So, my train trip was a very interesting one simply because I was 4 hours late departing Varanasi and so instead of spending a mere 12 hours on the train, I spent 16 and thus didn't manage to arrive in Kolkata until 12.30pm. One thing I have learned about India is to never trust the times given to you on tickets or schedules because 99% of the time, they will be irrelevant!
My first impression of the city of Kolkata is a very positive one. Contrary to my expectations and other people's interpretations, there seems to be less rubbish, less pollution, and less congestion. Whether this is because of the fact that my senses are well used to the Indian way of life remains to be seen, but I feel like I have seen worse places on my trip so far than what I see in Kolkata.
After arriving at Hotel Crystal, which is slightly better than what I experienced in Delhi, I take a walk to the famous Mother House, visit and pay my respects to Mother Teresa's grave and prepare for the penultimate experience of my trip, volunteer work for the Missionaries of Charity which include; Kalighat Home For The Dying (it has been described as the grimmest place on earth), Shishu Bhavan Howrah (Orphanage), and Prem Dan (Handicapped and Disabled). This would prove to be an enlightening and life changing experience.
After talking with Sister M. Karina about my tasks and what to expect tomorrow, I take a moment of reflection over a coffee at Barista, think about what I'm going to experience, and bask in the blissful air-conditioned heaven.
I notice a big Christmas feel around Kolkata which I find ironic because of the fact that the religious majority are Hindu, with Muslim's, and Sikh's also prevalent. The Christian influence tends to be in the Goan south west and so the tinsel, fake Christmas trees, Santa's, and snow flakes seem to be purely for marketing purposes. However, everyone appears to be extra cheery at the moment, all offering me Christmas greetings and handshakes.
I eat dinner at a place called Zarich's Café which serve street food but is very accommodating , and settle in for an early night to prepare for the 5.30am start and a whole new world of thinking which will open after tomorrows experiences.
“The fruit of service is peace.”
Mother Teresa
