Yesterday I got very lost so many times and when I ask for directions I seem to get laughed at quite a bit. I spent most of today wandering around the streets visiting temples along the way but my plan was to go on a boat in the evening to see the 7pm sunset ceremony where there is the lighting of candles and petals both floatd onto the ganges but the rain ruined this idea. Instead I got picked up at 5am this morning along with another two tourist couples staying at my hotel to go on a sunrise boat ride which was 4 times longer, 4 times more expensive and no ceremony. We got conned into paying a little more but not as much as the boat skipper wanted.
I have now seen over 10 bodies either in the p[rocess of being cremated or generally floating in the river and initially it took my breath away but now I just think of them as props on a tv show. Varanasi is fascinating and so strange to see bodies being floated into the water next to a gate meant for doing the toilet next to kids playing in the water, although so different to anywhere else on earth I don't know if the incredible smell and ammount of dirt would bring me back.
Now as both my phones have died and refusing to charge I have purchased a lovely pink star shaped alarm clock which will be staying in my bag for the duration of the trip to help me keep track of time and hopefully not miss any trains. Next stop Ochhra.
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