"Can we mail you stuff?"

Sure you can mail us stuff. But we might not get it. Because one day we came home from work and our mailbox was cemented over. Yes, that's right. Cemented over.

It's not like they even bothered to cement it over and blend it in with the rest of the wall. Oh no, that would be too brilliant.

No point to ask why. So we just have to laugh. The mail people now put our mail in the mess of pot in front of wall.
 
 
In our apartment building, I don't think this box is up to code. Too bad I don't know where to get a fire extinguisher around here.
 

More than meets the eye....

What do you see on this building? (Sorry, to confuse you, this was taken in Portland on my slight diversion out of India over the holidays)
 
 

Calcutta

Calcutta is a very interesting place. My friend warned me that I would see the poverty I have ever seen in Calcutta. I didn't believe him, since I've seen slums in Mumbai and Delhi. What he said was right though. It is very depressed area, despite 24+ years of Communist rule. There is little foreign investment and I have never seen as many people bathing and sleeping on the streets as I did there. I didn't take pictures out of respect, but trust me, it's bad.

What I can show you is the narrow alleyways in Calcutta that are kind of remiscent of Europe. But without the cleanliness and charm.
 
You gotta love the hammer and sickle in the iron fence. That's the communist party union office.
 
And just behind the union office? Mother Teresa's home and final resting place.
 
 

Howrah Bridge

Everyone told me that when I went to Calcutta I should make sure to see the spectacular Howrah Bridge over the Ganges. Well, I went. I saw. I was not in awe. I realized it was probably the fact that there are not many bridges, let alone "fancy" bridges like Howrah in India. When you come from Pittsburgh and Portland, I guess you get a little spoiled with bridges.

But, what was interesting about this sight is that minutes after I saw a dead cow floating in the Ganges. You don't see that everyday.
 

The luxury I deserve

My hotel in Calcutta. I did not shower that day, and touched as little as possible.