I left Singapore after leaving loads of my personal things especially cutlery which was home warming gift from my sister. I took a photo of it for memories. I was not in a position to carry excess baggage and Silkair was strict. Flight was uneventful as I was angry at the helpless of my situation. This changed when I entered the brand new Kolkata airport. It was clean and tidy. My check in luggage arrived in a jiffy and I was so delighted to meet my cousin at Kolkata airport. At home, my bed was ready and I went off to sleep.
Next day was famous Arsalan Biryani day with cousins. Subsequently, we visited Nehru Doll museum and to spot the exact location on google map, I had to turn my cell phone upside down! It has beautiful collection of dolls from all over the world. This was followed by a boating trip on the tranquil lifeline of Kolkata, the Hugli river and watch the sunset. Then a trip to the famous Victoria memorial and watch the fat, black queen sitting on the statue against the white marble palace. One evening
was set aside for Millennium park full of joy rides with my little nephew and sister. Then there was preparation for silver wedding anniversary of my maternal uncle and we presented a small cultural programme. A shopping trip to Gariahat market to buy clothes and jewellery cannot be missed. There was family get together on Bengali New Year day followed by lunches and dinners with my extended family. All my uncles are elderly people. It was a joy to gaze at artwork of my aunt during her college days and I can now gather how her daughter became one of the most renowned artists in Calcutta. For my father's birthday, we had delicious authentic Bengali food at one of the simpler restaurants (since it came from my budget) but the food was the best in Calcutta! Dad did not even wait for photo but attacked food (Dab Chingri- Jumbo size) right away. My uncle's birthday was on the same day and there was a cake cutting ceremony.
After seeing off my sister at the Howrah railway station, I took ferry to cross the Hugli back to Calcutta and take a bus home. Midway, it suddenly stopped and I realised the driver and conductor wanted to have tea. I hailed the hawker to get me one as well.
Ordinary people easily cheat others to gain a few ruppees. This ranges from the taxi driver to restaurant owners as they believe that others are the more privileged than them and can afford to spare. Beggars start their day by begging. Did they not think of a more respectable profession? Some domestic helpers take the easy way out if they are not closely supervised. People are addicted to smoking tobacco in large proportions. People encroach upon foot paths, lands and houses without a thought to the owner. Boundaries between people are lacking and many people think it is their right to claim what they deem fit.