Mike's in Kolkata too

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Friday

Picked Mike up at the airport--the plane was about 1/2 hour early, even! The car's front right tire got a puncture on the way to the airport but the driver changed it in no time and we were back on our way. A very steady, careful driver but I was afraid that the suitcase might be bigger than the car. No worry, it fit just fine.

He was able to sleep in a bit, we had tea and jam toast, wandered around campus (track & field day), went to the Deputy Registrar's Office and visited with him. The staff were still chanting, in a time-honored tradition of demonstration. A bird pooped on Sue's shirt so we went back, changed, and meandered a bit more. Had a nice lunch at the guest house, at the tale end of the seminar attendees. Then walked down to the Adult & Continuing Ed Building (pics from the top floor of the gardens and theatre).

After a bit of a rest (this has been such a taxing day...), we took a ride to the new South City Mall --so we could see some of the 'other' India. Depressingly like every mall in America except with some traditionally Indian clothing styles in the stores. Lots of the same stores--Nike, Reebok, Levi's, Guess, Benetton and some British/Indian ones that we've not seen yet (at least not in Harrisonburg).

As we left, there was quite a commotion in the front of the building--they've been putting up store signs all week and there was a short-circuit in one they were working on today. They were still using a fire extinguisher and were pulling off plastic pieces as we left.

Dinner at Sushil's again tonight--this time I had my camera all charged up! Had wonderful appetizers, including vegetable pokara, and dinner featuring two fish, including pomfrit, which was new to us. Wonderful evening!

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Photos

Puncture!
Got a flat tire on the way to the airport - the driver quickly changed it but the mosquitos were pretty thick as we waited.

High Jump
I think they pitted the Geology dept vs the Chemical Engineers, etc.

Student snack bar or cafeteria
Everyone has the same lunch break time, I believe

Batting Practice
For cricket, silly!

Gardens on campus
Taken from the top floor of the Adult Ed building.

Amphitheatre
also taken from up in the Adult Ed building, during visit there this afternoon.

Milonda
across from the bookstore on campus, another spot for students to gather for lunch.

Using the scaffolding
Again, from the Adult Ed building

New South City condos
Four towers, each 40 stories, with luxury condos.

South City Mall
new mall, only open about 12 weeks. many storefronts are not yet open and the food court is still getting set up. Part of the "other" Kolkata.

South City Mall
from above the TV towards the front

Looking down
from the 3rd floor, opposite the food court

Flowers
Marigolds and roses floating in a huge bowl--not something you'll find in malls I'm used to!

Group of us
Including a professor of economics, my host's advisor and friend, a very companionable addition to the group!

Comments

[Jeff]

Hey Mike
How's the beer over there? Are you going to contribute to the blog too? I'll be checking...

[avinash sharma]

biggest shopping mall in kolkata city
i like to go south city mall............

[zahir khan]

I AM PROUD OF MY KOLKATA
very good looking . we want another south city mall in haridevpur

[siddhant chatterjee]

SOUTH CITY-THE BEST MALL IN ASIA
I visit the south city mall very often and it is the best mall that i have ever seen!!!