The Intrepid Dangerman: Lazy Days in Varanassi

Hi All

I’m still in Varanasi.

Enjoying lazy days. Visiting the odd site, relaxing by the Ghats.

Saw an awesome Indian classical gig, with a world renowned Indian flutist.

A few of us went on a day trip to Sarnath where Budda gave his first lecture after attaining enlightenment. There are temples there from all over the Buddhist world and a tree grown from a cutting of the Bhodi tree he attained enlightenment under. Twas all very interesting.

Also this evening I had an interesting trip back along the main road. First there was what looked to my Weston eyes as a carnival, with floats load music and kids dancing. Apparently this was a festival of road cleaning and they were cleaning the road as the went along it!! Then a few hundred meters further up the road was an amazing wedding procession with a ornate horse drawn carriage with the groom and some family in. Then 2 rows of 20 kids in each holding lit florescent tubes, other kids dancing in-between and a marching band at the front.

This as all on the main road so all the cars, bikes, lorries, auto and cycle rickshaws and cows trying to squeeze past.

Of course have been playing a lot of chess too. Mainly at a guest house run by a farther and 2 sons who all play, there’s also load of other Indians who play there. The 3^rd best guy (although I think he’s being modest) is only 19 and is fide rated at 2200 and plays for the state!!! I loose a lot but am getting some respect off the lesser players now.

We had a great thunderstorm yesterday but other than that it’s getting too hot here now so I am leaving for the Nepali border tomorrow. I’ll miss this place.

I have heard of a guy in pokera with a paraglider and a hawk he follows to find thermals in the mountains. So I might have a go at that. But my first stop is the less touristy area of Tansen.

I will let you know how it goes and will blog from Nepal in a few days.

-Dan