After we crossed the boarder we had to find a ride to the train station which was in a city called Gorakpur. The best means of transport we could find was a jeep, which had room for 7 but we managed 14! Like I said "Welcome to India" We arrived two long hours later and walked into the train to station and experienced one of the most culture shocked experiences ever. As we walked into the station we saw literally hundreds of Indian people sleeping on the hard ground with old sheets. As we walked everyone rose and fixed their dark eyes on us. It was a strange but very great experience. It was as though they had never seen tourist like us before and never knew how to react to us, except to stare. We felt like we weren't suppose to be there or something and just minded our business and kept walking. But how do you mind your business when hundreds of people are staring and even stopping what they were doing to walk over and stare at us like we are a strange breed. It was very weird, but as weird as it was, it was a very cool cultural experience that we will never forget.
After plenty of help and stares we found where we had to board our night and train and waited. As we were waiting one man began talking to us and before you knew it we had a eager audience listening to our conversation. I swear I even saw some people pushing each other to get a better view of us! Not sooner then later (as the trains in India like to show up fashionably late) we boarder the train and we were off to Varanasi!
We arrived in Varanasi and few hours late and our eyes we heavy after a rough sleep. However, as we left the train station we suddenly were awake and had busy eyes as we were trying to register what was all going on! It was the busiest place we have ever seen. I couldn't concentrate as my eyes were looking: at the cows in the intersection taking craps, thousands of men shouting and bargaining, people laying in the middle of busy streets, men spitting their chewing tobacco, women wearing beautiful saris. All this was happening as my nose was smelling: human piss, cow crap, samosas, fresh vegetables, car/bus/bike/autoricksaws fumes....while my ears were hearing: "hey you where you going", people shouting, cows mooing but all over powered by HORNS! It was awesome, this was why we came to India!
Varanasi is a city located right on the Ganga River, which is the most holy river to Hindu people. The river is mentioned in the Rig-Veda, which is of the earliest of Hindu scriptures. It is believed that lord Shiva descended from the Heavens and washed away the sins of humans in the river. Some Hindus believe that life is not complete without bathing in the river at least once in their lifetime. As we walked the river it was amazing to see how religious the Indians are and how much time and love they devote to religion in a average day. We met so many interesting people and saw so many wonderful sights, it was a pleasure to visit this city. Simply walking down the river with a Thumbs Up (indian pepsi) and watching the people as they washed their bodies/clothes, negotiated boat trip deals, prayed to Hindu shrines, played a game of cricket, visited the barber shop, ate some naan and curry, watched Gurus predict after lives and so many more interesting things.
Everyone's favorite cow crap paddies
Barber Shop
The main burning Ghat
Cremation is a big part of the Hindu's lives. As they believe after one has passed, they must be cremated in order for them to go live their after life. The Manikarnika Ghat is main area for cremations to occur in Varanasi (its the most holiest place for a Hindu to get cremated) and it has public cremation 24/7. Families from all over India bring passed love ones to this burning ghat to get cremated. It was pretty interesting and disturbing at the same time to watch, the ceremony begins with the families bringing the body to the river and washing it of all sins, then placing the bodies into a stack of wood where it burns from flesh to ash right in front of your eyes. Like I said it was a great experience, but you can only watch for so long.
Another thing we enjoyed about varanasi were the buildings. Everything was so old and all the buildings were made out of stone. Everywhere you look there is so much color and beauty it could be a polaroid of perfection! The city has grown so much in the past decades, causing all the buildings to be built so close to each other. It makes for a interesting maze as you try and navigate around the allies ( especially with poopy cows, annoying touts, kids, monkeys, broken roads and anything else you can imagine that would stand in your way).
This was nightly ceremony that took place every night on the river bank. Thousands of people would gather down at the river and to take part in a 2 hour service to Shiva. It was very amazing how many people would come every night and to see their strong passion.
Well thats all the time we have as we are getting kicked out of the 4 star hotel (were using their wi-fi in exchange for buying over priced beer and coke). All and all Varanasi was one of the most interesting places we have been, one rich with culture, passion and love. Missie and I were in love with the city, our favorite city for sure.
well take care everyone
shaun/missie
