Morning all,
Museums, galleries and walking the streets of Kolkata today!
And I have to say, we have a lot to thank the Victorians for.
Have a think about what we live in or use today that was invented, created etc. by them.
I was moved (had a tear in my eye) on two occasions today - both speeches by women.
The first - Queen Victoria's address to the Indian nation on her inauguration as Empress of India. A master class in political writing. The second was by a local writer on the British in Calcutta, writing in the Calcutta museum, that no other city in India profitted so much under British rule while they were in power and no other city paid so high a price when they left.
At their best, both societies have a great entrepeneurial drive, which is what made the East India Company so successful. At their worst, both societies are hugely divided by class and continue to contend with this issue.
Bought some artwork, got chatted up (first time all holiday, I may add - read into that what you will), ate in the equivalent of an Indian Burger King (fantastic! - come on, allow me some time to do cheap and cheerful!) and relaxed - sleeping well and the hotel have been fantastic.
Hope all well in blighty.
xx
Spot the difference - Four images of the establishment - London or Kolkata?
Royalty / aristocracy - The Victoria Memorial
The Church - St. Paul's Cathedral
The Law - The High Courts
Politics - Government House
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