Kolkata - City of Joy

 Five star life has real benefits. A shower that has more than five litres of hot water, for example. We aren't grumbling about any of the food so far, but this was our first proper buffet breakfast of the trip and it was wonderful. Fruits and doi, the peculiarly West Bengal sweet yogurt which became a favourite on my first Kolkata trip twenty four years ago, made appearance, along with many Indian and western staples. Enthusiastic staff members popped past to offer all sorts of extras; Jen had porridge and I had a really well stuffed omelette.


I must make doi when we are at home


The AJC Bose botanical garden was first planted well over 250 years ago on the north or Howrah side of the River Hooghly. There are trees from all over India, ponds and a wide variety of plants, so also a profusion of birds and insects, and we saw chipmunks and an otter. The garden is cared for well and there is an intolerance of rubbish so far less than usual. Recognised birds included kingfishers and drongos, very striking. 





Cricket is banned here - the alternative is here


So many different bamboos, including this wavy type


River Hooghly is alongside, unfortunately behind a tall steel fence. 

Good time for flowers 


Teak roots - like slender buttresses holding the tree up

By early afternoon we were very hot and weary so back to the hotel to coolness. 

Late afternoon we headed out once more, this time for the cinema in a modern shopping mall. Cinema was very good, film not great (Mission Impossible) but full of action (and inconsistencies!). Our Turkish meal at one of the mall restaurants was fine, while being totally unlike any Turkish meal we've had before. 

Iskender kebab 

Moussaka 


Tomorrow we've an early start to visit Serampore College again. Meanwhile, definitely bed time. 



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