12/23 Cotton Floss and Skinny Santas

Toast, tea and Internet for breakfast.  I then walk to meet Mitali for a little clothes shopping.  I've been wanting to get a few salwar kameez' both for traveling and a nicer one for the party on Xmas:)   I opt to take a rickshaw - not auto but human - something I always said I would never do.  But it is very common in Calcutta and I really didn’t know where I was going.  Ends up neither did he;)  I hop in and for a few blocks have a seat high above the crowds, cars, and candy vendors. He tried to charge me five times the correct amount and for only taking me a sixth of the way!  I gave him twenty rupees and take a deep breath.  Calcutta traffic is deadly!!! However, it is much easier to navigate than Delhi ... regardless of the confusing signage. The walk is pretty effortless so I arrive a bit early.  After entering through metal detectors,  we shop in what looks like a mini Macy's.  Mitali helps me to find a few outfits.  Trying them on is pretty comical though.  The pants have very tiny tight foot holes.  After our purchases, Mitali heads out to get our movie tickets for tomorrow and I wander back to the hotel.  Sightings: A green parrot eating a bright red chili.  Cafe Coffee Day or India's Starbucks.  A few fast food restaurants - Mom, I filmed McDonalds for you;).  Cotton Floss Stands.  Tempting street food.  Dreadlocked backpackers. A handsome man from Orissa (There are millions of handsome men - This one just happened to stop and chat).  Lights, lights and more lights all for Christmas.  I hear drumming as I get cleaned up in my room.  Dinner and beer on the roof.  The crowd is a mixture of local and tourist.  The service good.  But I return for the view.  The day went too fast though and I don't feel it's wise to wander around alone at night.  So I fall asleep to Bollywood music videos. That'll do any day;)