The Cool Off

Well here we are in Darjeeling. After spending two weeks in the heat (45+) of Varanasi, we feel kind of cold. That's right-cold, and it's about 20 degrees here. Darjeeling seems like it's going to be amazing. Our room is the nicest we've had in a long time, and the temperature is right (once we get used to it). It seems there is a lot to do here as well: from tea plantation tours, hikes to himalayan view points and possibly white water rafting, to just strolling around enjoying the gardens, the zoo and the so far great food (of course). We may even check out a movie at the movie theatre. We are both very excited to explore this town.

Varanasi was an incredible experience. Leading up to it we were both getting a little tired of travelling, and so a rest seemed to be required. Varanasi was the right place to do it. At first Liza thought that she would get bored and stir crazy, but she came to appreciate the break and all that Varanasi had to offer. We went shopping several times and ended up having to buy yet another suitcase (we seem to have a problem).

We took boat rides. One in the evening and one in the morning (5:30am yikes). The boat makes it's way up the river so that you can see the Ghats. Along the ghats you get to see life unfold. People bathing, doing laundry, playing cricket, yoga sessions, bands playing, getting married and cremating their relatives. Seeing this was a real eye opener. There was even a body floating in the river. The boatman explained that this was a holy man and so was not cremated and left for the river to take away. It was explained later that holy people, children, and pregnant women are not cremated. It was difficult, and yet fascinating to see. All aspects of life and death are played out by the river side. I saw one woman doing laughing yoga. It was the eeriest thing I have ever seen. She sat in lotus on a pedestal and as she put her arms in the air she would laugh maniacally. It sent shivers up my spine. Also seen was a team of rollerskaters (not rollerbladers) going around a ring of neon coloured pylons, doing all sorts of funky tricks. This brought a smile to my face.

At Liza's urging I took some Tabla lessons. It was a great idea, and truly one of my highlights. My teacher (Mishra) was a talented young musician from a long line of famous musicians. He taught me the Tabla alphabet, and some words. He then told me that if I practiced these well that eventually I would be able to make my own sentences. Apperently the Tabla set I bought was of 'beginner' quality and he took me to his friends shop where the finest tablas in Varanasi are made. I didn't buy anything because mine are good enough to learn on and eventually I can save up and buy a really good set on line. Albeit at twice the cost.

Apparently most tourists only go to Varanasi for a few days, but we stayed. Since we stayed several shop keepers, and soldiers (they are everywhere) came to know us and smiled every time we walked by. We were probably the only tourists (or locals) that greeted them. It was fun walking through the alleys and hearing Namaste instead of come have a look at my shop. Don't get me wrong we got a lot of that too. Another highlight was seeing goats all over the place. One day we bought a loaf of bread and fed a bunch of the goats. We are now fantasising about getting a pet goat. We could make our own cheese and have a cool pet too.

Liza and I also met a lovely couple from Toronto and have been spending some time with them. It's nice to have friends and people to go meet for dinner dates and such. They came up to Darjeeling as well and we may go up to Sikim with them. We haven't decided. The only thing to do in Sikim is see incredible views of the Himalayas (if the weather is right). But it could be a chance to see some of the worlds highest peaks. Especially now that we aren't going to Nepal anymore. We will see.

Until next time.