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Well I finally managed to get everything packed up and am now in Kolkata. Managed to get most of things done before I left but not quite everything I wanted to do. Finding it quite hard at mo but that was only to be expected arriving in a new place on my own. Been sleeping an awful lot too. Its rained most of the day today so haven't been out much. Was due to get a taxi over to co-ordinators place but was a bit too wet. Will probably go tomorrow as my volunteering is not starting till Tuesday as its a holiday tomorrow. Gives me a bit longer to settle in. At house been doing sudoku and keep updating my travel journal. Believe it or not you are getting the condensed edition! My homestay hostess is lovely, house is nice and co-ordinator is very nice too. My room looks over next door which is having building work done on it- looking on bamboo scaffolding and ammonium nitrate fertiliser bags. The balcony looks over a school. Felt awful I managed to stop fan from working in my bedroom so last night slept with no fan. Had my first walk around local area today after being shown around last night by co-ordinator. Internet cafe is not far away so that is very good. Food is good and hostess is aware that I'm not brilliant with spicy food so is cooking it mild for me and its very nice. Doha looked very nice arriving from air but was a mad rush through airport to get connecting flight. That was not fun!Arriving was rather stressful as couldn't find my pick-up. Then the outside doors to airport shut on me and couldn't get back in. Army was asking for passport and boarding pass. I had mislaid my boarding pass as it was only a stub and I didn't realise I would need it again so I couldn't get in. Was just beginning to panick when spotted the driver. Driving is very different to England. When got in taxi from airport couldn't find seatbelt and seat was bouncy. Not as much road rules as in England. Alot of hooting, going through small gaps and people, cyclists, dogs, autorickshaws in middle of road. Was very scared to begin with as was not like driving in England but then began to relax as realised it was normal. Considering I arrived in middle of night it was busy in the streets with people working cleaning taxis etc. Also was a parade of people come through with bells ringing. Last night withdrew money from ATM while co-ordinator was there and got some money put on Indian phone. ATM is slightly different to UK- you swipe your card rather than place it in your ATM there also seemed an extra step in between saying withdraw cash and getting it. Been out twice walking today as got to internet cafe the first time and realised I would need my ID. I thought I was at a crossing today and I was a little puzzled as the locals seemed to be waiting there for a long time even when road seemed empty. On my second walk there I realised the reason for this- it was also a bus stop!
Please note photo above I had to select one and there wasn't one of Kolkata.
Will try and update again soon!
- comments
dad Well, Suz,what an interesting and amusing blog. You certainly seen to be having quite an adventure so soon into your travels. Things appear, from your news, to be going fine up to now. We were suprised that you were able to blog at this early stage and it is very reassuring to hear from you. It occurs to me that you may even be able to take up your original career plan to be an author, by the time you have completed your travels you will have enough material to write a book. Well done keep up the good work. love Dad xxxxxxxxx Super blog. Enjoy your day tomorrow. Love Mum- cooking dinner at mo!
sylvia brookes So glad that you arrived ok. It has made for very interesting reading. Pleased that you are enjoying the food we will have to hit the Indian when you come back but I bet it wont be the same. We will look forward to your next blog. Take care hun Love Sylvia
Carol n Andy Ellis Well done lovely. Really interesting reading & you appear to be finding your feet really well. Keep it up. Love you loads Carol n Andy xxx
Steve Potten Fantastic blog Suz, Putting us all to shame! Looking forward to hearing about your adventures! love Steve and Tina
Hannah Hainsworth Wow Suz, I think it's so great your doing this. Sounds like such an adventure. Agree with the differences in road rules in Asia haha!
Neil and Joan Cliffe Hello Wonder Woman, Sounds as though you are off to a good start. Looking forward to more interesting news as you settle in. take care and enjoy the great adventure you have just started. Lots of Love . Neil and Joan.xx
Glenys & John Hi Suzanne Wow didn't know you were going to India. What an experience although I am sure a little scary at first. How long are you there for and what is the purpose for your visit? Take care and look forward to your news updates. Lv from us X
Suzanne Ellis Hi Glenys and John, Yep gone to India and going to South America. I am volunteering for a month in Kolkata and a month in Delhi volunteering in a private hospital. Then doing a tour from Delhi to Goa so will be around 11 weeks in total. Then return home for 2 weeks on 21st October. x
Nancy Fredenham Thanks for including us in your blog. Your experiences so far sound very normal for India so continue to enjoy the differences. Hope all goes well with the volunteering. Love Nancy
Norman and Chris Price Hi Suzanne. Glad to follow your blog and keep up with your adventures. Treasure this time - it will be really important in your life. Look after yourself and we will be in touch soon. Love Naughty Norman Price and Aunty Chris
Suzanne Thank you to everyone who has sent me messages. I really appreciate it. Love Suzanne x