Today is our first day of about 36 hours of travel to Kochi
(formerly Cochin), a city in the southern state of Kerala. Kerala is known for
being one of the richest states in India, in terms of wealth, infrastructure,
gender equality, and natural flora and fauna.
Our flight out of Kolkata is scheduled for Monday, July 1 at
6 am. The only bus that goes from Hazaribag to Kolkata arrives at about 6 am,
and it’s close to an hour drive from the airport. If only we had known that
while booking, we would have opted for a different flight.
Last night (Saturday) we took the bus, and we arrived in the
pouring rain in a giant mud puddle at 6 this morning. The bus drivers were
exceedingly kind, and they took our suitcase and locked it in a special
compartment inside the bus, and they found us a taxi at a good rate, and they
carried the suitcase to the taxi for us. The taxi came right up to the bus, so
we did not have to wade through the mud or stand out in the rain. This is very
good thing, since I forgot my umbrella.
Helen and I had read in my guidebook that there is a Spanish
café in Kolkata that has cheap wifi, excellent pancakes and coffee, ample power
outlets, and comfortable seating. Unfortunately, they didn’t open until 8, but
we went there at 6:45 (as soon as we were ushered into a taxi). Helen asked a
guy standing under an awning near the restaurant what time it opened, and it
turns out he’s friends with the owner, so he got them to let us in. We sat and
read for about an hour until the kitchen opened, and then we got breakfast.
PANCAKES. Turns out they’re actually crepes, but really, who’s going to
complain about that? Plus, their coffee is espresso, not instant Nescafe, and
it was quite good.
Their menu also offers Italian, Mexican, and Spanish options
for lunch, so we’re planning to stick around for a good portion of the day. How
lovely when things work out!
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