Nizam’s – Kolkata Institution

We had a fine lunch at a Kolkata institution, Nazim’s. It has a long history that dates back to 1932 and is known for its rolls and kabobs. The roll I had was chicken wrapped in bread that is fried. You eat it like a burrito and it is called a kathi (stick) since the chicken is grilled on a stick on coals before being wrapped into the bread. I am linking to this article because it does a good job at bringing the experience to life.

Sanjeev’s father used to go there in the 50s and was the first place he took his new wife after a long honeymoon driving trip across India. Nothing else was open as they drove into town so they went to Nizam’s.

If you are ever in the area, definitely stop by.

Kolkata

At one point Kolkata was the capital of the British Empire’s presence in India. It was also the intellectual and cultural center of India for many decades. However, when the British decided to move the capital do Dehli, and with the decline of industry, Kolkata went on a steady decline up to the modern day. Here is more in-depth information on Kolkata.

Sanjeev’s parents, Gopal and Neena, pictured above, have lived in Kolkata together since the 1950s.

Photos from Dehli

It was a short visit to Dehli, but we did a lot and ate a lot. A few family and historical photos…
http://tinyurl.com/b99oup

Jet Airways

Jet Airways is one of India’s major national carriers along with Kingfischer Airlines. Kingfischer is also a brand of beer in India that is the true King of Beers.

We will be traveling on Jet Airways from Delhi to Kolkata to Bangalore to Delhi. American to and from Delhi. This is the plane that will take us to Kolkata.

Chicago to Delhi to Kolkata

If you have been following our Twitter updates, you know we are now in Kolkata. We were only in Delhi for one day, but it was a great visit. Our hosts were incredibly hospitable and what I was able to see of the city made me realize how historic this part of the world is. We were able to visit The Red Fort, India Gate and The Parliament Buildings. Plus, we had lunch at a place that was one of Bill Clinton’s favorites when he visited as president in 2000 – Bukhara at the ITC Hotel.

We are now in Kolkata for the weekend to visit Sanjeev’s family. We just had a great dinner with his parents and brother, and we look forward to a weekend of relaxation, site seeing (and some work) as we prepare for our trip to visit our partners in Bangalore on Monday and Tuesday.

Twitter

Updating this blog has been tough so far with limited access to the Internet, but that should improve over the next four days as we are in Kolklata. However, make sure you are also following us at twitter.com/bluesilverinc or check out our twitter updates on the right hand side of this page. I am trying to make a few updates a day.

Reflections

SANJEEV: As we sit in the airport contemplating our 15 hour flight across the world, I am thinking about a past that is so much a part of my future. I return to the streets I grew up in, with George, introducing him to the food I ate and loved, and the people that are family. This journey should be interesting as we mix business and pleasure and indoctrinate George in the ways of India.