More Kolkata AKA Calcutta

Okay, for the past few days we've been enjoying the welcoming atmosphere on Sudder street. Arriving here for the second time, almost 5 months later, we enjoyed seeing so many familiar faces. It's like a miniature version of coming home to all our friends. Who could forget the cook, the lassi guys, Mr. Paragon, the cheery little old man selling bags and postcards, the simple man who has an obsession with feet, the rickshaw man on the block, the expressive mutes, the same beggars and most importantly, Bhavna!! It's such a friendly and relaxed place to spend some time. When I say relaxed, I mean a different relaxed from sitting on the beach eating shrimp. Sudder street is the place to sit around and visit old friends while drinking pineapple lassis and ice mochas in the tiny shops or on the curb, go shopping in expensive stores (to escape the heat of the day in A/C) of course never buying anything, muahhah or spending hours on MSN mostly with Grandma, Sandra, Terri and my favorite, Grady. Any one else is very welcome to join in on the conversation!
This morning everyone went out alone and did their own thing. I had a good day starting off with a banana pancake for only 13 rupees and a 10 rupee (25 cents) popsicle while chatting, or should I say miming, with the two mutes. What great entertainment! It's amazing how well you can get a message through with just actions. Great conversation! They were telling me that my nose ring was on the wrong side, that my face looks like Ammons (the tall man with a moustache), telling me what was in the news (since I can't read the Hindi), and some how I managed to understand when they were telling me who the punks on the street are that I should avoid, etc etc.
Another nice thing here is the way we can go out and do our separate things with no worries. We seem to be able to find each other quite easily in the day by asking anyone standing around where Ammon, mom or Bre are. They are always keeping track of us to make sure we're safe. I think they like the family aspect of it all.....though I'm not quite sure I do, hahaha.
All in all it will be a bit sad to leave on Sunday with no plan of return!
Savannah