Hot & humid Calcutta

Took the Steel Express to Calcutta after ~ 8 years. The last time was in 1998 probably. The fare then was Rs. 60/-. The train has since been 'upgraded' to a 'Super Fast'. Consequently, the fare has gone up to Rs. 80 (95 with reservation) & the travelling time has increased by 15 mins! Only in India dude, only in India!

Calcutta was UNBEARABLY humid. This was the worst weather I've ever encountered in Cal. The pre paid taxi booth was operating out of an old steam engine maintainance shed! There have been no improvements to the city from 8 years ago. Saw a vehicle other than an Ambassador/City bus (a Honda CR-V) only after reaching the traffic lights near Eden Gardens. Other metros seem filled with the post-liberalisation car models as if in a hurry to shake off the Ambassador-Premier Padmini days. Not so with Cal. They love their Ambys & how!

Anyway, our check up was in a clinic at Camac Street. The central AC at the place came as welcome relief. And who should we meet there but Sweta! Check up over, Sid & me popped into a bar named 'Silver Grill' on Park Street. We had the place all to ourselves & the ambience was pretty good. Returned to Howrah at 4 o'clock. Caught the Steel back to Tata & was bathing at home by 10:30. The bath was one of the most relieving ones I've ever had.