One month in Calcutta!

Yesterday marked the official full month since I'd arrived in Calcutta. And now tonight I leave for Darjeeling on the night train and will only be back in town for a day before I leave Calcutta for good to see more of India. I say 'for good' now, but I have a sneaking suspicion I will be back to Calcutta. Back for a longer duration. Back to possibly call it my home.

It's hard to believe it's been a month. It's been long and short all at the same time. There were moments when I wanted to get the hell out of this city. And now that the time has finally come for me to move on, I don't want to go. Who knew that I could grow to love such a dirty chaotic stinky annoying place so much. Who knew that I could form friendships in a month that feel as though I've known these people for years. I feel at home here. I don't notice the stares any longer, I know where I'm going and how to get around and I have family here.

I told Martin yesterday while I was visiting with him, that I might be white on the outside, but I'm brown like an Indian on the inside.

Here are a few of the everyday things I see that I've grown to love and cherish!