Settling In

The temptation of a quick lie down was too much to resist and three hours flew by in a z. Sleeping is all very well but we have things to do so we hit the streets. It is a bit sweaty out there but not scorching. The traffic is still quiet but there are plenty of people promenading.

 First stop is the ATM round the corner on order to score some rupees. ICICI Bank still haven't fixed the A/c but we did get some cash and set out on our next chore.

Our regular Telecoms supplier in Kolkata looked to have taken the day off so his nearest competitor got the gig.  Nawab had good English and he recommended a Sim, calls and data package which sounded OK to us. The phone, passport and a photo were handed over and after a bewildering series of texts and phone calls our new number was live. As we left we noticed that the other chaps store was now open. Free enterprise - the quick and the dead.

Next up was the off licence at the end of Suffer Street, a gloomy establishment, very reminiscent of the State Brewery pubs that use to operate in Carlisle. D is now only trusted with one bottle at a time. The store lad very kindly wiped the dust off our bottle of Honeybee Premium Brandy,made in Asansol.

Chores complete we relaxed in the Fairlawn's beer garden and researched a supper venue. R's tummy had recovered and we were both quite hungry. Our choice was a place called Arsalan which may have a Bengali translation. We enjoyed a meal there a couple of years back and were not disappointed. A mixed chicken kebab with Veg Biryani hit the spot.

We opted for an early night to try and catch up on some sleep. We both slept like logs until midnight and were then wide awake. We have never heard Kolkata so quiet. Eventually we resorted to Nytol. R carries these as a counter to the tremendous excitement of overnight train trips and they worked like a treat.