Home Sweet Home

We made out way to Sudder St. being sidetracked on the way of course by a kind man who offered us a cup of chai in his shops, and special prices only for us. He expounded to us on the merits of marriage and children, though not too many. It was our first real shopping experience in Kolkata, and all things considered it was altogether a pleasant one, especially given the hawkers you have to pass through on the main road outside our hostel. The nearby bazaar is a hustle of selling and begging that really takes a lot of stamina and determination to pass through unscathed, not to mention un-pick-pocketed :)

We are currently residing at the Hotel Maria, a hostel that cost us about $3 a night to stay in, but we have our own room, and even our own bathroom. The sink doesn't have a pipe or plumbing, but rather a plastic tube that directs the water out of a hole in the wall. The toilet is somewhat similar. But it is our home for at least the next week, maybe longer if we like it enough.

We are surrounded here on Sudder St. by almost as many travellers as Indians which is a little strange, but also frankly comforting. There is a diverse traveller population here too, not just the cliche sort of Western hippie, though they are definitely about. It's nice to have a place where we can settle though, and get to know the surroundings a bit, though I am looking forward to travelling up north, especially when it gets hotter. Right now it gets into the low 80s during the day, which is warm but ultimately still pleasant.

Oh, so the really great things about the hotel Maria are as follows: Computers in the hotel, Courtyards and rooftop, and 3 or 4 stray cats that wander around the premises, and are very friendly!