Time To Process And Reflect

Callan 

As I have mentioned before, I take a little bit of time to process what I have experienced, and Kolkata has given me quite a lot to think about. 

Darjeeling was serene, but I found myself too caught up in the majestic views of the Himalayas to be able to take myself back to the hectic and dirty streets of Kolkata.

Saraswatipur was joyous, and I found myself beginning to reflect on Kolkata, comparing the smiles of the people, the levels of material wealth and the overall standard of living. I think it's higher.

Varanasi is relaxing, quiet and an inherently spiritual place - the perfect opportunity to gather my thoughts. 

There is a constant battle in my head over whether the joy of the people or the sadness and anger evoked by their surroundings will come to define the city. Rather than seek a clear winner, however, I think that I need to accept the fact that Kolkata can never be neatly defined, because it is pure chaos, and there is beauty in that.