Dust & Dim Sum: Lost in Kolkata
okay, so, i’m pretty sure i’m running on fumes and lukewarm chai. the time stamp on my phone is screaming 2024, but honestly, i’ve lost track. i landed in Kolkata yesterday - or, like, yesterday - and it’s… a lot. a beautiful, chaotic, slightly terrifying lot. the air smells like spices and something vaguely floral, and the traffic? don’t even get me started. it’s a symphony of honking and shouting, and i’m pretty sure i just dodged a scooter by a hair.
I’m basing myself out of a tiny guesthouse near Park Street - seriously, it’s basically a glorified closet with a bed - but it’s got character. and a surprisingly decent wifi signal, which is a godsend. the pressure was 1007, humidity 14, sea level 987 - felt like stepping into a sauna that’s also trying to drown you. i just checked and it's...there right now, hope you like that kind of thing.
Spent the morning wandering around North Kolkata. it’s… intense. crumbling buildings, overflowing markets, and a constant buzz of activity. i stumbled upon a street vendor selling puchka (pani puri) - tiny, crispy shells filled with spiced potatoes and chickpeas. it was insane. i think i ate about a dozen. someone told me that the best puchka is at Kusum’s, but i haven’t braved it yet. i’m still recovering from the sheer volume of everything.
I’m trying to capture it all with my camera, but it’s proving difficult. the light is weird, the colors are overwhelming, and i’m constantly battling the urge to just throw my camera down and eat another puchka.
Speaking of food, I’ve been hitting up the local restaurants. Dim Sum is a thing here, obviously, but there’s also this incredible street food scene. I found a place near College Street that serves kati rolls - basically, a flaky paratha filled with spiced chicken or mutton. I heard that the best ones are made with homemade dough, but i’m still searching for that gold standard. Seriously, if you’re ever here, you have to try them.
I spent a couple of hours exploring the Victoria Memorial. it’s massive, and incredibly ornate. it’s a bit of a tourist trap, sure, but it’s also genuinely impressive. I overheard gossip that the marble was brought all the way from Italy - can you believe it? It’s a good spot to just sit and people-watch.
My gear list is a disaster, honestly. I’ve got my trusty Nikon, a couple of lenses, a portable charger (which is currently at 12%), and a rapidly dwindling supply of ibuprofen. Here’s the breakdown:
Camera: Nikon D7500 (pray it doesn’t die)
Lenses: 24-70mm f/2.8, 70-200mm f/4
Charger: Portable USB-C (low battery)
Painkillers: Essential
Snacks: Mostly nuts and dried fruit (running low)
Duct tape: You never know.
I’m planning on checking out Howrah Bridge tomorrow - apparently, it’s a major landmark. And maybe trying to find a decent cup of coffee. The coffee here is… an experience. Let’s just leave it at that. If you get bored, Delhi is just a short drive away.
I’m also trying to track down some vintage saris. I’ve been browsing through a few shops in New Market, but it’s a bit overwhelming. I heard that the best deals are found in the early morning hours, before the crowds arrive.
Seriously, this place is wild. It’s a sensory overload, but in a strangely captivating way. I’m starting to feel like i’m actually seeing it, not just documenting it. I’m going to try and find a rooftop cafe later and just… soak it all in. Maybe even write a poem. Probably not.
Check out TripAdvisor for some decent hotel recommendations: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotels-g304827-Kolkata_West_Bengal.html
And for some local eats, Yelp is your friend: https://www.yelp.com/b/kolkata-west-bengal
I’m also seeing a lot of activity on the Kolkata subreddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/kolkata/
Okay, I need more chai. And sleep. Maybe both simultaneously. This place is exhausting, but in a good way. Or maybe i’m just delirious. Either way, it’s an adventure.
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