Denise's monologues

11 days since i've came to Kolkata, India for an internship. It seems like I've been here a long time, the friends that I've made, and the experiences that I have had. As the saying goes, a picture speaks a thousand words (and since the max limit of the post is 500...), here are some of the special moments I've had.

First, a picture of my dining room. In the photo are my fellow interns, as well as my boss, Mr Ail (he is only 24!) We had a party the 2nd night I was there and it was really fun. Here is another photo to prove it!

Zoe (Greece) and Me had to kiss everyone on the cheeks! The lucky girl here is Azusa (Japan). I was in my Salwar Suit that I bought for 290 rupees...Exchange rate is around S$1 to 30 rupees.

It was really sad because Andy and Momo had to leave on the 3rd day i was there. It seems like people make fast friends in foreign land! I had many happy memories with Momo and Andy, and I will miss them so...haha...Anyways, for those who have never been to Kolkata, here are some pictures of the city i'm going to be in for 2.5 months...

The modes of transport here are by Metro, rickshaws, auto-rickshaws and taxies.

Costs

Metro: 3 to 5 rupees a trip

Rickshaws: 10 rupees a trip
Auto-rickshaws: 5 rupees a person
Taxis: Starts from 20 rupees to god knows how much.

To work, i take the metro to M.G. Road, and then an autorickshaw to Rajabazar everyday. Takes around 1 hour!!!!!

Kolkatans are generally very friendly and smiley people! One main problem they have is not knowing how to say no, even when they do not know the answer! Problematic... This city is one of the safest place in India, especially for women, which is good news!

The latest I've been home to Tollygunge (nearest metro to my place) is 9+ at night?

This kid signalled to me to help him take a photo! I love their smiles=)

Well, my fellow interns are very very independent people. Hence, I have no choice but to venture out on my own to explore the city sometimes. The first time i went out by myself was the 3rd or 4th day I was here. It was a great experience! Visited Mother Teresa's house (changed me, reading about her story), before meeting Azusa and Zoe at Babu Ghat for the sunset.

The kids love looking at their photos!

One thing that often strikes me here in Kolkata is the poor and destitute people, lying on the streets, being treated like they were not there! Many poor people love on the streets, naked kids running around, beggars asking for money. People sleep on the streets, together with animals like dogs and cats! It was raining one night in Kolkata and Azusa, Zoe and me were caught ithe rain. We thought it was pretty fun at first, but

the drains and streets started to be flooded and it got really cold. Then, a thought stuck me: If I was feeilng cold and miserable, what about the homeless families living on the streets everyday? How are they able to withstand such hardships and suffering. Hai...

Not much time left to blog! So here are some photos with minimal information, the purpose just to showcase me looking nice and pretty in India=p.

Here is a photo of me in a Salwar dress I bought for 350 rupees! Victorial Memorium garden (left), and the Kali temple (right). There is supposed to be pants, but it's too hot and humid here!

Us girls at the Park Hotel Bar. 1 glass of wine costs 400 rupees! Around S$12...thats very expensive..so i bought a beer instead. I actually 'hit' on a cute guy that night, ahha...well, for Azusa actually, because she didn't dare to. The guys there a generally quite desperate! and One guy even asked azusa to come to his room, and told her he will pay her. WTF! I wanted to show

him my middle finger...

At Babu Ghat trying to see the sunset. (Failed!)Where ever we went, thousands of guys swarm around us to talk to us. Sometimes, I get freaked out...haha..

I'll leave my very first post with the sunset taken at Victoria Memorium garden. It was a really nice place to chill out. I'll be going to Chennai tomorrow on a 30 hour train ride with Azusa, and then to Bangalore and Hampi with Gary for the entire week. Going to be quite a journey! Its 37 hours back from Bangalore to Kolkata...37 HOURS!!!