Kolkata

Calcutta is like a work of modern art that neither makes sense nor has utility, but exists for some esoteric aesthetic reason.” – Amit Chaudhuri

Kolkata the prior capital before of India before it was moved to Delhi. The city has a wonderful selection of different style architecture, there is a lot of history to be seen just walking the streets. I was over most tourist things so talking with the guide i modified the itinerary to suite me. So walking the streets of north Kolkata you can see the British, French and Dutch all have influenced the buildings. Many need to be restored the climate makes it difficult and lack of restoration funds makes this a slow process. But you can see it happening

We did visit Mother Teresa house she did a lot for the vulnerable people of Kolkata and is buried at the school she started. Photos were restricted.

I explored the back alleys of Cornwallis Street (Bidhan Sarani) to see the places associated with landmark events and personalities associate with the Bengal Renaissance and later the beginnings of the armed Freedom Movement. The alleys are renowned for bookshops where higher education books can be purchased so many books. I took a quick lunch at the Indian coffee house where the freedom movement meet to strategise independence this had a lot of positive vibes and such atmosphere many students wanted to chat. The food was good but a touch spicy the coffee was hot strong black and sweet

Next day was a chance look at the architecture before having lunch at Mr Bomti home. The street was crowded and I wondered what type of lunch was going to have. The building was classified as a heritage house looked so old the lift was scary and noisey . But once inside it was like a museum of all his wonderful art displayed beautifully. I took a G&T I’m not sure was his measure was but let’s say it was a very large double served in a ballon glass with lots of ice. Lunch was a home cooked Bengali cuisine and it was mildly spicy. The mustard fish was my favourite as was the tomato chutney. I’d recommend everyone visit him for lunch

Sites near Mr Bomti house allowed me to watch some Sunday cricket and see the butcher shop and fish monger there were also many men taking a shower as most homes don’t have bathroom

Last morning I went to the flower market it was amazing so big everyone busy with flowers for temples or special events.

The last site was a visit the Queen Victoria memorial big and grand and to think she didn’t visit India worth a visit