Things you should know about transportation in Kolcata

Rickshaws are the best way to go even if the drivers wear flip-flops and have to push exceptionally hard to carry two or three passengers.  I am surprised that people don't walk more than they do, but it IS hot!  I went running this morning, first time since Broad Street, and it felt grand; however, nobody really made eye contact OR smiled at me even as I strode by in my stretch lycra shorts and bright blue sneaks.  Maybe tomorrow I will catch a smile of recognition - oh, yes, that's the nut who is out here in the mornings dressed in next to nothing...

Next, these are taxis here.  They are all Hindustan Motors, and here's how you tally the charges: you take the bottom number on the meter, multiply by two and add 5% of the original number.  Got it?  Now you are ready to take a taxi in Kolcata!  If you dare.

I forgot about this mother and baby we saw yesterday as we were walking around Sharinitekan.  Today I am off to Mother Teresa's House and thought these fellows were a perfect seque into my next adventure alone in the big city...  I think I know my way back here, but we are way off the Metro line, so it is a bus, a rickshaw and a train ride from town.  If I mess up, I'm a goner!