Day 7: Experiencing Kolkata

At 21:30 we stay in the middle of the Ghat (a Hindu-bathing place; basically wide stairway descending to the water) by the river Hooghly (a daughter to the holy Ganga). A surreal feeling standing here in the middle of the city that most people would consider one big slum.

The river is the center of all; its a place to wash yourself and the dishes, its the trash container and the sewer. Its the road and its an obstacle. Next to the ghat stands a temple of Kali called Badabazoo and a priest comes to talk to us. Tapan Ku Panda from Puri stays here with his colleagues taking care of worship on this temple.

The area near the Howrah bridge is famous for its fish- and flower market. We just visit the flower market, where different smells and scents mix in a lovely way. Well let's not be too modest; its basically shit and Lotus. The wonderful scent of Lotus fortunately winning.

Its raining a bit; people seem poor but happy. By 10pm streets are full of people sleeping just wherever. On the other side of the bridge vegetables and flowers are sold and people are shopping for daily things.

The remarkable (and pleasant) thing is that nobody tries to sell us anything; we're aliens and far from the target group. The feeling is great and powerful, but also a bit voyeristic; everybody is interested in our doings and the other way round. We see extreme poverty, but also happiness.

And the most surprising thing is that it doesn't even cross our (being Me, Johan and Robert - of course) minds to be afraid! Violence and theft seem to be completely out of question. That's worth thinking about; 13 million people and no reason to be afraid?

"Vähän toista, kuin kotona - vai mitä, Frank?" (Eikös niin Heikki?). No irritating Chowingree-Scheisse: "Buy sir, please sir - very beautiful sir!"

Suits you sir, oh!