Calcutta , General info:
6/10

New name is KOLKATA - that is closer how it used to be pronounced in the native language - Bengali.

Airport code is still the old code CCU for Calcutta. The airport is on northeast corner of metro - also also called Dum Dum from the local township name.

If going by train, try station names of HOWRAH or SEALDAH - the latter is a friendlier terminus, but less trains go there. Howrah is the traditional rail terminus - on other side of river Ganges.

Calcutta , Cheap stuff:
9/10

Great food - whether Mughlai or sweets, and most reasonable price among metro Indian cities.

'Get Well' Clinic is the best as well as very cheap PHYSIOTHERPY & ACUPRESSURE Centre. You can get really sincer and dedicated treatment here.

Calcutta , Different stuff:
8/10

Tough driving and narrow / slow roads.

Calcutta , Don't miss:
10/10

Victoria Memorial.

Darjeeling - a hill town about 600 km north.

Digha - a seaside resort - about 4 hours drive

Calcutta , Food:
10/10

Great food everywhere in this city

Calcutta , Hotels:
8/10

Quite a few 4 and 5 star hotels

Calcutta , Safety:
7/10

Safer than other towns - but beware of pickpocketing.

Portland , General info:
9/10

Portland is a city located near the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia rivers in the U.S. state of Oregon. It is Oregon's most populous city, and the third most populous city in the Pacific Northwest, after Seattle, Washington and Vancouver, British Columbia. Approximately two million people live in Portland metropolitan area, the 23rd most populous in the United States as of July 2006.

Portland , Cheap stuff:
10/10

Most things are pretty affordable in Portland! Apartments are pretty cheap for a city, public transit is very cheap and dining out is just as affordable!

Portland , Different stuff:
10/10

Portland's climate is ideal for growing roses, and for more than a century Portland has been known as "The City of Roses," with many rose gardens – most prominently the International Rose Test Garden.

Portland , Don't miss:
10/10

Pedalpalooza, an annual month long bike centered festival involving many group bike rides, including some like the burrito ride or the midnight mystery ride. POWELLS BOOKS is the LARGEST book store in north america. Yup, thats right the biggest one! Its in downtown on Burnside st. Set aside a few hours, if you come with friends make a meeting place cause this multi-floor 'city of books' is amazing for all! Queer folk come to Portland as there is a thriving queer community and really its a great place for people of all walks of life to come find a community of some kind.

Portland , Food:
10/10

During most months of spring summer and fall there is plentiful berry and fruits to be picked on Sauvie Island a short drive or healthy bike ride from downtown. Take your basket and go out to pick (and eat) as many blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, peaches, plums etc as you can. Also, Portland has famously delicious micro-brewed beer. Check out the Portland based brewery/restaurant/theatre spots of McMenimans. Youll find them around the city and nestled in historic buildings and old saloons. Most offer great food and delicious beers while a few of McMenimans even offer a heated pool, movies and live music. But really, any bar will have a local brew, just ask whats on tap. Portland is also voted the country's most "Vegan Friendly Town". Most restaurants have vegan and certainly vegetarian options in this town.

Portland , Hotels:
8/10

Check out the Jupiter Hotel for a wild take on hospitality, its adjoining restaurant the Doug Fir has fabulous food day and night, a fully stocked bar and great live music in the evening. Downtown offers many of the same hotels found in most cities around the country and world.

Portland , Safety:
9/10

Portland is a city, like any other but people are generally quite friendly and crime is not quite that high. Downtown is safe and the east side of town is mostly neighborhood based shopping areas, with no threat of crime apparent at all. This town is also BIKE FRIENDLY. But please be advised that helmets and proper front and back lights are suggested to make this safe. Bike lanes can be found all around the city and you can make it from one end of town to the other in just over an hour.