Monday, April 12, 2010

Trip to India March-April 2010 _ Kolkata


The Market was just one block from my hotel.  The clock tower in one of the buildings was a prominent landmark.  I had huge problems with the market since it was "infested" with touts.  They met you outside the door (these had red shirts and carried small baskets which marked their trade) Since the market is huge their task was to help you find what you wanted for which they received a commission from the shop (which, of course, increased your price).  They were difficult to shake off. 


If you successfully shook them off then you were faced with more touts inside dressed in white who followed you around trying to lead you into various shops.  I found myself spending time hurrying this way and that trying to fend them off and not really shopping.  Very frustrating.


On my last trip here a few years ago I found a fabulous necklace at a Tibetan shop in the market.  I managed to find the shop this time but there was nothing of interest.  I bought a few yards of trim and that was it.


After two days in Kolkata it was time to go back to the train station and head for Puri.

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