10/10 - 10/12 varanasi and bangalore, india

Next was Varanasi, which almost defies description. It's claimed to be the world's oldest continuously inhabited city, and probably the religious heart of India. Many make a pilgrimage to this holiest city at least once in their lives to bathe in the (very dirty) River Ganges. However, rituals have been performed there for thousands of years—really an amazing sight. And it's not just holy for Hindus. Buddha gave his first sermon here, so Buddhist monks and pilgrims were also out in full force. And not just holy men and those seeking guidance, but animals were everywhere, too. Such a poor city! It will be interesting to see if the economic gap continues to widen as India’s economy explodes.

Our last stop was Bangalore, though only briefly. On the flight there, we met a woman who told us how developed and advanced it was. However, our driver, despite being prearranged, did not seem to have any idea where our hotel was. What should have been a twenty minute ride turned into an hour that ended with us driving backwards down a one-way street for nearly four blocks. So actually, Bangalore seems a lot like the rest of India!

Sunrise over the Ganges.

Some of the many "ghats" lining the holy stretch of the river - each ghat was dedicated to a particular god, and therefore particular rituals, priests, and worship.

Lots of stuff happening on the river.

This guy seemed particularly intense (and indifferent to the trash heap behind him).

This sign read "Fortunate are the People who Reside on the banks of ganga".
Good morning!
The main cremation ghat, with stacks of wood everywhere.
A water pool in Varanasi.
One of many, many holy men.

This one had a motorbike. Business must be good.
Buying fruit.
Beautiful veggies.