14 Million Stories

Cam Macfarlane 

Even months of preparation couldn't paint a picture in my mind of what I would witness in Kolkata. It only really kicked in when I stepped foot outside of the airport that we were in India, the indications being an overwhelming amount of smog, taxi drivers tooting their horns every five seconds and a completely foreign language. Before too long I found myself in a taxi with a driver of no English whatsoever. Miraculously I made it in one piece, considering no drivers paid attention to the lanes and no apparent speed limit or road rules for that matter. What caught my attention, however, was what the roads weaved in and out of. I found myself completely overwhelmed by the hectic noise, smells and sights. I still am shocked a day later at the poverty that was so common. For instance I saw a shop that was literally the size of the closet in my room, the lady in there squatting on a shelf by the roof so the customers would be able to enter. To think that the lady's life probably relied on the success of this seemingly insignificant store had a greatly significant effect on me. At this point I realised truly what it meant to be in a very different country to my own. I went to bed that night feeling very uncomfortable, confused, and overwhelmed. This day, however, has shone a new light onto the incomprehensible energy of the busy Kolkata. Today I saw 14 million stories, 14 million journeys. However unfortunate, I sit here on a rooftop reflecting how marvellous it all is.