First impressions

Ben 

Kolkata is the most overwhelming and immense place I have ever been in my entire life. The contrast to New Zealand and Singapore is so unbelievably striking – something I believe to be impossible to be prepared for. 

Last night, while walking around the block someone pointed out a homeless person sleeping under a mound of rubbish on the street. I spotted them right next to my shoe, an image which has been imprinted in my mind, possibly a metaphor for the huge poverty and struggle in Kolkata. After this I noticed that the streets were lined with the homeless and stray dogs.

A funny moment was when some of the boys became startled by some stray dogs and started moving away from them, amusing some locals to the point that they started doing high pitched screams imitating us.

The markets this morning were fascinating to say the least. Everyone with a mission of some sort, everyone with a story, everyone hustling. I did enjoy all the photos and selfies locals took of us, however it was unusual to be photographed for doing nothing. The meat markets were intense; bugs, rats, crows and people surrounding the meat. Live chickens sitting next to the dead, rats taking scrap meat thrown on the floor, the beating of meat cleavers. The smell was so pungent and confronting, I did not find it enjoyable. The rest of the markets were such a rush and I'm very much looking forward to going back.

I write this sitting on the roof of the hotel, eager for an evening out with the Jungle Crows. I'm really looking forward to some touch rugby and bonding with local kids. So far Kolkata has been amazing and I'm buzzing at the thought of spending the next 4 days here.