It’s coming up to two years, since we’ve moved to Calcutta, Kolkata. I still feel like an outsider at times, but an accepted outsider. There are still struggles and tantrums and things that I can never reconcile myself with, but I’m so much better at looking the other way, than before.

I’ve learned to get things done here and I still haven’t bribed anyone. Even in the two years of living here, there have been changes…additions to the commodities available here. Toilet paper is more readily available, Heinz Baked Beans are harder to find. Certain types of food, I have learned not to crave, but I still crave space, a vaccum cleaner, equality the dignity of labour.

I’ve noticed workers wearing hard hats, though and no longer using so much of the bamboo scaffolding. I’m not sure if it’s my imagination but I think I’ve seen fewer men urinating at the side of the roads.

I’m not sure what point I’m making, except that the country is inching forward. I’m moving with it too, so eventually, in another couple of years, we’ll be completely in sync.