Varanasi

An overnight train ride from Khajuraho with some other friendly backpackers brought us into the holy city of Varanasi. Upon arrival we were struck by the hustle and bustle of this city,just as bad if not worse than Delhi. It was intense. Luckily our tour organiser had arranged someone to pick us up from the train station. Our hotel was quite nice, a hot shower and a long bed is all I really ask for. I'm even getting used to the squat toilets now. After arriving we stopped at McDonald's for some much needed comfort food. At about $3 for a meal it's very cheap, except they have no beef patties. The next day we flagged down a cycle rickshaw and took a ride through the old city down to the ghats for a look at the Ganges river. It looks almost stagnant, but it's actually quite fast flowing. I don't know how people manage to get anything clean in it though it's absolutely filthy! I wasn't game enough to go for a swim, so I stood in it instead. At least I can say my feet have good karma. We also took a boat ride at sunset which was very cool. The colors are spectacular, not so good for photos though as the haze of pollution is so thick. We probably paid a bit too much for the boat ride as Nicole and I did most of the rowing. The guy was amazed as he'd never seen tourists row so well. I think it was the easiest 200 rupees he'd ever made! We also discovered an amazing place called Pizzeria Vaatika Cafe which had delicious wood fired pizza and home made apple pie with ice cream! A good break from Indian food. There was also an amazing place called the Blue Lassi which I highly reccomend to anyone who goes to Varanasi. It is a tiny little shop that sells hand made yoghurt drinks which are more of an art then a drink. They come in clay bowls and are decorated with coconut and various fruits. They were so amazing Nicole and I had to go back a second time.

That night we were due to catch the train to Hyderabad and we found ourselves halfway across the city with an hour and a half before the train arrived. We were meant to be at the station half an hour before the train arrived and the traffic was horrendous. We jumped in with a crazy looking tuk tuk driver and held on to our seats. Finally we arrived at our hotel, picked up our bags and headed to the train station. We were in such a rush we forgot to check the ticket. With only 5 mins to spare we got to the platform and found where our carriage was due to pull up ( the trains are so big you have to find out where your carriage will be.) and got on the train just in time. On the train we checked the ticket only to realize our train was actually the next day and we had no hotel booked. So we had one more day in paradise. This gave us the opportunity to get up early next morning and watch the sunrise which was spectacular.

That evening we had to scramble again to catch the train as there was a big Muslim festival on in our area. There were groups of men showing their devotion to Allah by whipping themselves on the back with metal contraptions. There was a lot of blood and it was very intense. Unfortunately for us there we're no autorickshaws to be seen and we had no way of getting to the station. We had to run through the city with our massive packs asking people where to catch a rickshaw, it felt like we were in the amazing race. Eventually we reached the station and thanks to our rehearsal the previous day were able to find the right platform just in time.

3000 year old fire from which embers are taken to start cremations.

Apple Lassi

Holy Feet