india impressions

india is meeting all my high expectations already and i haven't even left calcutta yet.. well its actually kolkata now but i'm struggling to get the name change right.. anyway, just had to say a bit about my first few days here before becky and i head off on the first of a few long train rides. we leave tonight to head for jodhpur 'the blue city' where we arrive on sunday morning. plan then is to head back to delhi through some other lovely places and then separate at delhi for me to head south to kerala on the 4th feb (arrive on the 6th!) and becs to come back here before heading on to cambodia.

but i jump ahead - so far its just been city life in calcutta, which normally wouldn't be my thing. i have come to realise that it takes a lot for a city to grow on me as i'm not likely to be a fan of a big place full of people that i can't get about very easily. but straight away i am drawn to this place.

i mean there is lots not to like - it is a sprawling city with people everywhere; whichever way i turn i see filth and dirt; the pavements are covered in spit, poo, piss and mangy dogs; the pollution is so bad i could barely see the city from the plane and on the ground my feet and snot are turned black and my eyes and throat sore; and there are constant reminders of a shocking poverty which means you walk past people who live on the street using standpipes to wash....

and yet there is the appeal of beautiful women draped in numerous fantastic colours and sparkly jewellery; bamboo artists creating amazing structures just round the corner; amusing negotiations at the market assisted by a cup of chai; pounding the streets by foot exploring back alleys and discovering treasures; so many lovely people already who have been so friendly and helpful; and then most of all the continuous stream of sights, sounds, smells and tastes to fill my senses.

i am so excited to be in a country where all the food seems to appeal to me, where everything i have so far tasted has been delicious, where i am more interested in local food than a western treat, and to top it all - where it is all so cheap!!

so yes, i am very happy. and this is before you've heard about the joys of being back chatting with becky.. and the excitement of hearing that matt, fi and the girls are apparently coming over to the uk within a month of me being home!! its basically all just too good. i am a bit tired from chatting well past midnight with becky the first two nights, but finally managed to restrain myself from trying to catch up on a whole year and actually just shut up and sleep last night. so feeling very well set up for seeing more of this amazing country which i do seem to love.