A Diamond in the Rough

Nikau 

He taonga, he tapu 

When you come to a place like Kolkata, your senses are immediately hit with everything the place has to offer and more; from its unique smells- albeit good or bad, the array of colours spread right across the vastness of the city, to the poverty- which you could never tell existed by looking at the smiles on each of their faces; and of course the food which, although made in poor living conditions, I guarantee is the best food I've ever tasted- you will not find any better anywhere else in the world. 

If you look at the town for its beauty and not for what's wrong with it, you will understand exactly what I am talking about. To be apart of this trip; to be doing this journey alongside the 21 other young men of my school is a true blessing. Everything about this place is beautiful- it has rocked me to my inner core, both literally and metaphorically, and if there is one thing I have come to realise throughout my short time at this wonderful place, it is that we are so lucky. Thinking back home to all the 'things' that we have, as well as the myriads of opportunities, I am humbled by the fact that so many people here have none. 

I am especially blown away by our hosts- the lads from the Jungle Crows; a rugby team here in Kolkata. To have their expertise and years of experience with us is absolutely priceless- I couldn't even imagine trying to manoeuvre my way through a town that's about the size of Auckland (a bit bigger) and densely populated with over 14 million people. One thing they told me, in an attempt to keep our group calm and collected through all the chaos I will never forget; ticache- which, in their mother tongue, roughly translates to 'it's all good'. A constant reminder to us all that happiness and contentment could never be determined by the 'things' that we own, but by the experiences and the little moments we share with others.

Kolkata, you truly are a diamond in the rough. I look forward to returning here soon. 

Ticache!