Varanasi

We are now in Varanasi India. This is a holy Hindu city, known most for being a place where people come to die. The holy Ganges River flows along the city and the river front is lined with stairs built down to the water. People go into the river to bathe, swim, or for religious rituals. It is believed that people who die in Varanasi acheive instant enlightenment, so many pilgrams come here to die. We have seen funeral processions leading down the narrow alleyways to the water front. The bodies are colorfully wrapped and dipped into the river. Then a large bonfire is built around the body and it is creamated right in public view on the water front. It is a place unlike anywhere we've been. In some ways it offers a view of India, more like what I imagined India to be like (maybe because I saw a discovery channel special on Varnassi?). The streets/alleyways are narrow and crowded...with people, cows, goats, and dogs. The cows wander freely around the city and are often adorned with flowers. The ground is dirty...covered with trash, cow patties, and dirt. The architecture is interesting and quite beautiful. It is an interesting/intriguing place to visit. Tonight we are going to take a sunset boat ride down the river to view the city in a different way and tomorrow we head to Agra to see the Taj Mahal!