Kolkata is amazing!

Daniel This city is really intense. I arrived late at night and saw people everywere, as on a busy shopping street in Europe. Hugh, a guy I met on the airport and who lived here since January, said it's one of the poorest places in India. Although ruled by a communist government, the city attracts some international companies because the wages are among the lowest in India. While the Taxi made it's way through the human masses on the street, Hugh told me about his work for "Future Hope" a charity organisation that works with street-kids. He's playing rugby with them (to teach them about teamwork and to vent their agressions) and teaching them English.

When he left, the Taxi continoued through some side-streets, only giving way to busses and the big mosters on the road, the trams. Mumbay is the only city in India where they have a functioning subway system, and the only city in the world with hand-pulled rikshas. (Yes, the guy is really running in front of you!)

You can feel the British influence everywere, there are huge mansions and people speak quite good English. I read that an average British family had about 100 servants. Just imagine! 100!

I can't say why, but I really like this city. It's like opening an old book. Valentina (whom I met again in Dharamsala) once said "we now live in the 21st century, and in India you can experience all centuries at the same time." I think there is no place in India where this is more true than here.

The chicken-vendor	Victoria Memorial and some Goats	Young merchands
They really liked the photos	The ancient trams	Park Street Cementry
Park street Cementary