Gone in a Blur
It seems as though we have been busy doing something nearly every second of each day. We wake up, have breakfast together, hit the office, have lunch, work again until 5, explore a different part of Kolkata, and then enjoy one another’s company during and after dinner. We have our days in the office and on the weekends, we embark on mini adventures. This schedule, along with having an incredible group of people, made the days and past six weeks fly by. I am extremely happy with and grateful for all that we have been able to experience in Kolkata and some other parts of India. Looking back, I wish that there was more time to spend with the wonderful people we met here.
On our final Friday, Owen and I journeyed to the Maheshtala school with Manoswini. Unfortunately, we were missing our partner-in-crime, Abby. Bijoy was not around either, so Manoswini hailed a ride to the school. Luckily this drive worked out better than our last (we drove for what felt like miles on a narrow road through small villages scattered in lush, green marshland). Once we arrived at the school, the girls were eager to show us what they had made for homework. They creatively reused/recycled materials to craft bags, wall hangings, candles, you name it. It was refreshing to see the passion and pride these students shared. They are driven, intelligent, attentive, and they are great presenters!
Our day at Maheshtala ended with a little treat (in addition to the biscuits and chai that were shared with us). We were able to hail an auto rickshaw! Owen and I were pumped because this was one form of transit we had yet to take in Kolkata. All four of us squished into the small vehicle. We swerved in and out of traffic, around puddles and potholes, and were thankful for the open doors which kept us somewhat cool. It was only a matter of time, however, until the skies opened up to share the heavy rain of monsoon season. Water splashed up from the roadway and Owen took the hit as he sat on the outside of the tuk-tuk. We eventually had to put the down tarps over the doorways to keep the water out. Travel in Kolkata never ceases to entertain.
That night we had a delicious Bengali dinner with Kushal and Diti. Kushal shared his favorite dishes with us while Diti educated us on Bengali customs. She pointed out the decorations around the restaurant such as these beautiful plates painted with vegetable colors.
That weekend, Abby, Owen, and I joined Andrea and Alyssa to celebrate Destiny’s birthday. Although we did not know everyone there, it was refreshing to see many people enjoying each other’s company. With some help, Andrea and Alyssa did a great job facilitating games like light the candles, pin the bindi on the bear, and something like musical chairs. It was really fun to watch and play these games with everyone. I was able to speak with a few of Alyssa and Andrea’s colleagues; Phil, Atreyi, and Sanjay. The energy they share for their with Destiny was empowering. Seems like a common trend among people I have met during our time here.
The other night I walked down the block to the soccer court. I was a little too late, so nobody was playing, but I decided to continue walking down the block anyway. As soon as I turned a corner, Neil appeared! He was going to get his after-soccer snack, chicken roll. He told me to come along. We talked a little and he noted that he saw Andrea pass by earlier in a taxi. Neil has only met Andrea once, yet like me and Alyssa, he remembered her name. When we arrived at the chicken roll stand, I told Neil that it was my dinner time, but I would look out for him after work the next day.
On our final day we finished up odds and ends in the morning. Then, we spent quite a bit of time meeting with Diti. We spoke about what we set out to accomplish, what was and was not completed, what we enjoyed, and how we will continue to engage with all that we have taken away from the experience. It was great to have this allotted time for reflection with Diti.
Kushal, Sunil, and Manoswini joined us for Kaju chicken and chicken Biryani. We all said our goodbyes and “the end” didn’t really hit me then. Our time in Kolkata may have passed, but everything at ASED would continue like usual. In fact, Diti had another meeting to attend! We spoke of returning to India one day and also reuniting with Diti during her future travels to the states. Who knows what will come, but we will surely keep in touch.
Luckily, the rain held off after work and the boys were just finishing up soccer. It was time for chicken roll! I was able to meet Neil’s grandmother when he went back to get money. Then, we met Andrea and walked to the stand not too far down the block. To Neil’s disappointment, Andrea insisted on purchasing the rolls. We all huddled around the stand awaiting what smelled like a delicious snack. In no time the rolls were packed to go and we said our goodbyes. Andrea and I walked back the to the apartment. The sound of cars honking, dogs barking, and people conversing lit up the evening.
