BOW BARRACKS : KOLKATA

Last Christmas in Kolkata, I had a chance to be at the Bow Barracks street party. Bow Barracks is the Anglo - Indian community in Kolkata. Apparently they host great parties in the streets of their community.

Heard a lot about it , when I reached there, was dropped by the taxi at Chandni Chowk, where it was too smelly. I was thinking is that all. Am I going to spend Christmas here !!

But Two blocks ahead the life and scene was absolutely different. All lit up and people in the street with food, drinks and every one in a mood to party.

M ZONIANS DANCE ACADEMY

Today was a treat as I thought I would have a quite evening. However I got a call from my sister to come for the annual day program of my niece from her dance academy.

I was there to witness the performances. In end I realized that its my Privilege to be there as I was absolutely  amazed by the event. I am so glad, that there are these academies to encourage the talents.

Not only in India but students of this academy are traveling abroad like France, Belgium, UAE, Singapore etc and students from international dance academies are coming to India for exchange program. Quite a big thing for small city like Bhubaneswar :)

KOLKATA AND BANGKOK

Kolkata and Bangkok.

Two cities, SAME SAME BUT DIFFERENT.

Same characteristics but with a different style. For example, the Hoogli could look a bit like Chao Phraya, the Wat Pho by the river gives similar peace as Dakhineswar Temple by Hoogli. Both cities serve delicious food by the streets. The Dharamtala area could be compared to Kaosan Road.

Poverty and Old people by the street.Fancy restaurants of Park street and Siam Square. The Ferries on the river. Night life and most importantly the warm people.

If feels similar one moment then absolutely different the next moment :)

I WENT FOR A LONG DRIVE

Today I went for a drive, a long drive. It was a good drive to the countryside of Orissa with nice views, clean roads, temples, rivers, bridges and lots of cows.

The only thing missing was pollution ;)

 

 

 

STREETS AND STREET FOODS OF BANGKOK

The street of Bangkok are full of life, people selling, passing their day, walking around, having their meals, playing music, calling for your attention.

The very look of the street foods available there are so different that one has to stop to try them. Not only for the presentation but also for the taste which is so delicious.

While I was there I could not stop making pictures during my Walking tour.

 

 

 

A VISIT TO JIM THOMPSON

It took us a good fourty five minute stroll with few stops and a 15 mins ride in a small boat to be at Jim Thompson's Thai residence.

Yes Jim Thompson is the famous silk trader who brought the concept of boutique is believed to be an American spy too. He mysteriously disappeared in 1972 and has no trace after.

But left behind this beautiful heritage which is for public display of course at a price of 100 THB.
His house is literally a collection from different parts of the world, from Ayuthaya to China, Cambodia to Japan, even Italy

Thai customs blended conveniently  with the western needs. Even though it is full of tourists, it felt great being there for the concept it is.

I EMBRACE BUDDHA # 1

The main highlight of WAT PHO, is what gives a window for I EMBRACE BUDDHA.

This came to me as a surprise, as the reclining Buddha which I had seen only in photographs was here. The Buddha statue which is gigantic is lying on his right arm and the feet has beautiful encryptions

THA THAN PIER , NO 8 : WAT PHO

One of my favourite stop in the boat ride came out to be stop no : 8, Tha Than Pier.  Half a minute walk from this ferry station is The Royal Palace and Wat Pho.

There was a big itch to visit the The Royal Palace again, but decided to save some money and went for the WAT PHO only. The entry was only 100 Thai Bhat and you get a bottle of water free to beat the heat :)

Besides, I found Buddha everywhere in this big campus. I read that it houses more than 1000 Buddhas. Reading more about the WAT, I found out that it gets its name from a monastery in India where Buddha lived.

Also one should not miss the Black Buddhas which are very unique and almost hidden in one of the corners of the temple premises.

What a Bonus day !!