Cha-cha-changes

5:17pm
18.12.8
Cha-cha-changes

6 days left till Christmas Eve and my entry into Reeducation Camp (for those who "remember" communism)


So Kolkata is changing... I noticed this in August, but it seems to be changing rapidly around Sudder street. (Aka. Tourist Ghetto)

The first change I noticed began upon my first revisit to Raj's Famous Internet Emporium (Aka. Saree Palace/"That Internet place in the alley", etc.). Raj's has always been the nicest place in town and only 15rps for a fast connection! The last time I was in India, they openned up a Clothing store, and this time, a coffee shop (making it a full-fledged internet cafe).



In fact, I was the "official espresso tester". And though the first two were good, the third one (in an hour, mind you) was by far the fullest flavour this side of Italy. And as I don't drink so much coffee... I was jittery for the next 12 hours...



I was also a consultant on sandwiches... and I tested one a few days ago... quite delicious. The bread actually tastes like... well bread. Which is a huge accomplishment considering that most Indian bread tastes worst than the paste we call "white/wonder/slice bread".



And upon my suggestion, he's branched into baguette sandwiches!






And on the coffee theme, pastries!


The place is nice and comfy... with nice pillows for your back and long pillows that you sit on, on the ground; with small tables at just the right height for your computer.



Another big change is the loss of a great hostel... Salvation Army was supposed to close for renovations... but "renovations" became...





Reconstruction. :-(
And rumor has it that it will no longer be the hosteliers' favourite hang out, but a mid-range hotel type place.

Blessings,
Edward
533pm
(scheduled posts following)