Arriving in Varanasi was something else!! We thought the other cities were busy but this was chaos!! Not at all what I expected from what is the holiest place in India. So many people here, crazy!!! We eventually found our pick up at the station and headed for the hotel we had phoned ahead and arranged. We managed to secure a room here for 350 rs (£5), that was more like it, it was a bit small, but not too bad and bug free mainly.
First thing we did was go down to the river Ganges for a look, we met a couple of girls there and a boatman who took us for a trip down the river to see the ghats as sunset was coming and it was a good time to see them perform the evening ceremonies with the fire and music. Nicola and I bought some lotus flowers and set them alight to float down the river and made a wish. Mine just sunk, probably not a good sign!! Oh well!
The next day as we were wandering around the ghats we met some locals from India on holiday here too, and joined them for a trip down the river in a motorboat to see the ghats in the light of day. We saw a few bodies floating around, mainly animals and went to the cremation ghat where they burnt the bodies before putting them in the river, with exception to children under 7 years, pregnant women, people with snake bites, animals and some of the religious followers that I cannot remember the name of. Although they have electric cremation facilities, they mainly use wood because then some of the bones remain, whereas with electric there is nothing left but ashes.
We spent the remainder of our time here just wandering around the narrow streets taking in the sights and atmosphere of this friendly place before heading off on the worst journey of my life!!! Next stop Darjeeling!
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