Kolkata’s Khubsoorti

Our time in Kolkata was short. We reached the night before of the wedding and left the day after in the morning.

We were attending Neeraj’s friend’s (Rajat) wedding in Kolkata. Rajat and Neeraj are college friends, and it worked out perfectly for us that we would be in India during the time of his marriage. Also many of Neeraj’s IIT friends from India and abroad were also attending the marriage so it became much more of a reunion for them.

Rajat’s father works @ a high post for the Indian Railways (Eastern division) and so they live in the Railway Colony in Kolkata. It was quite far from the airport, but it was a beautiful place. Their house was a mansion with servants all over the place, beautiful view of the sea (boats and ships were drifting by), and wonderful large rooms to hold all of the marriage festivities. Neeraj and I were staying in the guest house which was walkable distance to their house. All of the marriage festivities were held at their home, and the actual mandap and marriage happened in their garden area (back yard which was as long as a football field it seemed ).

We had a wonderful time dancing in the baraat as Rajat came behind us in a chariot. It was quite hot the day in Kolkata but as the baraat reached his home after making a round around the colony, a major wind dominated the rest of the night. All and all, we had a great time in Kolkata.

Then we were off from Kolkata to Mumbai the day after the marriage. This time we flew on Kingfisher Airlines, known in India as the best airline on the subcontinent. We reached the airport, entered, and immediately two Kingfisher guards were standing there. They asked if we were going on their airline, I replied yes, and took a hold of our bags and lead us to the baggage screening. As our bags were being screened, another Kingfisher employee began to print out our boarding passes. By the time our bags were done, our boarding passes were in our hands. Then we went to the counter only to weigh our bags, and we were ready to board. What fast and friendly service, now that’s what we call great customer service.

We went through security checkpoint and began to relax with a Pepsi in hand. Our plane was right on time, we boarded the plane, and we were able to watch the various TV shows as each passenger had their own little TV to watch. We also were given gobi ke parathe, paneer, etc.. to eat for breakfast – which, just like the US, Indian airlines have also cut down giving food, unless if you are traveling in high class airlines like Jet Airways or Kingfisher. All in all it was a great and smooth ride from Kolkata to Mumbai.

We reached Mumbai as Roop Mama and Sangeeta Mami were waiting for us at the airport. We made the trip to Charni Road…and here begins the nonstop fun part of our trip.

Let the games begin!!!!!!! Stay Tuned!!!

Alvida. Jai Mata Di.