Our Last Day in Varanasi

Yesterday was World Water Day and and to mark the day, school children from all over Varanasi lined the banks of the Ganges holding hands along the length of the city from the first ghat to the last. It was a sight to see, as there were thousands of children from all the religions united to make a remark on the need for a cleaner future and a desire to change water conditions. The Ganges is a very polluted river at this point here in Varanasi and only gets worse (not sure how that is possible) from here towards Calcutta. It's shocking for us to see people swimming in the Ganges, but the people here have said to us, " if you think of the Ganges as water, yes, it is polluted and if you swim in it you might get sick. But, if you think of the Ganges as the source of life, Mother Ganges-the embodiment of the God Shiva-then there is nothing more pure or with more power and strength". This belief is partially why it is so polluted, as people do not truly believe what they are doing to it will harm the river and life near it. So, having said that, it was very encouraging for us to see that the future generations are being educated about water health and environmental issues. We shall see.

As for our time here in Varanasi, we have truly enjoyed our time here. It is very much a city of contrasts; Yogi-Guru's with laptop computers, ancient family businesses using the most basic of tools that seem stuck in a world of a few hundred years ago, yet have a flashy new stereo playing music while they chat on a mobile phone. The religious ceremonies and music along the Ghats have been non stop, the riverside has been ceaselessly interesting and a beautiful place to sit and enjoy. The old, narrow winding streets have been absolutely facinating to navigate through and we are always discovering something new or interesting around each corner. The other day, I came up to a tiny, narrow crossroads in one of these alley ways and thought i'd poke my head around the corner of the building to check if it was safe to cross. What a shock i got to come face to face with a large black bull peering back at me!!!! Glad I checked! The Holy Cows have first priority, so naturally, I let him pass. We've seen a few Bulls who randomly decide to break into a jog, if you are not in its path the site is really quite funny, people virtually diving out of the way, sometimes trying to move carts of food and goods out of the way as well.

Tomorrow we leave for Kathmandu, in Nepal. It is a 24 hour bus trip, but divided over two days. We have never been on such a long bus trip, and we can only hope the bus is comfortable and safe. We have been told it is. Our next report will be from Kathmandu, we will be in that city for a few days before making a decision on one or two of the many adventure possibilities in Nepal. All the best to you all, Steff and Justin