my first trip to India: 10 days, Kolkata, late June

norumba

snamaste everyone,
I ve been lurking for a while here but had registration problems but im finally able to post now...
Im finally realizing a long held dream whic is to go India... it will be a very quick working trip about a week to 10 days, in Kolkata , late June or ealry July. Im currently based in the U.S...

so ive lurked and read, but what am I really in for ? any specific preparations for Kolkata in June re weather, mosquitoes, food, sanitation, etc?

thnaks in advance for anyone who csan give me specific warnings or tips...

somnath

Hi norumba,
Welcome to Indiamike and Kolkata.
Hope you will enjoy your staying in Kolkata. as you said it will be a business trip so we expect that the accommodation and transportation part will be your employer’s responsibility. Jun-July will be hot and humid in Kolkata. You need to be careful regarding water and street food. If you stick to bottled water and of course plenty of water it would be better. You will love the seasonal fruits like Mango and all during this part of the year. Try to wear cotton to fight against the heat and you will be fine.
Need not to worry much, you will love Kolkata.

Cheers,
Somnath

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norumba

thanks, somnath!
Imvery much looking forward to coming -though i do have a bit of nervousness, it all seems pretty intense!

ive been working hard the past few months to learn some Hindi - woudl i be better off trying to get some Bengali under my tongue as well?

somnath

Ohhhh….. no need to be nervous, norumba. This is a very friendly city and you will enjoy Kolkata (well, I am not sure about the weather).
Local language is always a very useful tool. It is charming that someone who is new in ‘my locality’ but trying to speak in ‘my language’. Hindi is well accepted here in Kolkata but some Bengali words will definitely bring a friendly smile in public.
Lets start:
Kemon achhen? (How are you?)
Bhalo achhi.
(Hey norumba, I don’t think you need help to translate this one .)
Please read some meetup reports and other posts those are related to Kolkata. It will help you.

Cheers,
Somnath

freenote

Try not to miss out on some of the restaurants on park street !!! The dishes they serve, we found ,were some of the finest ,and you can very easily get used to the service!!!!!!!!!!