Moved house

Our booking at the iconic Saturday Club expired today and they're really busy, so our fixer there took us to examine a very close alternative. Our room is now only about 50% larger than the average in Travelodge, and the furniture is newer. We've only a couple of nights left in Kolkata so we're not too fussy.

As a final fling we visited the on site bakery and enjoyed early lunch on the terrace. 



We took an Uber taxi to Kolkata's "Eco Park" this afternoon. Uber does make life simple in some ways - no problem describing where you are or want to go - but a pain in others, such as failing to accept any payment method (no idea why, but cards and PayPal won't work). 

The Eco Park.... Hmmm... Well, all things are relative. Compared to the average beauty spot or maintained urban park in the UK, it was grim - scummy water in the lake, rubbish around, multiple fast food stalls blaring music etc. However, when experiencing it fresh from the streets of Calcutta it was a true revelation of pastoral idyll. Vehicle horns could still be heard, but so remote as to be unobtrusive. The pond had many fish rising (gulping for air rather than feeding, but surviving) and there were myna birds around (but not the many other species we were advised should be). Also various cultural sections such as Bengali history and, weirdly, masks. Perhaps more the pleasure when pain stops than when treats arrive, but we were pleased we visited.



And so to supper. The hotel restaurant has a very wide menu and seems really quiet; we assume the standards aren't great; that may be wholly wrong and it wouldn't be too surprising if they just have stuff delivered from the best places around. A quick Google search described the best pizza restaurant in Kolkata just up the road which, feeling a little disloyal to India, appealed. 

It was excellent. The toppings were so tasty and well balanced, on dough which didn't need toppings to be wonderful. I'm not sure I've had better pizza anywhere (never visited New York!). 

Back in the hotel we're gradually cooling down and planning tomorrow; rain is forecast and we may try for another river trip. 

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