Thursday, November 24, 2005

To Varanasi we go...

We left behind the explosions of firecrackers at midnight and had to overpay greatly to find anyone who would take us to the train station in Ajmer, 30 minutes away on this final night of Dewali. Our ears still ringing and my stomach still reeling from the horrible and debilitating stomach illness I have been in bed the past 3 days recovering from, we boarded our train for what may be the hardest and most intense time for us on this trip so far.
Varanasi, the holiest city in India, is also the most talked about among travellers' circles. Some hate the crowded and dirty streets while others are captured by the holy vibes emanating off of the river and the ceremonies performed there at dawn and at sunset. Sadhus from all over India pilgrimage to bathe in the holy waters as do thieves to prey upon the google-eyed travellers. We have been told to watch our backs andexpectations we have and let the city unfold before us...expect the unexpected, fascination abounds. be aware of the many scams that fill the city. We are trying to dissolve any preconceptions and expectations we have and let the city unfold before us...expect the unexpected, fascination abounds.

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