Our Spiritual Awakening

Varanasi and the River Ganges from our balcony.
see all photos »

Everything you've heard is true. Every cliche suddenly makes sense in Varanasi. The spiritual heartland of India where the sacred Ganges River kisses its holy banks, where Hindus believe that if they die here; will be freed from the cycle of rebirth. Where bodies are cremated on the river 24 hours a day, 7 days a week - each according to various caste level rules. Where bodies are weighted and dumped in the river that are considered 'unclean' for cremation - like those who die by snake bite, or pregnant woman or here's the shocker, children. On our 'quintessential' Varanasi experience, that is a morning boat ride down the river to view the pilgrims bathing, we did happen upon a few dead dogs and other unidentified mystery meats, but luckily no humans. The same can't be said for the people we talked to in the hostel the night before.

Look closely you can actually see it - Rob during his spiritual awakening!
see all photos »

We stayed at a hostel right on the river banks and the view was spectacular. Every night there were fireworks or some other loud shenanigans outside celebrating a wedding, death or other life event. Utter craziness in the Western schema of everyday life. It was fantastic to experience.

Utter craziness in the Western schema of everyday life