The flight to Bagdogra had been cancelled the day before and we had been warned ours may be cancelled too!
Next destination on the tour……Darjeeling.
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