Brad's Trip

10/03/2023

In the neighborhood that I have called home for the past three months.

10/03/2023

Kolkata a city growing beautifully.

10/03/2023

For the past three months, I have been an observer of India, its people and culture, its growth, and its struggles. I have felt honored to be as warmly welcomed as I have been. Seeing the differences in places, people, and cultures is easy. As I have shared with you over the past few months' adventure, I hope that I have not led you to believe that India, especially Kolkata, is backward or lesser in any way. Kolkata is a big (4.5 million strong) city that is growing daily. It's beautiful. It has a rich history and culture, with the majority of people warm and welcoming. Yes, cows are roaming the streets (that's just a cultural difference), but the city streets that they meander are growing and changing to meet the needs of the people. Take a look at the buildings that are springing up all over Kolkota.

10/03/2023

Yes, Happy Holi

10/03/2023

Holi takes place over several days. For some, it is just for fun; for others, it is a day of connecting, enjoying the company of others, and celebrating the many colours of life. I enjoyed making the connections and seeing the children just having fun.

09/03/2023

Holi, also known as the "festival of colors," celebrates the end of winter and symbolizes the triumph of good over evil. It's also one of the significant Hindu festivals and is celebrated with lots of joy. People come together to eat, dance, play, and have a good time.

"May God gift you all the colors of life, colors of joy, colors of happiness, colors of friendship, colors of love, and all other colors you want to paint your life in. A very Happy Holi."

04/03/2023

04/03/2023

Standing in the Tea Garden.

04/03/2023

I had a wonderful 29-hour train ride into Southern India and then spent the next ten days absorbing the serenity and beauty of the area known as Waynard. The locals refer to the area as "God's Country" and that it is. It's mountainous and lush with green. The locals didn't speak Hindi or Bengali and certainly very little English, so it was a perfect time for quiet, thoughtful reflections while people watching and enjoying the environment.
The grandeur of this adventure ceased when I arrived back in Kolkata and was diagnosed with Covid. Drats! So, more time to reflect while I am quarantined for the week. I'm healthy now, so all is good.

Two more weeks and then headed back ...

07/02/2023

Beautiful interactions that I will never forget.

07/02/2023

Workers working hard.

07/02/2023

My adventure continues, and with each passing day, I realize that we are all in this together. My perceptions of value - beyond rich and poor have changed; priceless has a new meaning. A warm greeting, an unexpected interaction, a hug from a stranger, a shared festival treat, and communication without a common language have taught me so much in these my first six weeks in India.
When I first arrived, I saw only the obvious discrepancies in my way of life in Palm Springs vs. life here in Kolkata. I saw poverty, litter, and chaos everywhere I looked here. What I had missed in these initial observations was the joy in the City of Joy, the progress being made at every turn, and seeing a city, Kolkata, prospering, albeit with growing pains.
Walking each morning, I have learned to step over cow pies and dog piles, even as I gaze up to see new construction all around me. Construction at the hands of men and women without the most modern equipment to ease the process. Men carry containers filled with cement up flights of stairs to build the multistory complexes, and women carry pails of water on their heads from the river to the road to help with road repairs. Incredible effort. I see people with patience driving in traffic that would bring road rage to most. Perseverance where failure might easily be called. Pleasure bathing and grooming together in the open waters when plumbing is unavailable. Pride abounds. This is an adventure of learning primarily for me - learning that we are all in this together.
Hugs to you, my family, and my friends. I miss you all.

A jungle river in the non-monsoon season.

20/01/2023

Flowers in remembrance of mother's life - India style.
Gone eight years but never forgotten.

20/01/2023

On my second trip to the flower market, I selected flowers for an arrangement in remembrance of my mother, who passed away eight years ago this week. While there, a photographer was working with a beautiful young woman in a photo shoot. I couldn't help myself; I had my camera, so what could I do.? Wow, so beautiful.

17/01/2023

A new year and a year older, '23 and 73, and all is good.
The year started off with two great plans. First was to be a visit to Queen Victoria's Memorial Hall on New Year's Eve day. Arriving about noon, I observed the mile-long line of guests waiting to be admitted, so I decided to postpone that visit (a palace-like museum surrounded by 13 gardens on 57 acres of land.) I will return.
On New Year's Day, I planned a visit to "Valley of the Flowers," several hours outside Kolkata. The Valley is filled with fields of flowers divided into small plots tended to by individual farmers. On my previous visit, I met a very charismatic farmer and his wife, who prepared for me a large handpicked bouquet of flowers. I took pictures then, and this year when I returned, I gave them framed photos of my first visit. I also took them some groceries and treats. Needless to say, they were surprised and appreciative. I even received an invitation to join them for dinner when I next visit. I don't speak Bengali or Hindi, and they don't speak English. I'm sure it will be an enjoyable albeit quiet dinner.
Since then, I have spent the better part of a day at the flower market. The market consumes city blocks and is one of the largest flower markets in Asia.
They mainly operate to meet local wholesale and international sales. They will, however, sell retail (very inexpensively). I ended up with multiple bouquets and arrangements.
Then a lovely day in Kolkata's Central Park. A beautiful green space within the city for relaxing, walking, and simply enjoying the day. And I did.

17/01/2023

14/01/2023

For my birthday I'm headed to the jungle (a nice resort). It's off the grid - no internet - so I won't be online for a few days.
Hugs to all.

03/01/2023

The botanical garden offers a refuge to a variety of birds. and aquatic life. A great place to spend an afternoon.

03/01/2023

The poor apartment manager here. I've called him a half dozen times to address issues within the apartment. Water in the bathrooms is heated by a wall heater known as a geyser. When taking my first shower, I found only cold water. This did not settle well with me since I am a long-hot-shower kind of guy. A call to the manager informed me that I must flick a wall switch to turn on the geyser. I need to turn it on and off after each use. Ok, so now I know. The kitchen is so ill-equipped that I have had to purchase cooking pans and utensils (he will reimburse me) to make an egg for breakfast. The washing machine in the kitchen works poorly, and there is no dryer. I have to hang my clothes out on the patio to dry them. After using the washing machine for the first time and finding my clothes stiff and not totally dry the following day, I found a laundry service. (Ugly American?)

My back-home conveniences and luxuries are only sometimes present here, that's for sure. Still, the apartment is lovely and offers me a comfortable base for my stay and travels here in India. Yes, some adjustments are to be made, but these adjustments make my trip an adventure.
I'm having no trouble getting my 10,000 steps in daily. A half-mile down the road is "Ego Village," a nice community park with walkways and an outdoor exercise area. I have been there several times this week and plan to visit regularly.

Last week, I went to Kolkata's extensive and impressive botanical garden where the primary draw is the 250-year-old "Banyan Tree ." The Banyan tree drops roots from high up on the tree itself, and once the roots reach the ground, they take hold and expand the tree. This Giant Banyan Tree has over 4,000 roots and covers almost five acres! The botanical garden staff tend to this tree like an ancient artifact in a museum. We visitors are not allowed to touch the tree. It would take a drone to photograph and do it justice.