Susan Calman’s amiable wanderlust takes her further down the Ganges in this second installment of her Indian adventure. Having dipped her toes in the metaphorical waters last week, Calman now wades deeper into the cultural currents of Kolkata, a city overflowing with artistic and historical significance.
Kolkata, formerly Calcutta, is often called India’s cultural capital, a claim Calman sets out to examine with the help of local guide Ifte. From unique breakfast rituals to the meticulous art of tea-making, Calman embraces the everyday rhythms of this bustling metropolis. But it’s not all urban exploration. Trading the city’s clamor for the relative tranquility of Kalna, or “Temple Town,” Calman hops on an e-rickshaw to navigate the sprawling Nava Kailash temple complex.
The episode shifts gears again, moving from spiritual reflection to a dose of colonial history in Murshidibad. This blend of cultural immersion, historical context, and Calman’s own brand of cheerful inquisitiveness forms the core of the series.
But let’s not forget the cricket. Because what’s a trip to India without a friendly match? Calman joins the ship’s crew and fellow passengers for a game on the banks of the Ganges, further solidifying the trip’s blend of the profound and the playful.
Finally, in Chandannagar, Calman meets Neline, a Belgian woman who has made India her home for over 35 years, providing another perspective on the allure of this complex nation. The episode culminates with a visually striking display of hundreds of floating lanterns released onto the Ganges, a gesture of gratitude to the river that has served as the backdrop for Calman’s journey. It’s a picturesque ending to what looks to be another engaging chapter in her travelogue. Catch Susan Calman’s Cruise of a Lifetime on Channel 5, Friday, 10 January, 2025, at 8:00 PM.
