Kolkota to Amritsar

We have just arrived in Amritsar. This is the Sikh capital. Home of the Sikh's holiest Temple the Golden Temple. We have just gotten off the train, after having spent 5 days in Kolkota.

Kolkota is a huge city. Over 15 million people. Walking around the streets, there are people every where. Poverty is very in your face, and the second you walk out the door of your guest house you are tailed by beggars. It's very hard to see.

Our first day we went to the Indian Museum and a Bengali movie, called Challenge.
The museum was what you would imagine the museums looked like in your grandparents day. Many of the display cases are relics themselves. There was a mummy and lots of animals in formaldehyde. Also a huge collection of sculptures. Which were quite fascinating. The Movie was awesome. We (read I) expected to want out half way through, but found it entertaining. Even though there were no subtitles we fully understood what was happening. The movie had it all. Fighting, comedy and yes, dancing. The fight sequences were so bad that even I was praying for more dancing. We can't wait to see our next Bollywood movie.

The following day we went shopping. I never thought I would say this but Sari shopping was kind of cool. Liza and I sat on these stools as the staff sat on raised mattresses before us and showed us all the multicoloured beautiful wares. When we eventually returned to buy a couple they even offered us chai (the best yet), and helped Liza try them on. In the mall we stumbled upon the Sindhi (regional group of Indians) New Year celebration. There was music and one of the band members put his hat on me and started playing music. I had no choice but to dance. They went from shop to shop, offering blessings and playing music, while the shop owners danced with open joy. One of the first things we have noticed about the Indian people, is how inclusive they are. They take great pride in sharing their culture with everyone.

The following day we hopped on the subway and went to the Kali Ghat. This is the most holy temple in Kolkota (for the Hindi). We were taken on a tour by a Brahman (so he said). He gave us blessings, and then tricked us into making a donation. Kinda like putting a piece of shit on a chocolate sundae, instead of the cherry.

Next day we went to the Mother Theresa house. We were never asked to make a donation, we were just welcome to come and see and sit. We also had the opportunity to participate in a mass, with the sisters. Seeing Mother Theresa's small room and reading of all her selfless acts, was very inspiring. It was a very powerful place to be and Liza and I both had to fight back tears. After that we took a Taxi to Science City. For those of you from Toronto, it's kind of like the Science Centre and the CNE from about twenty years ago all rolled into one, and then divided by 50. It was awesome. We even went on a roller coaster. I think I was the only person screaming...

The next day was our departure day. We stayed in our hotel room until they kicked us out, and then headed to Howrah Train Station. This is India's biggest train station. We waited there for the 4 hours before our train arrived and then we were off. The train was just what we were hoping for. We had our own berth all to ourselves and food and chai were brought to us regularly. The staff seemed to come more than was necessary to clean our berth, but it was probably to do with wanting a tip, and a bit of curiosity.

The one thing we really seem to notice is people (men) are blatantly staring at us. This happens all the time. I don't think that it's me as much as Liza that they are staring at. I am constantly glaring at people. They eventually look up at me and then look away, but come on guys, get a life. At least if you're going to stare, keep your eyes at eye level. We are in a much smaller place now and so we will see if that changes. I doubt it.

Well that's where we are now. Hope every one is doing well and can't wait to hear from you all.

Mark