Travel Journal - Entry 5

Varanasi 2/11/2008
The 3:45 train to Delhi arrived early. Unusual in my opinion. I am cynical actually. After the delay at JFK (flight to Mumbai), the delay at Mumbai (flight to Delhi) and the delay in the train to Varanasi I became so. When the train showed up I just figured it for the one before mine.

Met a Scottish MD on the platform. His 5th trip, traveling light with a very small pack and an umbrella. We talked about how India changes you. Maybe not here, now, right away, noticeably. But it becomes apparent once you return to civilization. "Simplify" was the word he used. I rather felt that the case even before getting started on this trip.


Thoughts of Varanasi on riding out:
The land of Learn and Burn. Hindu spiritual learning hub as well as ghat burning ceremonies. Lots of non-Indians exploring life here. There is music and art, a world perspective reinforced by a non local populace. Very dirty and unsafe Ganga. Trash literally covers what could be a beautiful shoreline. I saw it at its lowest. There was mud and sand. When the water is higher the ghats rim the water; their steps descending down, down into the murk.




I wish some organization could systematically clean up the crap. I saw numerous cows nibbling through mounds of garbage. Do people leave it out for them? Cows like plastic, apparently. At least from what the dining choices I saw them making.

Where is the mind of those controlling infrastructure?

Dos and Don'ts:
Do drive as though lanes do not exist.
Don't hug the opposite sex in public.
May I please suggest a switch in present singular 1st person auxiliary verbs?

The Times of India is one of the most interesting newspapers I have ever read. Always dozens of things odd and interesting. Reminds me of where I am and that life goes on before my very eyes.