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🌏 Vietnam Travel Diaries – Day 1: Kolkata Chronicles Before the Big Flight

Route: Lucknow ✈ Kolkata (Stopover) ➡ Vietnam
Date:
Mood: Excited. Energized. Enchanted.

My journey to Vietnam began not with a direct plunge into international skies, but with an unforgettable detour — a soulful and spontaneous day in Kolkata.

🌅 Departure from Lucknow

The day started early — 5:00 a.m. sharp, with a cab ride through the sleepy streets of Lucknow to the airport. As the first light touched the city, I was buzzing with excitement. My boarding was at 7:50 a.m., and everything from check-in to takeoff went seamlessly.

🛬 Welcome to Kolkata — City of Joy

I touched down in Kolkata at 9:50 a.m., greeted by thick humidity, a gentle drizzle, and a whole new energy. There, I reunited with my friend Akshata — a software engineer from Pune, and a fellow explorer on this Vietnam adventure. Our plan was simple: soak in as much of Kolkata as we could in one day.

🏙️ First Stop: Park Street – Where Culture and Coffee Meet

Our first stop was the iconic Park Street — a lively stretch known for its British-era charm, bookstores, cafes, and electric nightlife.
We headed straight to the legendary Flurys, a tea room established in 1927. Surrounded by pink walls and Victorian charm, we sipped on bold, aromatic coffee, taking in the nostalgia.

Then came a little shopping spree — ribbed jeans, stylish tops, hair accessories, and a much-needed umbrella (because Kolkata rain waits for no one!).

👟 A Minor Mishap with a Quirky Twist

But no trip is complete without a twist, right? Just as we were about to leave Park Street, disaster struck — my shoe broke. While it delayed our plans a bit, it led us into a vibrant local market nearby.
There, amidst the color and clamor, I bought a pair of comfy flip-flops and stumbled upon something stunning — antique ivory choodas (bangles) known for their exquisite inlay work. A total unexpected delight!

🛕 A Spiritual Pause at Kalighat Temple

With our feet sorted and spirits high, we continued to Kalighat Temple, one of the holiest shrines in Kolkata dedicated to Goddess Kali, one of the ten Mahavidyas of Hindu Tantric tradition.

We offered milk pedas as prasad, guided by an old, kind lady sitting near the shop, who pointed us toward the temple entrance. The atmosphere inside was deeply spiritual, charged with bells, incense, and an overwhelming sense of calm.
Taking blessings from the fierce and loving Kali felt like the perfect start before flying to a new country.

🍧 Sweet Goodbyes Before the Flight

As the evening rolled in, we made a sweet stop before heading to the airport — quite literally. Kolkata is known for its heavenly sweets, so we couldn’t resist indulging in:

• Sandesh (delicate and creamy)

• Rasgulla (spongy and syrupy)

• Mishti Doi (sweet, fermented yogurt)

Pure bliss on the taste buds!

🛫 Off to Vietnam!

Around 9:00 p.m., we reached Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (Dumdum Airport).
I began my immigration process, grabbed a vegetarian masala dosa from Dosa.com, and soon after, my friends Yashaswi and Sahil joined us — the crew was complete!

At 11:45 p.m., we boarded our flight to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam — tired but thrilled. By 4:00 a.m., we touched down in a brand-new country, ready for the next chapter.

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✨ Reflections on Day 1

Kolkata wasn’t just a stopover — it was a warm, chaotic, colorful prelude to what promises to be an unforgettable trip. From broken shoes to divine blessings, and sweet indulgences to metro rides — every moment felt alive.

Stay tuned for Day 2 as we step into the vibrant streets of Ho Chi Minh City 🇻🇳!

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