Kolkata Kids

I sure do love the orphans at Shishu Bhavan, but I'm having a hard time understanding why there are still orphans in the world. Why can't every family adopt just one orphan. Then we wouldn't need places like Shishu Bhavan anymore. They are so cute and great. I don't understand why more people don't adopt just one sweet baby or toddler from a third world country.

Oh, speaking of third world countries, forget the politically correct term "developing country." This is the third world. I don't see much in the way of development. But then, even though Kolkata might be the grossest city on earth, I must admit there's a certain gentleness to it. The violent crime rate is amazingly low. I spent a long time walking through the slums taking pictures yesterday and never once feared for my safety. The men act a little bit creepy. Sometimes they'll follow me for a block or two, but they are harmless. I realize that I stand out and it's culturally acceptable to stare here. Once I was able to get over being stared at, I was able to feel more comfortable walking down the streets.

The children are so friendly. They all come up to me and say "hello" and get so excited when I say "hi" and smile at them. I think they are proud that they can make an exchange with someone in English. Kids here have so little, but they have just as much if not more fun than kids back home. No one is inside their homes during the day because their homes (if exsistant at all) are nothing worth hanging out in. They love to play soccer in the streets. Kites seem to be the favorite toy. Kids here make kites out of anything and everything. They get them amazingly high and have great battles with them.