Quite recently, I was in Kolkata erstwhile Calcutta where I have spent the majority of my life. It still remains the same even after 5 years .. laidback with a firm resolve to evolve and grow, especially in the retail and financial sphere.
The streets are the same, the citizens are the same (friendly, calm, fun-loving, easygoing, cultural). Even the shops are the same in the very same place where they have always been. The transport is still chaotic. The buses have changed their colour but not the system of operation.. I personally prefer the movement of BEST buses in Bombay. One way in, one way out.
The changes which I observed were the flyover near the museum, south Kolkata has a spanking new mall with top brands - South City Mall near Golf Green area.
What will never change are the sweet shops at every nook and corner selling delicious Bengali sweets at an absurdly low price.
New Market (officially called Hogg Market) remains the same except for the underground parking area which has cleared up a lot of space. New Market sells everything under the sun and still retains the old-world building facade and charm.
K.C. Das is still the perennial favourite of tourists to carry home Bengali mithai like rossogollas, gulab jamun, sondesh packed and sold in tins.
Sreeleathers has expanded immensely from a tiny little outlet on Lindsay street.
Kathleen (a confectionary off Lindsay street) has delectable pastries and hot, tasty patties. Nahoum's (in New Market) too have these lovely marzipans, chocolate & vanilla fudge, brownies, date rolls, cheese straws etc.
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