Kolkata

I arrived in Kolkata Sunday night, and have been staying at the flat of a friend of Melissa's. As I sit here, I can hear the sounds of Kolkata outside. Horns blaring, engines reving, people shouting - in lots of ways it so closely resembles every other Indian city that I've experienced. It just seems the same. But, I think, under the surface, this city is different.

Here's some of the differences that I know of so far:

1. This city is crowded. It's not the most populous city of India (Bombay wins that distinction with 17+ million people) but it is still the most congested. Wikipedia said that it's road space, with population density factored in, is 6%. Bombay has 17% road space and Delhi has 23%.
2. When Melissa and I flew into Kolkata and caught a taxi to her friend's apartment, the air seemed heavy, thick and dark. I don't think it was just the smog (although I think that was a large part of it!) It seems like this city has a feeling of heaviness, or despair. Listening to some of my friends' reflection on the struggles of this city has also helped shed light on the clear struggles and issues of the people they know here.
3. Some of the other cities I've visited have a definite 'Western' flavor to them. A few years ago, I visited Bangalore and Chennai. Now, in comparision, they seem much more 'metro' and blended with Eastern and Western values. Kolkata is more traditional. I've seen fewer women wearing western dress (jeans and tops) and more wearing the long shirts and drapped scarves. This is a place of stronger Indian values.
   
4. Similarily, Kolkata just isn't a tourist spot like other Indian cities are. There are places in the city where you would find more westerners shopping, but not as many and not as many 'attractions' either. I've asked my friends where I can go to really see the city, and there just aren't monuments or places or attractions. The city is the streets, the small shops, and the 15 million people dwelling here...