Growing up in West Bengal in the seventies and mid eighties, I remember how Christmas (“Borodin”) was a great day of celebration. A state with over 70% Hindus and over 28% Muslims cut across religious lines to come together to celebrate Christmas.

There would be lights on streets, a festive mood, a lot of exchange of cards and most importantly a LOT of cake!!!

Taking a walk with my siblings this evening, I was struck by how some things have not changed. This small shop selling cakes in this tiny town of Kalyani was glittering with lights all over and overflowing with shoppers!!!

The girls were fascinated by the old style boarding. First, a bus took us in and then drove us about 50 yards – maybe less – to our plane. Then we stood in a queue waiting to climb up the boarding ladder. As we stood there, planes were taking off from the live runway a few hundred yards away. The kids were thrilled!!!