Thursday, December 20, 2007

Overnight train to Varanasi

It was suprisingly comfortable and warm on the train and a rickshaw was waiting for me (arranged by hotel). Memo to self - tell David (work) about toilets out here. Very basic.

Had another good day. Walked about 2km right up the banks of the Ganges today. It's where the Hindus do their bathing and praying. I saw a couple of shrouded bodies being cremated too - the corpses were just placed on top of a pile of logs and set alight - very moving but the relatives had to haggle with the wood seller over the price before he would light it for them!

I then had a beer (expensive) in a rooftop cafe reading my book. Next it was into the heart of the town watching daily life. I stumbled across a little shack where they were forging iron and wood turning. They invited me in, fed me with some very sweet nougat type stuff, then sent out the 12 yr old son to buy some chai (very sweet, milky tea) and the lad then turned a piece of wood for me as a gift. Very humbling because they have nothing and are eking out a very hard life. This has happened a few times now.

I'm in Varanasi all day tomorrow so trying to relax and chill out. I've just booked an internal flight to Hyderabad so I hope they allow foreigners to book these tickets (insisted on an Indian address), otherwise 110 quid down the drain.

Hope you are enjoying these blogs. Please let me know if they are boring.

M

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hey you !

You did take the moist loo roll with you did nt you....all that road side food may eventually start to have an impact or your delicate belly!
Hmm not sure you'll suit an indian dress but hey luv what ever floats your boat...George may ask if you have matching shoes for the outfit.
I'm off tomorrow to sunny Spain but as usual I am taking that lil old black cloud with me and the forcast is for showers...flippin typical. As per my various other entries WEAR SUNSCREEN its the future!!! And if you burn there's no point mentioning it as I'll just say I told you so!!!

Anonymous said...

Don't listen to Samantha I think you would look lovely in a sari and of course you need some colour on your skin to set it off. I can't help thinking India is wasted on you - all those retail opportunities you are missing...

Anonymous said...

I'm not finding these blogs boring, I just have pangs of jealousy as I was hoping to have visited India this year! You really seem to be enjoying the experience which is real good. As far as your proposed mode of dress - that's your choice. If you want to handle the beating that's your choice too! I like Sam's comment on the roadside food and its interaction with your innards - might lead to weight loss which is good!!!
Take care and have a great time during the rest of the adventure.

Anonymous said...

Hi Mig,You seem to be having a great time!Raining today in Spain.Will have a San Miguel for you on xmas day if not before!look forward to seeing more photos but estoy celosa!Julia xx

Michael said...

Hi Julie
Rain sounds poor but San Miguel sounds good. Have more than one for me! It's Kingfisher here which is equally as good.
See ya
Mig
xx

Anonymous said...

Being a international beer drinker anyway ive had a few of those! Did you work out my Spainish yet? Its I am jealous!Continue having a good time thanks...... jux

Michael said...

Julie - you, a beer drinker? I never knew you enjoyed a tipple. Sin embargo le compraré uno cuando soy siguiente en España. OK it's the best I can do in my pidgeon Spanish (blame babel fish translator)
xxx