Khristala

The second slum in the deep south of Kolkata we visited is called Khristala. The approximately 1,500 residents of this area live mainly in mud houses.Again we were greeted warmly by the kids who led us into their lives.
Due to heavy rains during the rainy season many of the houses are damaged badly. Many homes have to be rebuilt completely after the monsoon.
This is what happens every time when we go around in the slums of Kolkata: within a short time after our arrival, we're surrounded by a bunch of laughing people.
The name of this area refers to the 100+ year old big Khristala tree, under which a number of houses have been build.
The concept of 'soul mates' is universal.
The concept 'sweetie' is also.Life lesson learned from this girl: Give color to your everyday existence.
Everywhere we look we see the curious dark eyes and shy smile.
Our hope for the future is aimed at the women. We are truly convinced that better living conditions will be realized through their commitment.
We feel our visit to the neighborhoods are always too short. We look forward to coming back to the amazing people of Khristala, so: to be continued!

Baruipur Station Colony

Two days of exuberant and colorful Holi celebrations have given way to daily life in Kolkata. Back to business. We traveled to the southernmost part of the city, and visited the Baruipur Station Colony.In this slum along the railway line about 200 people live in 45 shelters. More than half of the population are children.
While the children show their white-teeth smiles for the camera, Ed accidentally shows his big white belly.
It's amazing how quickly these children are at ease with the camera.
Most stories we hear when we walk through the neighborhood are all heartbreaking.
The lady in the right is mother of five children, three of which are going to school. For the other two children there's no money for education.
However hard life might be for these people, all the children are spontaneous and above all, very disarming.

Holi in Gorakhabasi Basti

Yesterday was the official day of Holi. Today, a re-run of the colourful festival was played at our headquarter in Dum Dum. Below you can find a photo report of the cruel blood bath.
This is not an Indian-Chinese imitation of the True Blood lovebirds Bill Compton and Sookie Stackhouse, but it's our friend Rupak and your truly Shu.
Here's what preceded the previous picture. Shu is lovingly provided with a thick layer of dye.You think looking serious and running away might prevent any coloring?
The Holi festival is all about sprayin' and sprinklin' as much dye on as many people as humanly possible.
We were colored by the kids of the neighboring slum Gorakhabasi Basti. They might be red, blue or silver on the outside; each and every one of them is gold on the inside.
The idea is to soak your hand with dye and touch the face and feet of loved ones. Do not dwell on the question whether the color is washable. This is the whole set. After the initial skirmishes and after consuming a very conciliating ice cream we were invited to continue the party with the kids in their own neighborhood.
Shu and Ed happily smile while they walk towards Gorakhabasi Basti. By this time they still believed the promise: 'It comes off very easily with water and soap'.
She might be a little shy, but the red glow is not from blushing.
After arriving in Gorakhabasi Basti we were invited by the local ladies for a delicious sweet snack.
You might think we exaggerated the color saturation a bit in Photoshop? Nope!
Handsome guy and big time inspiration for the Blue Man Group.
Rich and poor, young and old - the Holi festival is for everyone.
To the great amusement of Shu, Ed was finally told that the dye might not be so easily washable.
But she had not seen her own face. However, we conclude: Holi with the Gorakhabasi Basti kids is wonderful!

Selimpur evenings

Every now and then we are amazed by our encounters with intense goodness. We generally find this in people who have to survive under very harsh conditions. It stirs, warms and inspires.
This inspiration made Ed grab his camera from his bag, and shoot some pictures of an evening in Selimpur.
This for us was a moment of recognition in a world completely unknown to us: a bike under a lamppost.
Earlier that day we walked through the neighborhood and were invited to come to a house along the railroad track.
The family's most beautiful cups were brought out, and while we listened to the stories of our host, we were served lovely tea and biscuits.
The hostess and host. They told us they study at the Fine Art Academy. In our opinion, their two main inspirations are their deep-rooted pride and their unwavering perseverance.

Kalikapur Road Selimpur

Having done much preparation, the day finally had come when we made our first trip with the Crazy Wanderers Foundation.
After a constricting travel in crowded trains, we arrived at our destination: Kalikapur road in the Selimpur district in incredible Kolkata.
At the sight of the Crazy Wanderers staff and a great white giant, the boys stopped their game of football instantly.
Rajat, our friend and translator - that handsome guy hiding behind his sunglasses - was almost superfluous. With her busy waving of arms and legs, producing of strange animal noises and funny faces Shu quickly won the hearts of the kids.
However little these people may have, they still invited into their homes. The young lady on the left shows pride in the altar where the gods are worshiped.
To experience a moment in the lives of these people is heartwarming. For we will always remember this sweet girl who was filled with happiness and who was unable to stop laughing and jumping.