Clinton 2012

We arrived in Kolkota yesterday (Sunday) after a day filled with travel. For those of you who are thinking, “What the heck is Kolkota?” it is Calcutta. Yes, we have created our own English spelling and pronunciation of a word that is actually not that complicated. Welcome to America.

We had a mellow evening last night and just wandered around and checked out the shopping. Our hotel is right in the middle of town so we can walk out the front doors and have quality shopping right on our steps. And by quality I of course mean lots of random trinkets and clothes with sweaty men hollering at you to buy them. That doesn’t sound appealing, but in all honesty it is wonderful. Kolkota is more like the India I imagined. People everywhere. It’s hot, loud, crammed and smelly, but it is beautiful.

Today we wandered around and saw some monuments. Some British stuff related to Queen Victoria and Prince William. A church, a few statutes, you know the usual. We weren’t allowed to drive on all of the streets because apparently Hillary Clinton is in town. Small world, huh?

My favorite part of the day is when we visited Mother Teresa’s place. We got to learn about her life and her work a missionary. Fun fact, she was Albanian. I’ll be honest, and I might regret admitting this, but I just assumed she was Indian. Stop judging, I know there are a few of you who thought the same thing. But yes, she was a wonderful Albanian woman. If Mother Teresa doesn’t inspire you, I don’t know what will. We got to see her room where she lived and her tomb. She is actually buried in a marble tomb right in the center. Kind of crazy to be standing in front of the body of such an incredible woman who changed the lives of so many people. The volunteers explained all of the centers that take care of different groups of people such as: the elderly, orphans, disabled children, disabled adults and the dying. We will be volunteering at a few of these centers tomorrow so stay tuned for a heart wrenching, tear jerking, inspirational blog entry tomorrow. No pressure to whoever is writing next. I’m off to eat some naan and lamb. Good morning to everyone on the homestead. –Kaylee

P.S. I have had my eye on a Casio watch at Fred Meyer for a while now that is $25. I bought it today for $5 along with a fake Nike shirt and all of the Harry Potter movies on one CD for $1.50. I love India.