Bright Sunny Day - In the City Of Joy

Day 7, Sep 7th, 06: Kolkata:

A week in Kolkata has been completed.

Last evening was a pretty funny sight in the office. We seemed to be getting the much required desks and chairs, as new people are joining. I had already made myself at home and parked myself at the first available desk and rather comfortable revolving chair. So what if it doesn’t have wheels. I managed to get the office boy to elevate the seat a bit to get into the correct posture to tap away at the key board. Joy’s cabin was a rather different story.

When his table came in, it seemed straight out of the pre-independence era. So to add to the rather retro look, I managed to find two round glass paper weights which I placed on his desk. Now imagine the four legged teak wood table with a swanky Toshiba laptop sitting atop and Joy working on seated in that rather small chair. We laughed our guts out. But that’s the fun of working in a make shift project office. We’re really going to appreciate the new place being built from scratch.

On the way back home couldn't resist buying Bengali Sweets from Nobolok. Bought over half a dozen "Langchas" (Oblong Brown Sweets soaked in Sugar Syrup). Knocked em down after dinner.

This morning after reading that rather amazing article I decided to head out into the hot sultry sun beating down on the Kolkata streets. Some bloke had just won the lottery. Guess how much? Rs. 17.56 crores. And who better to give him the cheque but our own Bong Bombshell – Bips (Bipasha Basu). Well with that in mind, walked out and decided to soak in some more of the sights and sounds.

I was rather amused by the fact that nearly all the roadside shops I see on the walk down Dharamtala Street in the morning seem to sell only bags. Aah! Finally something different - A lottery shop! Some guy seeking his fortunes early in the morning.

After the crossing the street and walking past the mosque in front of The Statesman Building, I saw a rather amusing banner inside. You need to enlarge the pic to read it. Then while crossing the fork of Bentink Street & Central Avenue, for the first time am awed by the majestic CESC office. It’s under renovation. Am sure will look even more grand thereafter. A left from Bentinck Street and cross Amber Restaurant and then, the already more than famous Chinese place that I’ve been visiting for Lunch. I’ve had Chinese food since Monday.

Then as soon as I crossed the street in front of the Governor's Residence, noticed something I've never seen anywhere else in India. Road sign for Pedestrian Crossing.

Went for a working lunch to Park Hotel. Chinese again at Zen.

Then was the best part. We went to the site of our new office. What a view. We’re excited about moving there asap.

So am just back to office and wrapping up for the day. Till tomorrow and more news from the City of Joy.