I took my parents to Delhi airport yesterday afternoon and after some to-be-told-later-on mishap (Blessing and curse of travelling without a plan) my husband and I finally arrived in Varanasi in the evening of the same day. The second part of the India tour started.
It has been quite a journey so far. Ten days in Rajasthan totally wore me out. Waking up before 6 o’clock (only way to tolerate the unbearable heat), sitting long hours (and about two thousand kilometers) in a rather uncomfortable car and trying to stand the sun (temperatures reaching 40C plus) totally wore me out. I am exhausted. Bone-tired. In addition, I have a cold (must be the dramatic difference between the AC and outside temperature) and I had some stomach problem. All I want is to sleep, so this post will be short.
Moreover, I have witnessed and experienced so much that I think I have come to the point where I just need to take a step back and let my brain relax. I am not sure I can absorb much more. For example, how do you write about the burning ghat where bodies that look like mummies are burnt? How do you write about eating at a restaurant by the Ganges while the smoke from the burning bodies enters your nose? I will try in a few days’ time but cannot right now. India is very enriching but it drains you out too. Physically but also emotionally. 
As I would not be able to say anything more intelligent or accurate about Varanasi, the holy Hindu site, my only option remains to quote Mark Twain:
“Varanasi is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend, and looks twice as old as all of them put together”.
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pearlspotting 
Gah! I have to get there too! You are beyond lucky to be experiencing all of this! Thank you, thank you for sharing!! I can only imagine how your body and mind must feel right now. Please rest and relax and then get back on with enjoying your trip!
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Thanks 🙂
I like India because it is challenging. Unless you stay at an all-inclusive resort, you are most likely going to have all sorts of emotions and feelings. It is not an easy destination but if you allow India to come to you, it will be rewarding.
At least this is what I think (and why I keep coming back).
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I like that perspective. I will absolutely get there one day!
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Let me know when 😊
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I agree with you on this “India is very enriching but it drains you out too.” – that’s so true and so India!
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How do you travel in India? We have occasionally taken a train (never a bus) but in most cases we hire a car with a driver. It helps you keep some sanity, gives you peace and space, and the most of all, one can stop whenever one wants (important if you are into photography).
I actually suggest ppl to travel this way, as I believe it helps them to like India. Why bother dislike a country just because you took the hard way… See what I mean? And price wise car with a driver is so cheap.
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