Slowly down the Ganges

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Hello,

I am finally in India. I had quite the harrowing trip from the airport to my first hotel. My driver seemed to think that the best way to weave through traffic was the opposite side of the road. So I am quickly becoming accustomed to oncoming traffic and trying my best not to scream bloody murder! (don't worry Mom, most of the drivers here in India have been training to be dirt road rally racers - they have reflexes like a cat!) The driver also provided his own soundtrack for the ride and began singing strange Hindi songs at the top of his lungs. So I started providing my own soundtrack - Justin Timberlake, some beattles, warren g, whatever I could think of. It was quite hilarious. I think it became sort of a challenge. He would sing something then look back at me and I would try to match his enthusiasm. I think he would be great at RockBand! Maybe there is an Indian version we can get??

I joined up with a tour for the next few days. I'm the only American amongst some great Kiwis and Ozzies. They keep calling me "cheeky"? Is that good? Our guide is great and seems to have a good handle on things. I may stick around for the latter half of the tour after all.

We just spent three days rafting down the Ganges and it was surreal. Just awesome. We only saw 4 dead cows, three dead dogs and 1 dead person. Not bad for a 3 day trip! A few even swam in it. Not this microbiology major. . I know way too much about this river. We camped for the last two days and its possible after no showers - I may actually smell worse than the Ganges. Our two boatmen were absolutely adorable and shorter than me! We became fast friends and I even helped with the rowing - much to their surprise (women don't do anything around here but cook and pop out babies - preferably girls). I taught them a couple secret handshakes and how to sing the Ganges version of row row row your boat! It was sad to leave them. They were even more sad to leave Trixxi. I tell you what she was a big hit on the boat trip. Ross I hope you aren't too mad that I brought her along!? She loves India and has been a really great pillow while camping. She loves the Chai and even got invited to be in the group photo. She even got to see her aunts! (did you know that the Ganges has native dolphins?) They are these slimy long nosed black things but they jump up all around you in the morning. I didn't think anything could live in that river.

Now we are in Varanassi and will even get to see the end of one of the biggest Hindu festivals. The durka - durka - burga - monkey god festival??? No idea the name but everything sounds like that. Don't worry I'll stay away from crowds and small paths - police presence is everywhere. I can't decide if that is unsettling or comforting.

I'm doing great - regular BM and no fevers, carjackings, or theft to speak of.

Love you,
Becca

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Comments

[Mom]

You swam in it???
I hope you didn't get any in your mouth!! :0 Glad to hear you are having fun and safe AND regular. ;) I love and miss you much! Mom

[Mom]

oops, re-read your entry
Apparently you did NOT swim in the Ganges. Good girl!! I guess I wasn't quite awake the last time I read your entry. :)