The City Where People Come to Die

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I arrived smoothly in Varanasi yesterday morning after what started out to be a nice train ride because of the beautiful scenery but wasn't too good at night because I had a lower bunk and people kept sitting on my bunk in the middle of the night and not wanting to move, keeping me from sleeping soundly for more than like a half hour at a time. Oh well.

Yesterday I first visited the Cremation Ghat where people are cremated right out in the open because then their souls go straight to heaven instead of being reincarnated. Apparently certain people can't be cremated for various reasons: Sadhus, Pregnant Women, People bitten by Cobras, and Children, etc. Then I came back to the guest house, which has an awesome rooftop cafe that gives great views of the city and met some new people. Ran around yesterday looking at shops and then went on a 3 hour tour of the Ganges. It didn't end up like Gilligan's Island but we did see dead bodies in all stages of decomposition floating and washed up on the river bank. It bothered me much less that I thought that it would, except the various dogs and birds which were tearing the flesh off of some of them...that was rather unsettling. Its amazing how many people swim and bathe and drink the water within 50 feet of the dead bodies. I am told however that the bodies aren't really what makes the river water dangerous, there are some factories upstream that cause heavy metals to be found in the water, making it rather poisonous. On a lighter note, we then saw a ceremony from the boat being performed on one of the Ghats (riverside buildings/temples) involving singing and lots of fire, which was quite cool. Then back here for a great night of sleep. I think yesterday it only reached 40 (or I guess ~104 for you guys). Today it already feels like it will be hotter.

Today I will explore a little more and try to find a book as I have been finished with mine for some time but have had no luck finding any decent books in Guest House book swaps. I guess I will also try to get a train ticket to Haridwar for tomorrow or the next day as well. This heat is a little extreme. Although sitting on the sandy bank of the Ganga yesterday in the heat reminded me a lot of sitting on the beach at home, which was nice...well minus the dead bodies.

Now i'm off for some pancakes or something for breakfast. Bye!

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Photos

Blissful Train Ride
...until sleeping became an issue

I think Casey Jones would approve...
"cricket"?

Wishing Candles
May be a more spiritual name or purpose for them, but I was not informed of it.

Comments

[Rose Scarborough]

Hi World Traveller
I have been keeping up with your blog and enjoy reading your adventures. when you get back to work we need to have a slideshow with all the pictures you have taken, that would make a nice lunch hour. Take care of yourself, have fun and don't forget the Tea. see you in a few weeks. Rose and the whole lunch crowd.