Floaties in Kolkata

It’s noon in Kolkata. Since looking out our window and taking the photo of the sunrise early this morning, we have seen the streets fill with sights, sounds, cars, people, and more people. Henry wanted to go swimming this morning and did not have any floaties (the things that blow-up around the arms to keep kids afloat). I asked the folks at the front desk if they had any. After about 5 minutes trying to explain what “floaties” were, a young lady suggested I walk down to the market. Now let me begin by saying the hotel we are staying in is beautiful. It rests within one of the busiest areas of Kolkata. I keep referring to it as a ‘compound’. Buildings, none over several stories, line busy streets with storefronts and venders lining the sidewalks. You turn in under these grand arcs between these old buildings and you are in a private oasis, the Oberoi Grand Hotel. We feel like royalty. Staff fills the entry way with guards all around. Everyone is dressed impeccably and each person greets you with clasp hands and a deep bow. Everyone is so beautiful from their dress to their smiles to their wonderfully bronzed complexion. It seems like a dream. But let me take you to the market. Outside the grand arcs the streets are filled with people. Everyone wants only a moment of your time a dollar for some goods. But here I am walking the streets of Kolkata looking for floaties so Henry can swim. I walk down the street weaving through the crowd, exchanging glances and smiles. I see an odd looking shop that sold tennis rackets. I walked in and this short jolly man with hair like the comedian Galligar, yet grey, welcomes me. I explain what I am looking for and with moments he pulls out an old sack of floaties that must have been made in the early days of plastic. He offers me a seat where he was sitting and takes the time to pump each one up to assure they worked well. I pay him 200 rupees, about $4 and we embrace in a hearty handshake and I am gone. Floaties in Kolkata.

It reminds me of Istanbul but the people here seem to be more at peace. Everyone loves to talk and ask questions and appreciates honesty and good conversation. English seems like it is the primary language. You encounter many businesses with English signs and many speak the language better than most Americans. All we desire is to recover from the intense trip today and will venture further out into the city tomorrow.

But here is the news everyone really cares about and the reason we have brought our hearts to the other side of the world. I spoke with Ms. Roy, the head of the children’s center, and we will pick her up on Monday at noon! She asked, “will you come today?”, I told her of the luggage and our desire to know Tess’s home a little better before we come. Plus, without the donations to the center, her bottles, clothes and other necessities from the luggage, it would be very difficult to do this. But knowing we are in the same city, the same area of our daughter, keeps our spirits high and our hearts strong. We’ll see you soon little girl.

I must say once again how incredibly strong and brave Henry has been. He ran around the plane from London to Kolkata in his Superman pajamas and had the whole plane in his palms. Everybody commented on his good behavior and how cute he was. He has been a super-trooper!

Love to all of our family! I know everyone is worried about us, but we are doing so well. A little tired, but we are safe and sound. Thanks for the comments; it is great to hear from you all. Keep you “posted”!