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Beth arrived last week and already I've expertly inducted her into the world of India and some of the cultural mores. Just yesterday she placed her cow s***ty flip flop on a sacred Hindu temple. Perhaps equivalent to taking your dog for a walk in a Church? As tour guide I take full responsibility.
So, Varanasi is 'interesting'. The Ganges is amazingly atmospheric although we spent a boat ride down it last night mostly praying that we didn't fall in. Overlooking that everybody from Varanasi bathes, plays and washes and more in the famous old river - we preferred not to take a dip. Ok, so I grew up in Southend but Old Father Thames doesn't have the bones of dead people everyday for the last 3000 years in it (I think), plus it also possesses oxygen. Important in water I think. Aside from the smells and the dirt, this place is extremely spiritual and it was cool to come and visit. We managed not to intrude too much on their sacred rites of passage but still had a good nose around 'Manikarna Ghat' (or dead burning body steps to you and I) and our Rupees are widely welcomed even if we're kept away and half forbidden from witnessing their ceremonies.
Not much else to report really. I am now speaking to Beth in pigeon English which is irritating for us both. 2 months here and I'm speaking like a 2 year old (it's the only language understood). We'll be in Nepal next which is exciting as we are both entralled yet drained by the rubbish tip, building site, consumer heaven, tourist feeding ground and spiritual home that is India.. "Hello Sir, which Country?"
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