The sociologist in me is constantly surfacing here in Kolkata. I find myself in sensory overload, yet observing people non stop. Simultaneously, I am fascinated and heartbroken at the vast disparity of class differences while walking the streets here. For instance, as we took in a couple of sights yesterday, we passed a Lexus car dealership and in front on the sidewalk was a "home"made of rope and tarps. These sort of contrasting images exist everywhere we go.
Many people had "warned" us of the smells in the air. Again, I am overwhelmed with the stark contrasts. One moment we are breathing in the tantalizing aroma of various curries and naan made by the families living on the streets and the vendors and the next moment is the stench of the sewer running by your sandalled feet.
The noise is something that words cannot properly describe. There seems to be a constant "buzz" of some sort or another. Most comes from the vehicles on the street. Hmm, "vehicles"--we'll thats's a loose term. Randy, especially, is flabbergasted by the transportation here. The taxis are diesel and must originate from the 1960s and 70s. Then there are autos (rickshaws), buses, and a cable car of
sort. Not only are each of these vehicles packed with more people than imaginable, they are constantly honking their horns. This goes back to an earlier blog post how I eluded there are no rules of the road. Our friends from Georgia wrote an entire post on the blaring horns--we all got a laugh out of that last night!
Do you remember that old eighties video game called Frogger where the frog tried to leap/run across the multiple lanes of traffic without being hit? Well, that's the life of a pedestrian in Kolkata! I cannot believe the insanity crossing the roads. We are encouraged to put a hand out to show oncoming traffic to stop for us. Quite honestly, I think it's more to break the impact if you get hit!
We did have some reprieves in the noise yesterday. Our little group walked to a memorial graveyard (British). This is unique because Indians are cremated. The tombs were huge and intricately crafted. We could only imagine the work to create them and the people who were the labourers. The people buried there died at very young ages. Many tombs had elaborate tributes engraved on the stones. We did appreciate the greenery inside the graveyard (reminded us of the jungle book). The breeze was a welcomed break, as well. We also observed that families live at the graveyard. Again, the people here are very resourceful. The tombs create shelter. In many ways the graveyard would be a peaceful alternative to the "outside" world.
After that sight, we walked to Mother Teresa's Missionaries of Charity/museum. There was a much welcomed silence. Rebekah and I had extensively read about the life of Mother Teresa. It was inspiring to be there. We were greeted by an elderly sister who was sitting upstairs by a balcony
above us. She'd point to us and threw a small bundle of newspaper down to us. We weren't sure what
she was doing and then discovered a beautiful rosary wrapped in the paper. I was touched by her
broad smile and captivating eyes. Never a word was exchanged but much was communicated among
our spirits!!! Rebekah and I appreciated connecting our studying about Mother Teresa to our visit. Mother Teresa's tomb is in the same building as the small museum. We found that many who attended the mass and visited the tomb elevated Mother Teresa's status to that of God. From all we've studied, I don't think she would be pleased with such focus on her. Before we left, we were treated to a glorious experience--the sisters sang several songs accapela. I found myself drawn into worship, closed my eyes, and soaked in the solitude.
Today we went to Charisma House 2. This is one of the youth centres. Our task was to photograph each child and assist them in filling out letters to their sponsors. The children also drew pictures on bookmarks. I was amazed by some of their answers on the letters. One question was what gift would they give each child in the world and several said they would give their love. Another question was what would they do with $100 if they found it on the ground. Answers ranged from giving it to the police to giving it to the poor people. Please keep in mind these children are the poorest people we have seen. They live in the slums and yet they are willing to share!
We have been struggling with some of the food here. So we chose to walk to Pizza Hut for lunch. Honestly, I think it's not great for our tummies but it was comfort food. It was a welcome break to sit in a restaurant that was clean and resembled home. It was quiet!
Now we are "home" resting. I don't think I've shared much about our hotel. The room is about the size of small dorm room. Randy and I share a double bed and Rebekah has a narrow twin size mattress on the floor. We have little refrigerator that really doesn't work. We have a bathroom with a shower and toilet. There is a desk and a tv. Funny how perspective changes so quickly. The first day we checked in, I was put off with our meager accomodations. Now I appreciate the luxuries we have. After walking an average of five miles a day, observing extreme poverty and unsanitary conditions, I am forever changed. Coming home to our humble abode is heaven. It is quiet, it is relatively clean, it is our own space.
