Here's recap two from my recent India trip! See part one here.
Landscape of Kolkata
Kolkata is a huge city, so most of the places I went were surrounded by buildings, people, and transportation. Still, it is green.
We saw parks and lovely scenery. The image below is from a park in Kolkata - isn't this grass area so fun?!
If shoes could talk… Those sandals have been from Kolkata to Cuba, and so many places in between. It's funny how shared experiences with something as silly as a shoe makes you grow fonder, but I love those little brown sandals.
Climate
I could share about a billion photos of everyone in my group sweating, but I figured you guys probably wouldn't want to see that. Kolkata is HOT. Like, 105-degrees-every-day hot. Really hot. (I secretly loved the heat because I just love summer so much. I was super disappointed to get back to Missouri and 50 degrees.)
It's also hazy. I think that's due to a combination of heat and pollution, but I'm no meteorologist. Here's a hazy day for ya.
Transportation
There are many, many taxis in Kolkata. Almost all of the taxis are the same brand - called the "Ambassador." I took a couple taxis on my trip, and they were both wild rides! The "rules of the road" in India are not quite like America - there are no lanes, so it's pretty much a free for all.
My Indian friend, Rohan, said that if/when people bump others cars, they just nod and wave, and keep driving like it's no big deal.
Another huge form of transportation in India is the rickshaw, and would you believe I didn't take a single photo of one??! (Blogger fail.) Most of them are yellow and green; they are open on the sides, and can fit about 3 people (or 4 if you're willing to sardine).
Landmarks
Mother Teresa, interestingly enough, was born in Albania and lived and died in Kolkata. We got to visit her house, and see her grave, which was a really neat experience. She is buried above-ground on the premise of her home and ministry.
Another thing that Kolkata is famous for is the Victoria Memorial, which was dedicated to Queen Victoria. She never saw this sight, but she certainly should have.
I would have loved to tour inside the Victoria Memorial, but we simply did not have enough time. So, I guess I'll have to go back to Kolkata and see it someday!
Landscape of Kolkata
Kolkata is a huge city, so most of the places I went were surrounded by buildings, people, and transportation. Still, it is green.
We saw parks and lovely scenery. The image below is from a park in Kolkata - isn't this grass area so fun?!
If shoes could talk… Those sandals have been from Kolkata to Cuba, and so many places in between. It's funny how shared experiences with something as silly as a shoe makes you grow fonder, but I love those little brown sandals.
Climate
I could share about a billion photos of everyone in my group sweating, but I figured you guys probably wouldn't want to see that. Kolkata is HOT. Like, 105-degrees-every-day hot. Really hot. (I secretly loved the heat because I just love summer so much. I was super disappointed to get back to Missouri and 50 degrees.)
It's also hazy. I think that's due to a combination of heat and pollution, but I'm no meteorologist. Here's a hazy day for ya.
Transportation
There are many, many taxis in Kolkata. Almost all of the taxis are the same brand - called the "Ambassador." I took a couple taxis on my trip, and they were both wild rides! The "rules of the road" in India are not quite like America - there are no lanes, so it's pretty much a free for all.
My Indian friend, Rohan, said that if/when people bump others cars, they just nod and wave, and keep driving like it's no big deal.
Another huge form of transportation in India is the rickshaw, and would you believe I didn't take a single photo of one??! (Blogger fail.) Most of them are yellow and green; they are open on the sides, and can fit about 3 people (or 4 if you're willing to sardine).
Landmarks
Mother Teresa, interestingly enough, was born in Albania and lived and died in Kolkata. We got to visit her house, and see her grave, which was a really neat experience. She is buried above-ground on the premise of her home and ministry.
Another thing that Kolkata is famous for is the Victoria Memorial, which was dedicated to Queen Victoria. She never saw this sight, but she certainly should have.
I would have loved to tour inside the Victoria Memorial, but we simply did not have enough time. So, I guess I'll have to go back to Kolkata and see it someday!