a change

As far as I knew myself... I thought my tolerence limit towards west bengal was not more than 3 days and here I am. I have spent almost 3x15 days here and to tell u the truth it wasn't that bad.I mean u have to get use to the smell of sweat and being dreanched all the time. But thats all that is expected of you. Its like a huge circus. The scene just gets amusing with every changing minute.In "kolkata" 75% of the public has visited all the malls but only about 3% actually bought anything from those shops. People love to go visit "the food courts", quote names of restaurants like "nola, sigree, mainland" but prefer eating on the roads. Its a city where non vegetarians can have a lavish meal in just 40 bucks where as vegetarians have to have atleast a 100.On this very bright and extremely sunny sunday at "new market" where the poshest of all beggars could be spoted, one may actually ask you to treat him to a kwality walls ice cream and if u are in front of a temple ;then mind it. How dare you give the "holy prasad" off to the beggars. A women supposedly belonging to the "bpl category" was complaining of suffering from Diabetes because of the pedas and that she atleast expects a 10rs. note from the "generous one".It is believed that the Madwaris are the miser lot but here in kolkata people are bold enough to ask; actually shout out in a restaurant if they would be charged for the finger bowls.I believe this must be the only state whish goes inactive during afternoons because "babura bhaat kheye ghoomate jaan" (rice works more or less as a sedative, but in the new world many have become immuned to it).Due to high security alerts and thefts in the "national museum" you are ask not carry any baggage. Polybags of any sort are not allowed however u can fold it and put it in your pocket and take it in. It is not of any danger the moment it is in your pocket just make sure the guard doesnt see it. THIS WAS ADVICED BY TEH GURD HIMSELF.But the most beautiful part of this place is that no one has forgotten or will forget its cultural values, the rich history or literature. Be it from rolls of the ancient badshah restaurant to the long entry lines for the victoria, pride for thier land clearly shows from amongst the ones who've stayed and seen this place change.You could only understand thier love, if u could see a 85 year old government retired doctor cry his heart out while he tells his growing grand daughter of how he lost his uncle to the war of freedom. If only you could see him smile when he tells you how a common doctor could smell and predict the illness and how he dreamed to make a city out of a "salty lake"; If only u could see him worry of how the pollution has eaten away victoria's true colour. if only we could see kolkata through his eyes.This one month has taught me to look beyond everything i hate about Kolkata and give it a try. It isn't as horrifying as i thought.Hope you visit this place soon and really like it.