Kolkata, India
22° 34' N 88° 22' E
Jan 08, 2006 02:55
Distance 1307km

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Arrive in Kolkata--FINALLY

Text written in: English


There's so much to say about my arrival in Kolkata.  Culture shock is only the beginning of the description.  I have journaled extensively on my arrival, but I won't be able to type that up until I return home.  The most significant thing is that my luggage was lost.  However, the  best part of the trip occurred flying from Delhi to Kolkata.  From my seat on the plane, I watched the sun rise on the Himalays.  The peaks poked through a blanket of clouds and were multicolored by the rising sun.  The tallest peak visible was none other than Mt. Everest.  I forgot for a moment that I was in a plane as the clouds looked like water touching an island of mountain peaks.  Absolutely incredible. 

-From Journal-

Before I forget, I must write about the best part of traveling.  The flight from Delhi to Kolkata was very early in the morning as the sun was rising.  In the distance from my window I saw what I thought we storm clouds, until I realized it was the Himalayas.  The peaks poked through the clouds we were flying over and were multicolored because of the rising sun. We even flew past Mt. Everest.

So far this trip is quite honestly a nightmare from which I pray to awaken.  My luggage is lost--possibly in India, possible in Chicago.  The city is absolute chaos, though there is still something likeable about it.  Upon arriving, Carol and I were shown the flat --quite a disappointment.  Rather dirty with rock hard beds and apparently showers that do not work.  Surprisingly, I'm not terribly upset despite the fact thtat I have 1 change of clothes and my phone is almost dead (charger is in the suitcase).  This trip will stretch me to the limits no doubt.  Once classes begin I'm sure things will improve.  

After settling in, Carol and I were taken to a show that could bes be described as a child beauty pageant.  I'm still not sure why we were there.  We met the third student--Majella--from Ireland, and Sanjib, the course director.  Upon leaving, we ran into a political demonstration in the streets consisting of hundreds marching in line.  Now I'm back in my room and I will try to rest before a late lunch.

I hope mom and dad received my text messages to call United Airlines.  I don't know what to do.

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random picture random picture of the streets near the school The Himalayas from the airplane
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