Journey to India

Kolkata is mercifully quiet and the air is wonderfully breathable today. That is because a general strike has been called from 6 am to 6 pm for all shops and commecial vehicles including taxis, autorickshaws, buses, shops ec. There are a few private cars running around and the occasional passenger-less cab. It is amazing how peaceful and well ordered things can be. Usually a ride through the city is a breathtaking experience as every driver is an expert driver, honking heavily 50% of the time, spewing out dirty diesel fuel into the air, dodging pedestrians, motorcycles, dogs, cows, rickshaws, driving on whatever side of the street is necessary to get ahead.

 

Today, you can feel the stillness in the backstreets as cats yowl at each other and dogs lie on the hot cement for their afternoon nap. Even the beggars and poor people who live on the sidewalks have to relax today. We also went to shop for groceries yesterday in anticipation of the strike day where no supplies would be available. We decided to go to a nearby western style mall, at Goriahaat Mall, and buy stuff we were used to, instead of our usual fare of luchis and potata curry from the local street seller. I felt quite guilty shopping in an air-conditioned mall, buying extravagant goods. However, even with the higher prices, our total grocery bill came to less than ten dollars, when the same would have cost us $30-40 back home. So you can imagine that eating out is very cheap... you can eat out all the time for less than it costs to buy groceries in Canada. However, there are many ranges of prices, and to get the lower prices you have to settle for a less than pristine restaurant. But the food is good, and you get accustomed to everything with time.

 

I think perhaps my age is making less resilient. The heat and pollution and humidity is getting to me, but it doesn't seem to bother the kids as much as me. However, we are extremely fortunate as we have our own private spacious airconditioned apartment, which doesn't make me feel guilty as at all. I know that if I had grown up here, I would adjust faster. I do know that Calcuttians (is there such a word?) love their city very deeply, being attached to all its aspects, the good, the bad and the ugly.

 

I asked  a few people what they would change if they could change one practical thing... and I got

 

Corruption

Street infrastructure

Make people love each other