Before we move on to less important matters, let us touch on a subject that is as deeply ingrained in our hearts as your love: Chocolate Salami.
Now, moving on. These last few days have been quite hectic with the Mumbai attacks, but thankfully we are all safe and sound in Calcutta. We are lucky enough to still be staying at Nalin’s aunt’s apartment and the hospitality has been superb despite our ever changing itinerary. We’ve spent the last few days catching up on what we missed the first time around, with a trip to the Victoria Memorial, a viewing of a Saturday matinee Bollywood film, and to top it off a delicious Bengali dinner. And all this following what was an indescribable week (and a bit more) in the Andaman Islands.
Our first attempt to the Andamans was unsuccessful. After flying 2 hours into the Indian Ocean and hovering over the beautiful islands, our captain made the announcement that we were unable to land and thus would be returning shortly to Calcutta. It’s okay though, because everything ended up working out, as we were able to use our compensatory money from the airline to purchase 8 tickets to see Jethro Tull and Anoushka Shankar perform live in concert when we returned to Calcutta. The concert was a big hit and everyone left satisfied. Back to the Andamans.
Though there is much to say, we will touch briefly on a few of the highlights. Our week and a half included bike rides through tribal farmlands and beachside jungles, a snorkeling day trip with a local guide and his boat, and lounging on Time Magazine’s Most Beautiful Beach in Asia on the gorgeous Havelock Island. Oh yeah, and Amy was bit by a dog and had to get a Tetanus booster, but it’s okay Amy’s mom, because she doesn’t have rabies!! Our entire time on Havelock was unbelievable, and we all returned tan, relaxed, and ready to rock and roll with Jethro Tull. We can’t wait to show you pictures of this majestic locale.
We are departing Calcutta tomorrow night to go to Delhi, where we will meet with the Shanti group and say our last goodbyes to India before we go our separate ways.
Love!!
Ariel, Topher and Amy
