Shundor Kolkata

I am here.
I am here in an Internet cafe in the middle of what is called Sudder street. I just finished eating chicken and naan bread that cost less than two dollars and I think I will go and try and find some sweet yogurt and some pants in just a bit. I am living with 5 other Americans. They are so loving and open minded. Boy Nic says y'all and thinks that my English is pristine. Boy Kyle is a good friend to have around, he knows the city. Girl Beth is our host, she is a stand up white girl who has totally found her place in Kolkata.

I was with the dying today.
I was with men and women who all seemed to be shrunken and they were dying. I massages hands and feet and scratched backs and did the Indian head bob so they would think I knew what they were talking about. They seemed content though, I mean who doesn't like a solid foot rub. The guys shave the guys, the girls massage the girls. I am excited to spend more time there as I learn more Bengal so that we can talk a bit. The homes are cool because they are full of International volunteers who just showed up. A lot of people show up to volunteer and don't end up leaving for months. Ever heard Mother Theresa say that we will be taken care of just like the lilies are? I feel like a lily. No requirements to help, filled with home made chai tea all day, stay as long as you want.

I am joyful here.
I am joyful in a place that is so colorful and so loud and that is always smiling. A place where I know that terrible things happen, but also where spirits are so high. I am joyful flying around in a rickshaw and I am joyful walking for kilometers on end so that I can be shown the best food in town. I am joyful wearing genie pants and eating spicy food.

I am trying to learn Bangla. That is the best language to learn here.
I have a new phrase-ish.
Kamon Achen - How are you?
Ami balo achi - I am fine.
Kamon Achen? - and how are you?
Ami gete hobe batha pecchap - I have to go painful urine.
Maaf Korne, Ami tomake belobachi - I am sorry, I love you.
Hen. kalka dakka hobe. - yes. see you tomorrow.


so that you know... this place is full of secrets.
I have the first one to share with you today.
It turns out that women's behinds in Kolkata are their best kept secrets. We walk up so many stairs and walk on rubbish roads for miles, yet we are absolutely not allowed to wear anything tight or short, or anything that would even suggest we have a rear.


kalka dakka hobe.