Kolkata Retail

Following yesterday's excitement we opt for a more relaxing day today.  After a leisurely breakfast we head round to our friend Rohit''s to tidy up the blog.  This year we have left the netbook at home and are working with D's tablet.  Very versatile but so far we have not worked out how to move photos on the Blogspot layout so an old fashioned internet cafe comes in handy for Rs 30 worth. 

We collect R's skirt and the rucsac - both jobs well done and excellent value for money. R wants a blouse to go with the skirt so we hit the retail trail.  She finds a very nice woollen shawl for a fiver but blouses are thin on the ground. As the search continues we stumble across an art supplies shop and she moves into overdrive, spending almost 300 rupees on brushes and a set of water colours.

By now it is getting very warm and D is itching to try a highly recommended kati roll so we take a short ride on the Metro with its marble clad, air conditioned corridors. Arriving at Park Street it is just a short stroll to our target, a street stall where kati rolls are prepared as you watch. D opts for Double Egg, Single Mutton without extra chopped chillies. R has decided to pass on lunch so she is allocated photographic duties. The chef is a pretty accomplished juggler.

The finished product is just wonderful. Even the wrapping paper was delicious.  In honour of India Mike's Kolkata food gurus we give the Olypub a second chance. It is busier today and the service is better. There is no rest for the idle kati roll eater and we are soon back on the street to look for a blouse. This does not go particularly well and R changes tack by making enquiries with a tailor. He quotes a 10 day turnround but does advise on the length of material required.

The search switches to fabrics and a suitable piece is found a stone's throw from the hotel. At 90 rupees per metre this had better be good. R asks the man if he can recommend a tailor. "Go to Bombay, Madam" was the earnest, but unwelcome recommendation. Time for a refreshment of choice in the hotel beer garden. 1 beer, 1 tea.  Afterwards R had to go for a lie down. Tea has that effect on her.

D felt strong enough to brave the touts in the New Market in search of a kurta for lounging around in and maybe a t shirt. Whilst claiming victory would be over egging the pudding he was delighted to return with both items within budget and only one additional scarf as 'a gift for your wife'.
Wait till these guys discover boiler room scams.

For dinner we head down to Park Street again with a couple of options in mind. At last, after two years of looking, we find the Teej restaurant,  God knows how we have failed to spot it before. This serves Rajasthani vegetarian food which is beautifully cooked and presented. Suits us just fine. The only jarring note is two appallingly behaved children at the next table whose parents were utterly oblivious. First one accused us of being Americans then the other said to R "Auntie your hair is grey".  We left in high dudgeon.

We would also like to introduce our 'Sign of the Day' feature.