Today in Kolkata...

...i felt cute, in a culturally appropriate way (with my black kurta and bright colorful scarf...not cause its hot - cause of modesty)

...a group of about 8 men sitting on the street corner (literally on the street corner) playing cards.

...i started my first kata blanket (a sari bari blanket). i decided it would be good to understand what it actually takes to make one. after 2 hrs of sewing i'd made almost no progress, my back was sore and my finger hurt.

...sat down next to one of the ladies, and noticed she had headphones in. i asked if she was listening to music. she got a huge grin on her face. said yes, and then started bopping her head to the beat while she sewed. it was awesome.

...a shop keeper tried to give me my change in the form of a water bottle instead of rupees (the idea did not fly).

...bought a new saribari bag. its bright yellow and cheerful. highly impractical for this dirty city - but man, just couldn't resist the bright cheery sunshine bag.

...came home (after a long day) to a great dinner (chicken alfredo pasta)

...my language teacher says she thinks i can be reading (and understanding the newspaper) by december. she's got high standards for me...