India: West Bengal - Kolkatta

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WEST BENGAL

29/10 to 04/11/12: Kolkatta - Calcutta

We shared a Jeep at the Nepalese - Indian border with some Belgium guys which was a fun journey as we experience several breakdown of the jeep on the way making the 2 hour journey into 4 hours!

After a 24 hour journey train from Gorahkpur to Kolkatta, we settle down in an old colonial style guest-house. We enjoyed Kolkatta as the hassle, the dust, the dirt and the noise is much prominent here and it seems to be more 'civilised' and bearable city than any other big city we have been to in India.

Kolkatta is the 2nd largest Indian city and was the Capital of India during the British reign. Perhaps this explains the reason it seems more gentile and civilised...?

The museum of India is a bit disappointing as it seems that nothing as change since the 70's! but the Marble Palace, home to a various range of art from the colonials countries: France, Portugal, Holland and Great Britain can be seen: Paintings from Rubens, Lamps, staues, chinese vases, and a mini-zoo was truely amazing.

The Victoria Monument offer a large wander in the parks, and an interesting Sounds and Lights show about the City of Calcutta. Kolkatta has seen and educated several famous scientists, politics, and artists.

Poverty is visible with streets-kids and poor family asking for money in front of posh hotels.There is still some human-rickshaw which seems wrong but this job does bring a living. (It is fact a necessity during the monsoon season when the streets become rivers... A lot of street food stalls and market stalls can be found around the park in the middle of the city. This city has got a lot from the British days and the buildings have got style.

For more reading about India, we recommend to read Chetan Bhagat's books. Young writer willing for change in the country, he wrotes in English and focus on youth and national development issues - www.chetanbhagat.com

The other book we liked was about the Sadhus: Sadhus - going behind the dreadlocks by Patrick Levy (French writer)

Kolkatta/Calcutta was certainly our favourite city in India and we were happy to leave from this place as opposed to any other... Next stop - Bangkok.

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Comments

[Deepak]

Good Blog
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