Trust and Acceptance in Kolkata, India
Passing through the streets of Kolkata would satisfy any adrenaline junky. I have rarely seen a blinker used. Vehicles bob back and forth as they constantly switch gears to keep up with traffic. Horns sound so frequently that they nearly compose their own melody. Drivers don’t really stop unless it is necessary, but people who are not in cars don’t seem to worry. I don’t know what to fully make of all this, but there is some level of trust between those who share these streets.
When speaking with Diti about people on the roads trusting one another, she validated that the street is for everyone — dogs, cats, people, and cars. Dogs rest their head very near to oncoming traffic. They have become acquainted with the constant racket of cars, people, and anything in between. People walk casually through traffic and within inches of cars. Those walking definitely pay attention, but they seem quite relaxed. Bikers proceed through deep puddles near the curb. Rickshaws and motorcycles swerve through the smallest of openings. Part of me thinks the best Formula 1 drivers could be from this city.
A certain level of trust keeps different users of the streets moving. People trust that others will do their part to know and “obey the traffic rules”. With this trust comes acceptance. Dogs, cats, cows, and people are all accepted on the streets.
This idea of acceptance has another connection to my time in Kolkata. Although it is not supported by the perplexed stares we get when walking down the street, I have felt it in other ways.
We have all been accepted by Diti, Aarti, Sunil, Kushal, Promit, Shayoni, Kukhu, Ranu, and everyone who plays a part in hosting us. Since our first day here, they have met us with smiles, patience, and care.
The other day, one of Diti’s friends, Abhijit happily guided us to the Metro with our colleague Sunil. Abhijit paid for our tickets and took his time to show us around while sharing his knowledge of Kolkata.
Ranu, who helps us around the apartment and usually brings our food, always arrives with a smile. Last week, Ranu caught me in the kitchen watching a video on how to cut a mango. She shook her head and took over the operation. Ranu proceeded and paused to make sure I was following her every step. After she had perfectly sliced the mango she let me try. Let’s just say Ranu was patient enough to teach me a few more times.
Running into Ranu in the apartment has been one of many highlights of our day. Alyssa and Andrea share Bengali words that the Destiny women teach them, but Ranu says I need a book. Looks like we might soon be pros in basic Bengali!
These are a few moments when I have felt most accepted in Kolkata and it is crazy to think we have only been here for two weeks. I must also send a shootout to the best apartment in the city. Living with Andrea, Alyssa, Abby, and Owen has provided non-stop entertainment. I couldn’t imagine sitting around the dinner table recounting adventures with anyone else. There is almost always a story from the busy streets too.
Looking forward to a few more weeks of adventure and new faces!
