5 Great Things: Milwaukee

We were recently visiting in Milwaukee and I found myself making the inevitable comparisons that come with living in a foreign country. By the end of our trip I was ready to return to Kolkata, looking forward to the food and getting back to work and our “normal” life here. But as I look back, there are things that I miss – that you just can’t get here in India. I could do a similar list for India – which some day I’m sure I’ll be moved to produce – but right now it’s Milwaukee’s turn.

1. Outdoors – India, nice weather right? Wrong. It’s usually so freaking hot out, you spend most of your time in doors – or being shuttled around in an AC car. Could I spend more time outside? Sure. But with a 1 year old baby, it’s probably not a good idea to sit out in the 90 degree heat, sweating it out.

2. Walking – This is somewhat related to number 1, but with the added notion that walking is not common in India – or easy for that matter. Daily walks were a must while we were in Milwaukee and became the preferred method of putting my son to sleep. Milwaukee is a very walkable City too with a nice density that allows you to go out without the need for a car. India is quickly sprawling out of control. Walking to my in-laws (which would probably take 30 minutes) seems impossible.

3. Beer – I was very happy to be drinking good beer. Kingfisher is not a passable substitute to Riverwest Stein.

4. Food Variety - In Kolkata we can go for a good Indian Chinese meal and some Italian. That’s about it. I miss Mexican food (Cempazuchi, Botana’s), Thai Food, and Cuban. I miss good sandwiches you can get and going to Soup Brothers. I even miss the overwhelming amount of options that await you at the Grocery stores.

5. Friends & Family – It’s always hard to move away from friends and family that you’ve spent years hanging out with. Those people that open your eyes to new things, make you laugh, and find interest in your silly stories you tell. Not that we don’t have friends and family here – we do – but Milwaukee grows a certain breed of person that not even India has been able to copy… yet.