What comes near, will never come beyond

by Amrita Rauniyar (Nepal)

A leap into the unknown India

Miles to go far by-foot travelers, while it took only 1.15 hour by plane to reach Kolkata (previously known as Calcutta). Falling under the Capital of "West Bengal" state, their mother-tongue is "Bengali". Seeing the street lights, one might easily conclude it as 'city of lights'. Rather, it is well known as "city of joy". Foreseeing a beauty is not what travelers thrive for. Instead, maddening crowds, a numb silence, or puzzling varieties of street foods seems captivating and mind-catching. City of joy can be therefore, be parted as Old and New kolkata. The latter one invites a smart technology and innovations to rebuild the civilization while the Old kolkata still struggle for their daily existence. Huge buildings with anonymous people minding their own business sometimes visit nearby sea beaches to escape their daily-routine. Even while shuffling through the main streets, horning vehicle sounds to the busiest street walkers dwindles as you pass your ear by. As India is a food-cultured country, even Kolkata introduces you with variety of food items in their traditional style. Begali people loves eating fish and no doubt so do I. Not as passionate as them because they mix fish in almost every dishes they cook. Meanwhile, one should not miss "misti doi" which means sweet curd in English language. A delicious and most famous sweets available are "Sandesh" and "Rasgulla", which one cannot easily avoid without tasting them. "Aithi debo bhaba" is among the popular proverbs which your guests are like your god and you treat them in a similar way you do to your whom you consider as your supreme power. I was excited to see when men and women were presenting me a couple of roses along with yellow tika on my forehead in every greeting ceremony. Interesting thing is that , they appreciate love from original smell of plucked red rose. I think that is what makes the new relationship look so young and fresh. One amazing thing is, except mother tongue- they only speak English language as means of communication. But, here communication is not what relates only after you know common languages instead any gestures or hand movements you pass in a communicative way can be well established as a language as we know even a dumb people understands what the other dumb is talking about. Apart from these, some sight seeing places are Victoria Museum, Howrah Bridge, Wax Museum, Dakshineshwor Kali Temple, Eco-park, and so many more. While visiting new places, people never forgets to go for shopping. So, the best place to get new choice of wear in a reasonable price is New market which is near by Howarh bridge. Even I bought some very beautiful earrings and one cotton-fabricated shawl in shiny green color. One would be very surprised if they ask for prices rather than putting their own rates on clothes they want to buy. One street seller got furious when i gave my rate and he started screaming at me saying "Better not to see these items, if you want to put your price ratings". Whatever it was, I left the street and returned back to my Hotel. On the contrary, hotel staffs were like god to me because they never let any customers in disappointment. Even next to the hotel, there was an apartment where a severe accident took place as a young lad of 28 years old jumped straight from 15th storeyed-massive-concrete. After one day, news revealed that he was a doctor and died after drinking alcohol in excess amount, who was left alone in the room after he shut the door pushing his wife out and smashing things afterwards. The young man faced spot-death. Nobody knew this could happen as a result and i was astounded seeing the event that how easily a person makes his/her choices in life. Concluding the story, I would like to add upon things that might put some values to our existence. "Nothing is much important than the way we breathe and time waits for none". Lets make most out of life. Lets secure 9 months of inside-womb experience to evaluate in real moment of eternity.