We are back from a few weeks vacationing in Kolkata, where the more things change, the more they remain the same. Or seem to, at least.
Kolkata welcomed us with a host of new flyovers and a not-so-new 'aborodh' (obstruction) because of some political agitation when we all got stuck for three hours on these very flyovers and newly swanked-up roads. Red or green, whatever be the colour of West Bengal's political affliation, it seems that the roads are still stuck in the STOP-RED-LIGHT mode, whenever any leader worth his/her weight decides to sulk and scream.
During our stay we were caught in the midst of the GREAT AUTO DIVIDE - that is, the divide between the new-green-and-yellow autorickshaws that have switched to LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) and the old-black-and-yellow autorickshaws that have not. They are environment-unfriendly, and so, have been rudely ostracised by the Kolkata Police and pushed to fringe roads in areas like Haltu. But many people live there, too. Don't they need environment-friendly conveyance, or are they less important that the residents of posher places like Ballygunge and Jodhpur Park?
Any such argument unarguably made us hungry and during the vacation we had a lovely time feasting at many of our old Kolkata favourites like Peter Cat, Bedouin, Coffee House, and Kafulok at Tangra. Food to die for, at prices that do not take your breath away.
The more things change, the more they remain the same? Not such a bad thing, going by our drool-worthy food experiences at Kolkata.
Monday, November 9, 2009
KOLKATA: BACK TO THE FUTURE
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16 comments:
Nice to have you back. For a moment one thought that you got lost in the maze of academia and copywriting.
I think the sheer variety available in some places ensures that regardless of what is defined as progress, some "institutions " , some of them edible , remain the same.
Look forward to more posts from you..
Nice 2 c u bk :)
Aww ... the food we love to eat .. the ones with which we hv so many associated memories .. thank God they don't change :) Wish they will never!
welcome back...I seem to be finding kolkata posts wherever I go in blogland...
the food has started calling out to me....
I think a visit is becoming imminent.
Please, God! However, much you change Kolkata, let the old restaurants stay forever and ever!!
Welcome back!
Glad that you found that though some things have changed in Kolkata, the important things (FOOD) have not! :)
Hi Sucharita
Welcome back
Hope u had a nice time in Kolkata...
U saw auto rickshaws, but what abt cycle rickshaws in Kolkata..
Sucharita!! Good to see you back.
You forgot the street food specially in the Central Business District!! Those form a different benchmark in the nostalgia of Kolkata.
after getting over my swoon over Kolktata food, I am glad that they finally took those autos off the streets (most)! Guess the huge frontpage layouts on the Telegraph everyday was to some effect!
You are right. Everyone has the right to pollution-free environment. Pollution cannot be transferred from more affluent to less affluent areas.
what about the cabs? I think they should first of all put some springs into the seats so that the jerks become a bit more bearable, I am not asking for LPG just some plain springs and a nice seat..Mt back is sore each time I travel from Behala to maniktola in these cabs.
Nice to see you after a long time. It seems that you had a wonderful time and enjoyed very much. The varieties of food specially fish which is available at Kolkata is hard to find in any other place.
Oh I hv never been to Kolkata.. but heard its city of joy :)
I hv blogrolled u.. so nw I will be able to follow u :)
Very true ... have you visited after a long time
must have loved it
That is the spirit of Kolkata
Welcome back!
Kolkata seems to be different to me on my last trip. I saw some malls flooded with people. And a lot of new buidings.
Vivek
Your last line was catchy and very true. Trust you had a great vacation.
Good food and the people who like your type of food. Ah bliss. Good to see you :)
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