I spent three delightful days in one of the oldest cities in the world. I had no problems at all on the train. It’s awesome, the chaiwalas (chai men) came about every five minutes to offer chai, and food came pretty much every other minute. I don’t think I’ve had to worry about losing weight here. I got the top bunk, and after about five minutes of claustrophobia, I setted in to my little nook of the traveling train community and slept a ridiculously long time. I don’t think I’ve found a place in the world yet that has kept me awake, but I’m sure those days will come at some time in my life. Our train was only about an hour late getting in to Varanasi, and this, I’ve been told, is extremely good luck. I kid you not, one of the women I’ve met here told of how her train was not, 2, not 5, not 10 – but **60** hours late. Yes, so, in that, an hour is peanuts. I met some of the most delightful ladies while we were in Varanasi. Some incredible saris and outfits, I can’t begin to expound on how beautiful the women here are. We also took a boat ride on the Ganga. There’s some intense Hindu stories linked to Varanasi, that’s for sure. It’s a big deal. I also got to have mahindi (I think that’s how you say it) done on my hands. I shall try to show you a picture. Can you see the fish? There’s two! I’ll probably get it done again before I leave.
