Kolkata - a restless city.

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We have a special family interest in Kolkata as Lynne was brought up with stories of the city and of the Grand Hotel here. Her father, who was in Burma in the WW2, was in the 5th Indian Division of the army. When he was given leave he came to Kolkata and on one occasion spent a month at The Grand Hotel. It made a great impression on him and the city and its people have always had a place in his affection. Imagine his surprise when we told him that we would be staying at The Grand! No doubt it has changed somewhat from the war days but it is still the great old lady of Kolkata when it comes to hotels.

Our plans were to spend the two days here sightseeing and visiting the two important museums, being the Victoria Memorial and The Indian Museum. To our disappointment we discovered that the two museums would be closed on the Monday and that meant cramming them in to Sunday's itinerary. There then was another complication in that we were told that the West Bengal Communist Party was organising a massive political rally in the city on Sunday and that over half a million people were expected. By noon it was anticipated that the city would come to a standstill and that it would be best to return to the hotel. So we rushed through the two museums, only to find that both were teeming with those who were to attend the rally later in the day! It was chaos.

Unfortunately by today Lynne had fallen by the wayside and finally decided to have a day of rest as she caught the cold I had at the beginning of the holiday which has resulted in her battling for the last few days with a sinus infection. The hotel organised a telephone consultation yesterday afternoon with a doctor and then sent out for the antibiotics which he had prescribed. Today there is some improvement in the patient's condition and she hasn't complained too much about sitting at the pool in the warm shade with her book whilst I went out with the guide and driver. The photographs illustrate some of the sights I saw during my travels around the city.

PS At popular request I have produced a map of the journey that has led us to Kolkata.

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Photos

Victoria Memorial Museum
One of the city's most celebrated landmarks which was completed in 1921 and stands as a memorial to the reign of Queen Victoria.

Colourful temple guesthouse
Guesthouse to a Jain temple situated in the back streets of Calcutta.

Morning train into Calcutta
Busy morning train coming into the city with passengers hanging out of doors.

River bank dwellings and bathers
Alongside the River Hooghly are hovels clinging to the bank with their inhabitants bathing below.

Newly weds
Down by the river I came across the newly weds and their families. They reluctantly agreed to have their photo taken.

Bridge over the Hooghly
This massive steel bridge was constructed in 1943 and from a distance the teeming crowds and traffic appear like ants.

Garland maker
By the river is the largest flower market in India and deep in its heart are small garland makers' stalls. The colour is a contrast to the dark and dingy appearance of the market.

Comments

[Sue Sefton]

All so fantastic....
Have so enjoyed reading about your fantastic experiences - all the photos are amazing. What a wonderful time you are having and no doubt much much more to tell us when you arrive back in March. Hopefully you will be able to bring back a little of the sunshine (snowing here again today, albeit not much - yet!!). Hope Lynne is feeling better today - obviously a 10' wide bed didn't prevent John's germs spreading........... All much the same here except I now have a gorgeous new grandson and got what I believe can be classed as a "chat up" outside the new sushi bar in Ciren today!!!!! Take care, lots of love, Sue xxxx

[Sally and John]

The Kiwis
Hello Lynne and John.....Lynne, you must have felt the way John (Hannabus) did when he saw the town of his fathers birth in Bradninch, when you were able to see the Grand Hotel. Hope you're over your sinus trouble. Shame about the Museums...it reminded me of the day we were with you and were going to view Chalcot House (spelling ??) and it was closed. Loved the colour in the garland stall. Thnx for making us feel as though we are fellow travellers...lovely pics and great commentary. Cheers, from the "slightly cooler" Kiwis.

[George]

oh dear!
Sorry to hear you've not been well mum, but sounds like your approaching the matter in a sensible way! Photos are great dad esp. reluctant newly weds. Looking forward to speaking soon, thurs or fri? Take great care. love George.xxxx

[Alex]

Dearest John and Lynne Such a shame you could only do a quick scan round the museum's but you certainly got a good sense of the people and being caught up in the hype of the day. How lovely that you stayed in the Grand Hotel, doing a bit of in 'his footsteps'. Hope you feel better Lynne glad you got some medication in the form of by the pool with a book. John you certainly did us proud with your photo's - I loved the wedding couple and the bridge, such beauty in a steel construction. Lots of love as always Looking forward to the next instalment. Ax