Sadly, this isn't chocolate water
Varanasi is regarded as the holiest place in the world by Hindus and it is their most sacred pilgrimage places. It's a lot like most other Indian cities we've been to - noisy, dusty and hot - but what sets it apart is the ghats (steps leading to water) that border the River Ganges where people bathe, make poo poo, do their laundry and cremate each other!
Our guide book tells us that water safe for bathing should have 500 fecal coliform bacteria per 1 litre of water. This part of the Ganges has 1.5 million per litre! Nice.
Varanasi is a crazy place but we love it instantly. Along the bustling narrow streets we're fighting with every inch of space with stray dogs, cows, funeral processions, police with riot shields, motorbikes, pedal bikes and hoards of shop sellers. It's a dizzying but rewarding experience.
During our stay, we spend a day in a police station to register our passports. Lucy gets chatted up by an Intelligence Officer, "Does that mean you're intelligent?" she asks jokingly and gets a stony face in return. He gives her his email address and phone number on a piece of paper with a special little message. She doesn't call him.
The food in Varanasi has really blown us away. We've discovered chana masala (a spicy chick pea curry), tandori salad (peppers, potato, pineapple and mushrooms) and we eat it for days with naan and rice. We're going to be as fat as fools before we leave India I have no doubt.
Our guide book tells us that water safe for bathing should have 500 fecal coliform bacteria per 1 litre of water. This part of the Ganges has 1.5 million per litre! Nice.
Varanasi is a crazy place but we love it instantly. Along the bustling narrow streets we're fighting with every inch of space with stray dogs, cows, funeral processions, police with riot shields, motorbikes, pedal bikes and hoards of shop sellers. It's a dizzying but rewarding experience.
During our stay, we spend a day in a police station to register our passports. Lucy gets chatted up by an Intelligence Officer, "Does that mean you're intelligent?" she asks jokingly and gets a stony face in return. He gives her his email address and phone number on a piece of paper with a special little message. She doesn't call him.
The food in Varanasi has really blown us away. We've discovered chana masala (a spicy chick pea curry), tandori salad (peppers, potato, pineapple and mushrooms) and we eat it for days with naan and rice. We're going to be as fat as fools before we leave India I have no doubt.
Cow incoming!
Fun at the ghats
Ghats your lot! - Bathtime at Assi Ghat
Varanasi police station - minus flirting copper
Local lady checking her stocks and shares
