Arriving in Calcutta with mixed emotions

Of course I would be accompanied by my Indian colleagues, but still, this would be my own challenge, with friends and family so far away. I was a little surprised – and secretly also proud – about my own courage.

I hadn’t really thought about what it would be like when I applied for the Emergency Response Team almost two years ago. Was I able to meet the expectations from the Moving The World team? Would I really be able to achieve something that was worth all the expense?

But then again: How often in life do you get such an opportunity? I felt alive, felt like this trip would definitely make me grow as a person. Since there was no way back, I decided to do my very best.

Calcutta welcomed me with hot tropical weather, hitting me like a wall when I left the airconditioned building.What an orchestra of noises, smells and sights during my taxi ride to the hotel! The streets were full with yellow taxis, pushing through the heavy traffic, constantly changing lanes, blaring their horns to signal other drivers that they should give them the right of way. Motorbikers managed to sneak through buses, cars and rickshaws. My heart was pumping with joy!

Most people I saw were men, there were hardly any women in the streets. Were they staying at home? Since I was one of the very few white people, and a blond female, I felt a little uncomfortable. How would I fit in? What would my TNT colleagues think of me, a young woman travelling on her own?

It surprised me that people were not staring at me – something I am used to from Africa. I was worried about maybe offending their culture by wearing trousers and a t-shirt or something that I did or didn’t do.

My worry proved to be completely unnecessary: The Indian people were friendly, humble, helpful.They made me feel very welcome.

Arriving at my hotel, my mind was spinning from the impressions, emotions, fear and excitement. Nonetheless, it didn’t take long before I fell asleep, getting the necessary rest for this big adventure ahead of me.