Dust & Dim Sum: Lost in Kolkata
okay, so, i’m pretty sure i’m running on fumes and lukewarm chai. 1275899… seriously, what is that number? it just popped into my head. and 1356780092? it’s like a glitch in the matrix, right? i landed in Kolkata yesterday, and honestly, it’s… a lot. like, a beautiful, chaotic, overwhelming a lot. the humidity is clinging to me like a second skin - it’s 15.96 degrees feels-like, 15.15, temp_min is 15.96, temp_max is 15.96, pressure is 1018, humidity is 59, sea level is 1018, grnd_level is 993. i just checked and it's...there right now, hope you like that kind of thing.
I’m staying in a place called ‘The Rusty Bucket’ - don’t let the name fool you, it’s actually pretty decent. The owner, Mr. Sharma, keeps offering me extra jalebis, which is both a blessing and a slight terror. He’s convinced I’m a Bollywood star. i’m not. i’m just… here.
Spent the morning wandering around North Kolkata. It’s a maze of tiny lanes, overflowing with vendors selling everything from spices to second-hand sarees. I got completely lost, naturally. Seriously, you could spend a week just getting turned around. I stumbled upon this incredible little tea stall - the guy there, Ranjan, was telling me someone told him that the best kati rolls are found down a side street near the flower market. I’m taking him at his word.
I tried to find a decent place for lunch. Yelp suggested ‘Mahabir’s,’ but someone told me it’s only good for tourists. I’m going to risk it. It’s a solid 4.2 stars, so… maybe? I’m also checking out TripAdvisor for some more local recommendations - TripAdvisor Kolkata.
Later, I’m heading to the Howrah Bridge. It’s supposed to be insane at sunset. I heard that the best view is from the rooftop of a nearby cafe - I’ll see if I can find one. I’m seriously considering just sitting there and watching the chaos unfold.
Speaking of chaos, the traffic here is… something else. It’s like a choreographed disaster. Horns blaring, rickshaws weaving, scooters zipping - it’s beautiful in a terrifying sort of way. I almost got run over three times today. Seriously, watch your step.
I’m trying to capture some of this energy with my camera. My gear list is a mess: Canon 5D Mark IV, a bunch of lenses (seriously, I’m drowning in lenses), extra batteries, memory cards… the usual. It’s a photographer’s dream and a logistical nightmare. If you’re planning a trip, bring a backpack. A really big backpack.
If you get bored, Delhi is just a short drive away, and Mumbai’s not too far either. I’m thinking of hopping over there next week.
I’m meeting a local artist, Rohan, tonight. He’s working on a mural in the Burra Bazaar area. He’s a bit of a recluse, but apparently, he makes some killer chai. I heard that he only talks to people who appreciate his work - which, let’s be honest, is probably everyone. I’m hoping he’ll give me some tips on finding hidden gems. I’m also checking out local art boards - Kolkata Art Scene.
Okay, I need more chai. And maybe a nap. This city is exhausting. Seriously, the noise… it’s relentless. But it’s also… captivating. I’m not sure I’m ready to leave. Yet.