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Published: November 17th 2004
We have arrived! We may have been delayed for 2 hours but we finaly landed in Kolkata. We found out just before we left the UK that there was a general transport strike in the city and that no buses, trains or the metro were operational, so our first experience of India was being well and truely fleeced by a dodgy cab driver!! We then headed to Sudder Street (the centre of cheap tourist hostels) and it was as if we were the only paying tourists they had seen this year! One after another we were offered the cheapest/cleanest/most honest hotels in the area (not to mention the quickest taxi rides and the nicest milkshakes). We finaly agreed on a nice 'mid range' hotel called the 'Crystal' which by terms of mid range, means it has a flushing toilet (just), a TV (only Indian channels) and a shower (kinda).
We had a quick kip as neither of us managed to sleep much on the plane, and then (against all sane judgement) went off to explore.
We wandered down to the Victoria Memorial, a rather grand building in honour of our very own Queen Vicky! (photos to follow, forgot to bring the USB out with us). Walking around the city was quite intimidating at times as being fair and blonde makes me stand out like a sore thumb. Even with my cap on and hiding behide dark glasses, we couldn't get away from the stares, comments and get this, people wanting to have their photo taken with me(oh, and Rich)!!!!!
We are now back in the safety of Sudder Street (yes I said safety, this ramshackle street now seems so relaxed and laid back compared to further afield). We have decided that Kolkata is maybe just one step too far on the side of extreme traveling and are jumping on the next available train to Nepal. Just wanted to let you all know that we are safe and well. Hope all is good at home, love to you all
Bex & Rich
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anonymous
non-member comment
Hi Big Sis and Little Richard!
I am truly green! I'm just about to prepare for another day of crazy 6 year olds and you guys are heading for Nepal! Sorry about the usb...but you have a reading light! Really glad you're both grand, missing you like... (in the words of Jenna)...a hole in the head! Think about it, a holeless head is crap! Love ya, Wee Rosie xxxxxxxxxxx everyone is cool at home xxxxxx