Kolkata and Sahibganj
Woke up lazy on the 19th. Had to get into Kolkata not before 1400 hours.
Walked down to the Hoogly early, to get some shots before breakfast. Spent time by the river.
Had a lazy breakfast of omelette toast. Left at 1045 to get to Bubun's place.
Lazy drive. Crowd was not out yet, so got into his place by 1245. Took a walk around the area to see the changes. Totally, completely different. New buildings, eateries. And, Durga Puja is coming on with a big bang. Pandals are on the way UP.
The roads are what seriously piss you off. Inside Kolkata, no clue how cars survive. One can accept traffic, people on the road, bad driving, but not damage to the car every time it is taken out.
All got washed away when I had excellent home cooked lunch and dinner. Great evening with yet another school mate, over some Adberg. Insisted on local sweets. So, Bubun was forced to go an get some.
Hit the sack later than expected, with all the good spirits.
Woke up this morning early. Left at 0515 with the odometer at 5752.
Once I got out of Kolkata, it was a great 100 kilos. Traffic was heavy, but spread out. Within, Kolkata, the less said the better, Traffic lights were working at crossings every 50 meters, and even taxis were stopping. There were holes alongside bumps. Not very good.
After the first 100 kilos, the map took me into rural Bengal. It was cultivated green both sides. Villages dotting the roadside. The only mess-up was the unpainted speed breakers. Genuine sharp multi bump bone breakers. They were scattered all over. Had to do some very hard braking. Fortunately, very little traffic.
Crossed into Jharkhand without knowing. Roads stayed the same. Green cover was awesome, with the villages dotting the sides.
Then came the tree cover with the mountains. Amazed by the green cover they have. And, ghat roads. Drove right thru a BJP meeting. Stopped and asked the security guys carrying serious weaponry the direction, to make sure I was not getting taken for a ride again.
Got close to Sahibganj when I sighted the Ganges. Was coming down the mountain roads and saw the river as I turned a hairpin. Beautiful.
Sahibganj is a serious mess. Do NOT visit, for any reason whatsoever. The main vehicle locals drive is the Bolero, then the Scorpio. Fortunately, I can compete in macho-ness with both, and win. Muscled my way thru the narrow streets, manoeuvring thru autos, humans, hawkers on the streets.
But must tell you this. Jharkhand is CLEAN. Did not see any open garbage anywhere. Even when I went hunting for a place to take pictures of the river from the banks.
Checked in to the hotel.
It was okay inside. Outside was crowded. Rooms are large and clean. They were once enough to offer to buy me whatever alcohol I wanted. They just do not have a license to server.
Left post lunch to find a spot by the river where I could get some snaps. It was not easy. The first place had women bathing. Would have got beaten up if I started shooting.
Fortunately the next auto I grabbed was innovative, Found me a spot by the river. Believe it is spate.
Got a couple of shots. Did not like the location. And, it started raining. So headed back to the hotel where I was directed to the terrace.
Well, the Ganges has been seen. Next stop is Patna. Hopefully that will be a much better Ganges experience.
See you tomorrow
Walked down to the Hoogly early, to get some shots before breakfast. Spent time by the river.
Had a lazy breakfast of omelette toast. Left at 1045 to get to Bubun's place.
Lazy drive. Crowd was not out yet, so got into his place by 1245. Took a walk around the area to see the changes. Totally, completely different. New buildings, eateries. And, Durga Puja is coming on with a big bang. Pandals are on the way UP.
The roads are what seriously piss you off. Inside Kolkata, no clue how cars survive. One can accept traffic, people on the road, bad driving, but not damage to the car every time it is taken out.
All got washed away when I had excellent home cooked lunch and dinner. Great evening with yet another school mate, over some Adberg. Insisted on local sweets. So, Bubun was forced to go an get some.
Hit the sack later than expected, with all the good spirits.
Woke up this morning early. Left at 0515 with the odometer at 5752.
Once I got out of Kolkata, it was a great 100 kilos. Traffic was heavy, but spread out. Within, Kolkata, the less said the better, Traffic lights were working at crossings every 50 meters, and even taxis were stopping. There were holes alongside bumps. Not very good.
After the first 100 kilos, the map took me into rural Bengal. It was cultivated green both sides. Villages dotting the roadside. The only mess-up was the unpainted speed breakers. Genuine sharp multi bump bone breakers. They were scattered all over. Had to do some very hard braking. Fortunately, very little traffic.
Crossed into Jharkhand without knowing. Roads stayed the same. Green cover was awesome, with the villages dotting the sides.
Then came the tree cover with the mountains. Amazed by the green cover they have. And, ghat roads. Drove right thru a BJP meeting. Stopped and asked the security guys carrying serious weaponry the direction, to make sure I was not getting taken for a ride again.
Got close to Sahibganj when I sighted the Ganges. Was coming down the mountain roads and saw the river as I turned a hairpin. Beautiful.
Sahibganj is a serious mess. Do NOT visit, for any reason whatsoever. The main vehicle locals drive is the Bolero, then the Scorpio. Fortunately, I can compete in macho-ness with both, and win. Muscled my way thru the narrow streets, manoeuvring thru autos, humans, hawkers on the streets.
But must tell you this. Jharkhand is CLEAN. Did not see any open garbage anywhere. Even when I went hunting for a place to take pictures of the river from the banks.
Checked in to the hotel.
It was okay inside. Outside was crowded. Rooms are large and clean. They were once enough to offer to buy me whatever alcohol I wanted. They just do not have a license to server.
Left post lunch to find a spot by the river where I could get some snaps. It was not easy. The first place had women bathing. Would have got beaten up if I started shooting.
Fortunately the next auto I grabbed was innovative, Found me a spot by the river. Believe it is spate.
Got a couple of shots. Did not like the location. And, it started raining. So headed back to the hotel where I was directed to the terrace.
Well, the Ganges has been seen. Next stop is Patna. Hopefully that will be a much better Ganges experience.
See you tomorrow
Should be able to see dolphins in the Ganges at Patna
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