Breakfast at the LaLit Hotel is amazing! We had more choices than anyone ever needs, but we enjoyed it and we had espresso!
Cyndi arranged another guide and driver for us as we had a full day open for further investigation of the city. It’s huge and complicated, hectic and culturally rich. Subrata met us in the lobby and we were off to explore.
We liked him immediately. His English was excellent as well as his knowledge of the city and culture and history, which quickly became evident.
Our first stop, unfortunately in the first rain we had, was the Jain temple. Absolutely incredible! Amazing from the outside but even more beautiful inside. But first we had to remove our shoes, per usual, then Cyndi had to have a scarf draped around her waist as she was clad in shorts. Up the wet, slick marble steps we trod, then entered the outer rim of the temple. Mind boggling in the decorations from ceilings to walls to floors. Unfortunately, one was not allowed to take photos, but later Cyndi bought a post card book, which gave us some. The mosaic work was astonishing.
We then walked next door to the original Jain temple which was no where as ornate as the newer one, but still lovely.
Next on the agenda was the Marble Palace. Somewhat disappointing as it was in some disrepair. It was founded by an old shipping magnate for his home and to showcase all the treasures he brought back from around the world. Sadly, none were labeled with the origin or background information. They did have an interesting collection of birds in multiple cages. Again, no photos were allowed inside, but we did get a picture of the main backside.
By then we were all ready for lunch so it was off to a restaurant that specialized in Bengali dishes. We convinced Subrata to join us, which was key to what was ordered for our meal. It was all interesting and delicious.
After our substantial meal we decided walking was imperative. Always an adventure here. Not far along we saw a sign for the Weavers Studio. Now that interested me, the weaver. Up we went to check the place out. Beautiful clothing and scarves but no weaving being done. Apparently they have a workshop in another location where the dying and weaving is done. Cyndi found a beautiful silk top in a gorgeous print and ordered pants to be made to go with it.
Back outside it was a continued walk through street after street. Lots to see and try to absorb. The multiple modes of transportation seemed to capture the afternoon. We saw of course no end of cars, buses, bikes and motorcycles but also bikes pulling carts, rickshaws and tuktuks. One of which we rode in!
Along the way we visited yet another temple where we found the most interesting part to be a statue of a rat into whose ear one was supposed to whisper something you wanted or prayed for.
Our last transportation adventure was riding the subway, which we didn’t even know existed. Turned out to be easy and surprisingly good. The stations and trains were the cleanest parts of the city we’ve seen. Crowded but pleasant.
Our last stop of the day was to the Oxford Book Store. We had hoped it would be an interesting old building with character but, alas, no. By then we were exhausted so we ubered back to the hotel.
