All the years that I have stayed in Calcutta, I had never really felt earlier that the city had so much for me.I remember the first time I landed up in the city,when, I, all of 16,reached Sealdah railway station I sufferred a strong culture shock.It was almost 7 in the morning, and the crowd and commotion, narrow alleys, the constant noise of the buses, hand pulled rickshaws, people hurrying all through made me feel like I was in a new world! Right from the railway station to the Shantiniketan Hotel at Sealdah it was the same all through - no sign of calm.The hotel rooms were too cramped up, balcony was filthy and when I opened the window to let in a bit of fresh air, I was struck by the plumes of smoke, sea of people, hawkers and buses lining up the road.Those were moments, which built in me a hatred towards to the city. But by now, when years have gone by, I have found a different meaning in these walks of life.Whereas I really cannot say that I love the noise and commotion, but I can definitely say that I have adjusted myself to the city in all ways.
So, when on a recent weekend, when I was venturing out near Dalhousie, clicking photos of Fast food outlets,the office goer scurrying to the office, a splash of rain creating thick muddy imprints on the sidewalk I was definitely not detesting all of these.It was around 10-30 ish, peak office time with thick traffic jams all around and it took me a good 15 mins, to find the parking space for my motorcycle and then retraced the steps taken.
When I started walking from Dharmatolla more towards Dalhousie the crowd was maddening.First of the left comes up the Paradise cinema hall and on proceeding a few more steps are offices lined up one after the other.Next comes up Lal Bazar - the head quarters of Kolkata police.Further ahead,staright on taking a right turn is the Old China Town.On week days, more than half the length of the road is eaten up by parked cars.And another half of the road is encroached upon by vendors. On walking further ahead from the Old China Town lies the Bow Barracks, where the Anglo Indian community of Calcutta lives.The buildings are in a very dilapidated and shoddy state of affairs. It was made into a movie "Bow Barracks Forever" some
time back.From the Lal Bazar crossing on heading towards the left, straight ahead is the Dalhousie square.The Writers Building, Howrah birdge are all in close proximity.A 25-30 mins walk should be enough to reach Howrah Bridge.Most Industrial houses, Financial Institutions have an office here.The whole area takes around a couple of hours for proper photography and understanding the vibrancy of the crowd.The persistent rain that was accompanying me ,didnot even deter the commotion a bit. A cup of tea and bakery biscuits from the hawker was my breakfast.From there I headed back towards Old China Town, where the fast food stalls were doing brisk business.Apparently, the officers send the peons to fetch "parcelled" food.Dosas and Chowmein are the best sellers by a mile.I had to wait for a decent 15 mins to get my Chinese stuff delivered.Never trust the hygiene of the food and the water here or you might end up suffering from Delhi Belly syndrome.Dalhousie Square, like Free School Street offers ample scope for Street Photography.
Gradually the rain disappears and the sun beams down the place.I wind up and rev up my Enfield back home.
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