Rachel, my friend who directs Tabitha's Heart, was hurt this morning. She will be ok but I know she would appreciate prayers for quick healing. She is an amazingly strong woman who has a tremendous heart for these people in Kolkata. She pushes herself everyday to help meet their needs. She needs rest. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers.
Until next time...
Many people had "warned" us of the smells in the air. Again, I am overwhelmed with the stark contrasts. One moment we are breathing in the tantalizing aroma of various curries and naan made by the families living on the streets and the vendors and the next moment is the stench of the sewer running by your sandalled feet.
The noise is something that words cannot properly describe. There seems to be a constant "buzz" of some sort or another. Most comes from the vehicles on the street. Hmm, "vehicles"--we'll thats's a loose term. Randy, especially, is flabbergasted by the transportation here. The taxis are diesel and must originate from the 1960s and 70s. Then there are autos (rickshaws), buses, and a cable car of
sort. Not only are each of these vehicles packed with more people than imaginable, they are constantly honking their horns. This goes back to an earlier blog post how I eluded there are no rules of the road. Our friends from Georgia wrote an entire post on the blaring horns--we all got a laugh out of that last night!
Do you remember that old eighties video game called Frogger where the frog tried to leap/run across the multiple lanes of traffic without being hit? Well, that's the life of a pedestrian in Kolkata! I cannot believe the insanity crossing the roads. We are encouraged to put a hand out to show oncoming traffic to stop for us. Quite honestly, I think it's more to break the impact if you get hit!
We did have some reprieves in the noise yesterday. Our little group walked to a memorial graveyard (British). This is unique because Indians are cremated. The tombs were huge and intricately crafted. We could only imagine the work to create them and the people who were the labourers. The people buried there died at very young ages. Many tombs had elaborate tributes engraved on the stones. We did appreciate the greenery inside the graveyard (reminded us of the jungle book). The breeze was a welcomed break, as well. We also observed that families live at the graveyard. Again, the people here are very resourceful. The tombs create shelter. In many ways the graveyard would be a peaceful alternative to the "outside" world.
After that sight, we walked to Mother Teresa's Missionaries of Charity/museum. There was a much welcomed silence. Rebekah and I had extensively read about the life of Mother Teresa. It was inspiring to be there. We were greeted by an elderly sister who was sitting upstairs by a balcony
above us. She'd point to us and threw a small bundle of newspaper down to us. We weren't sure what
she was doing and then discovered a beautiful rosary wrapped in the paper. I was touched by her
broad smile and captivating eyes. Never a word was exchanged but much was communicated among
our spirits!!! Rebekah and I appreciated connecting our studying about Mother Teresa to our visit. Mother Teresa's tomb is in the same building as the small museum. We found that many who attended the mass and visited the tomb elevated Mother Teresa's status to that of God. From all we've studied, I don't think she would be pleased with such focus on her. Before we left, we were treated to a glorious experience--the sisters sang several songs accapela. I found myself drawn into worship, closed my eyes, and soaked in the solitude.
Today we went to Charisma House 2. This is one of the youth centres. Our task was to photograph each child and assist them in filling out letters to their sponsors. The children also drew pictures on bookmarks. I was amazed by some of their answers on the letters. One question was what gift would they give each child in the world and several said they would give their love. Another question was what would they do with $100 if they found it on the ground. Answers ranged from giving it to the police to giving it to the poor people. Please keep in mind these children are the poorest people we have seen. They live in the slums and yet they are willing to share!
We have been struggling with some of the food here. So we chose to walk to Pizza Hut for lunch. Honestly, I think it's not great for our tummies but it was comfort food. It was a welcome break to sit in a restaurant that was clean and resembled home. It was quiet!
Now we are "home" resting. I don't think I've shared much about our hotel. The room is about the size of small dorm room. Randy and I share a double bed and Rebekah has a narrow twin size mattress on the floor. We have little refrigerator that really doesn't work. We have a bathroom with a shower and toilet. There is a desk and a tv. Funny how perspective changes so quickly. The first day we checked in, I was put off with our meager accomodations. Now I appreciate the luxuries we have. After walking an average of five miles a day, observing extreme poverty and unsanitary conditions, I am forever changed. Coming home to our humble abode is heaven. It is quiet, it is relatively clean, it is our own space.
Rachel, my friend who directs Tabitha's Heart, was hurt this morning. She will be ok but I know she would appreciate prayers for quick healing. She is an amazingly strong woman who has a tremendous heart for these people in Kolkata. She pushes herself everyday to help meet their needs. She needs rest. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers.
Until next time...
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