So after many hours on planes and many layovers, I have finally made it to Kolkata. Definitely a very vibrant city and many, many people.
It took quite some time to get our bags once we got off the plane, but all have made it safely here. Immigration was a pretty quick check the visa and stamp the passport. Customs was very much give the form and walk on into Kolkata. At the airport, we had a car and driver waiting for each one of us. Pretty cool to have my own driver and car for the 32 km trip to the hotel. The driver had an interesting question for me when he asked, "Do you self-drive or have a driver at home?". It took me a moment and then responded that I drove myself in my truck around town. I also let him know I sometimes took the bus or train. He seemed a bit surprised by my answers. He has been driving for 20 years and grew up in Kolkata. He lives near the airport with his wife, daughter, and mother.
Saw about 10 or 15 cars/trucks with flat tires, which is not surprising given the roads. Basically, the are in about the same shape as most of the streets in New Orleans!!! It is definitely monsoon season with lots of rain and puddles all over. The humidity is definitely a plus (I love it), but makes it difficult to keep things dry apparently.
The hotel is definitely going to be a great place to rest for the next five weeks. It is opulence surrounded by a less than opulent neighborhood. For those of you wondering, yes, it is quite safe. They even scan all the handbags and luggage before admitting anyone to the hotel. At one time, The Oberoi Grand was a guest house for the British and it shows. It is a Victorian style residence 200 rooms and 9 suites and is known as the Grand Duchess of Chowringhee. You can see the pictures of my room/home for the next five weeks below.
It took quite some time to get our bags once we got off the plane, but all have made it safely here. Immigration was a pretty quick check the visa and stamp the passport. Customs was very much give the form and walk on into Kolkata. At the airport, we had a car and driver waiting for each one of us. Pretty cool to have my own driver and car for the 32 km trip to the hotel. The driver had an interesting question for me when he asked, "Do you self-drive or have a driver at home?". It took me a moment and then responded that I drove myself in my truck around town. I also let him know I sometimes took the bus or train. He seemed a bit surprised by my answers. He has been driving for 20 years and grew up in Kolkata. He lives near the airport with his wife, daughter, and mother.
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| Meaghan and Jo Anne this is the Ambulance with Oxygen!!! |
The hotel is definitely going to be a great place to rest for the next five weeks. It is opulence surrounded by a less than opulent neighborhood. For those of you wondering, yes, it is quite safe. They even scan all the handbags and luggage before admitting anyone to the hotel. At one time, The Oberoi Grand was a guest house for the British and it shows. It is a Victorian style residence 200 rooms and 9 suites and is known as the Grand Duchess of Chowringhee. You can see the pictures of my room/home for the next five weeks below.
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