Varanasi

Last night we took a Sunset boat trip on the Ganges. For the majority of the trip we parked ourselves right in front of the Burning Ghats and just watched on. Around 15 or so bodies were burning at one time, and it was extremely interesting for me to just watch the process and ask our boat driver questions about it. Certain types of people do not get cremated and rather are put into the middle of the river with a heavy stone attached to them so they sink. These types of people are pregnant women, lepers, Holy Men, children, and animals. We watched on as each body, wrapped in their decorative garments, were lowered into the river, dipped a couple of times, and than placed on the fire. We also witnessed family members throwing the remainders (the bones that don't burn fast such as the hip) back into the river. Afterwards we watched the ceremony that happens every night (for the Gods) from our boat as well. We then decided to go have dinner and we feasted on fondue, pizza, Tandoori Chicken, and sandwiches while listening to Indian classical music (a man playing the bongos and another man playing the Sitar). This morning we met our same boat driver at 6am to take a sunrise boat trip on the Ganges. We watched as hundreds of Hindu devotees washed themselves (women in their full Sari's), drank from the Ganges, washed clothes, and swam. It was an amazing sight to see. According to my Lonely Planet, parts of the Ganges is actually septic. The river is so incredibly polluted- and people bathe and drink in it! As our boat continued down the Ganges we were met by a disturbing sight- a decaying body floating right next to us. All we could see were the white feet, and the white head. Some middle aged tourist saw the body floating as well, and excitedly grabbed her camera out taking pictures to show loved ones at home. (A little inappropriate and disrespectful we all thought). After our trip we went to have breakfast.. I had a Cheese and tomato Omelette, a Banana Chocolate Pancake, and Lemon Ginger tea for around $2 CAN. We just woke up from our nap and are going to try some Yoga before we explore the Ghats once again.


Tomorrow is my last day in Varanasi and than I am taking a train to Haridwar. The girls are going home, and while I will miss them immensely I am looking forward to starting my internship.

Hope everything is well with everyone

Love Always

Krista