A long time, and a visit to Calcutta/Kolkata

It has been almost three months since I've posted anything -- I hadn't realized it had been so long -- so I guess I should explain.  The last few months have been tumultuous with many changes.  Our adventure at CSTEP ended. That deserves an entire book. But for now, we can say that there were differences in opinion about the what and how a think tank should run, and the role of social science within it. As I say, it deserves its own space, some day.  It was a roller coaster ride, with lots of ups and downs, and I learned a lot, and like to think that I contributed too, to CSTEP's meteoric rise. Not clear that all share that opinion, but ....

Anyway, I have started a new adventure, and job, with bundles of positive energy, enough to offset the previous setbacks. EMBARQ is the Sustainable Transport center within the World Resources Institute, and I will be working as Director of Urban Development and Accessibility. So remember all those posts about broken sidewalks/footpaths, poorly planned construction, and massive construction that seems to forget about people? Now my job will be to do something about them!  I have been very impressed with the caliber, experience, and passion of my new colleagues. And I will be working here in Bangalore to start and then shifting back to the US during the summer. The job will let me keep coming here as well as work on Latin America again, so it is a great next step.

But in the meantime, there is much to catch up on. So I'll start with a trip to Kolkata/Calcutta and the pleasure of street food and sweet shops....

 A food stall.

 Amartya and Vinay enjoying a samosa.

Well displayed, and with rapid turnover.

 Buying food on the street.

 All kinds of options, day and night

 Enjoying the food while dressed up for a wedding (the reason we were there).

 And on to one of the sweet shops that the city is famous for.

 Testing a new innovation with chocolate.

And then of course, the wedding reception that was the reason for our travel. That will be next.

Trip to Amhedabad, part 1

Controversial Chief Minister Modi not-withstanding, Vibrant Gujurat, or at least its Ahmedabad variant, lived up to the moniker, although the broken globe was too much to resist. In the northwest of India, bordering on Pakistan, Gujurat is known for being the home of Mahatma Gandhi, colorful clothes, innovative policies, and a lively economy. Some beautiful buildings too. Below are shots of and around two beautiful mosques.

The loudspeakers are everywhere, on every type of religious building.
Amazing carving.

To wash your feet before entering.

Lots of street life of all sorts.

Celebrating Holi.
The McMansions being built off the Ring Road.
Celebrating Gujurat's accomplishments and culture ... I think ...

Nice mosaics on the grade separators and flyover walls present a strong contrast with Bangalore.

Ahmedabad is also the home of Mahatma Gandhi, so there are Gandhi-themed murals in several parts of the city.

And it is the home of IIM-A, where we stayed.

The car museum was a highlight of the trip for one member of our family.

The buildings housing the car museum.

For me, seeing the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system in action probably was one of the highlights. This system will get more detailed treatment in a future post.

One site we failed to get into this time, but hope to visit in the future, is the Calico Museum -- devoted to the history of cotton fabric. No children allowed, and reservations must be made in advance, with only small numbers allowed. Next time, maybe.