While I had imagined naked people singing show tunes and dancing, it turns out that Kolkata is just another Indian city. After the lovely Miss Janet left, I was a bit depressed because I was hoping for better weather and a more romantic and rewarding visit, and also hoping that we could spend this long weekend together, even if it was just to snuggle up and watch some Bollywood.

I am now in the Oberoi Grand Kolkata, which is about the ritziest place I have ever stayed. The security here, while usually pretty intense, is extremely high - which is fine with me in light of recent events. Even though nothing bad is going to happen here, I would rather have them play it safe... like I said before, I ain’t lookin’ for no trouble.

We are surrounded by a shopping extravaganza, and anything you might possibly want to buy is right around the corner, although you have to fight through throngs of aggressive vendors to get to what you want.

I went out yesterday evening after checking in and I ran into a couple of brothers who deal in incredible linens and silks (the nicest I have seen) , as well as the usual junk. We are going out to dinner this evening and we are tossing around the idea of maybe doing some sort of import business. They have very good connections in Jaipur, Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, Islamabad, and Kanchipur, and they are intrigued by my ideas. Just to show how much they are interested, they gave me about $2000 worth of merchandise for about $300, so I can take it back and see what kind of market there may be for this stuff in DC. This could be the start of something big, or maybe just a beautiful new silk duvet cover...

I asked about saris, and how my girlfriend was scared to get one, so one of the brothers volunteered the other one as a model and showed me how to wear it. He was quite embarrassed, but he did look beautiful - although the mustache MUST go. I must admit, it would make a stunning wedding dress...

So within a couple of hours of arriving, I made some good friends and we had some beer and a really good time. I was afraid that I would be alone here, because I absolutely loathe my travel partner, so I am very happy to have people to do things with.

I went for a walk around the market for about an hour or so, but the vendors are so aggressive, I finally gave up and came back inside just to escape them. I’ll get up my nerve and head out again soon.

I SO wish Janet was still here... she is wonderful and makes everything better. I want to make enough money so that she can quit her job and just travel with me. Anyone willing to donate can send a check or cash.

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It looks like the thing in Mumbai is mostly under control finally, but over 150 people are dead and south Mumbai is in ruins. I saw some pictures of some of the dead people and I recognized more than a few of them, including people that I reacted with daily and knew by name.

I am glad that they have decided to not pull us out because of this. I can’t imagine them letting their guard down so soon after something like that.

Not much more to say about that except that life really sucks sometimes, and some of us were incredibly lucky.

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The New Delhi work was delayed, so I should be coming home on or about December 13.

I’ll try to get some pictures.