I thought I would put a picture of the Islands here...because this place is nothing like it at all;) I spent about a month on the Islands before india, resting, snokeling, and doing a meditation retreat...my last day on the beach...i was like...okay this is the last piece of paradise...now off to different and awesome things. I have been in Varinase for about 8 days now. It is a good thing to count your days here..it is like a when you get home and meet someone else who was in Varinase...you can 'brag', "oh yes, Varinse,crazy crazy Varinase, I spent 8 gloriouse days dodging richshaws and cow poop!" lol...legend has it, if you can suvive Varinase then you can survive India. My train leaves for Dharamsala at 2:30am tomarrow morning...so i did it...thank you very much! Varinase is considered to be one of the Holiest cities in all of India. It is the Home of the Hindu God "Shiva," and the final resting place of many Hindu Pilgrams. It is believed that if you die in Varinse then you go straight to heaven. so this city is full of Sadus 'holy men' and people greatly devoted to their faith. There is a Sadu that meditates by my hotel...each day we great eachother...folded hand, a small bow, and wisper 'namestay,' he then places a small about of sandlewood ash on my forhead with some red paint, places his hands on my head and does a very load "OMMMMMM" I leave him a couple of Ruppies so he can buy breakfast...we bow again, and leave with a simile ;) This is how india is...so many awsome things... but from the awesome side...there is also the REAL side...the one that can not be ignored. India is a developing country...that means...hmmm...it is a lot Different then America. So different, that sometimes I have to muster all of my courage just to walk out of the front door of my hotel! Just the Chaos of the streets and being bothered by Every store owner your cross is enough to make anyone mad if they are having a bad day. Sence this is a Holy city...their are Cows EVERY WHERE! I mean...Everywhere. They just sit the narrow streets, eat garbage, or food they are given, and that is it...lol...sometimes you just want to give them a hug and send them off to some hug pasture with rolling fields of grass as fare as the eye can see...the city does not seem like a fun place for a cow to live if you ask me. Cows are Sacread to the Hindus...so they are not eaten, but worshiped...so with cows, come cow poop...I am living in the "old" part of Varinse, so the raods are too small for a car to drive down...so it is a challenge to simply walk down the street without falling into Grabage and cow poop, or a Cow itseld! Oh...I am not at the Islands anymore. It is like heaven and hell came CRASHING together and created Varanse! In one moment you are overwelmed by the stench of garbage..the next beautful insence and flowers...Woman in their flowing colorful sarris walk by, the True beauty of India if you ask me...then a dog with mange and half starved will cross your path as well. It is simply fasinating you know. I pray that some day India is able to find a balnce with itself...so that the people can live their lives as they wish...but also live so that they do not have to suffer with sooooo much Pollution, grabage, and poverty. it is like, I knew what poverty was...but know for myself...i just really know. And have so much gratitude for the life I have been blessed to live at home! I image going out to eat at one of the populare restaurant chains...lets say Olive Garden...and just simply going into Shock about how Clean it is...and how much Food thier is! And How Muh Food We Though Away! It is like...if you are dont eating here...you take your food with you and give the left overs to someone on the street...Nothing goes to waste. But Different cultures you know...i think that if Indians had the oppertunity at the wealth and luxury that Americans have...they would be all over Olive Garden and the un-ending pasta bowl...and they would probably throw their leftovers away as well...so no one is really in the wrong...it is just something to be aware of you know...like do we Really need to have to have sooo much stuff? alright I am stopping now...i know i know i know...it getts anoying....lol.... But...overall, I am glad that I am here. It is easy to get wrapped up in the good vibes of the place... I dress up each day I go out...in skirts, long scarves(my new passion!), earings, and of course a Bindi on my forehead! I could just wrap myself up into Indian clothes all day long..they are really beautful...but for now I am to look and not touch! no spending money on Frivilouse things martha...you are on a mission...stick to your goal! I have to remind myself, Daily! I could buy the handmade silk scarf...but that would take 1 or2 days out of my trip, hmmmmm....silk scarf, or one more day in India...I will go with the extra day thank you. alright beautful peeps...i think i have written enough for now...train leaves at 2:30am...why in the middle of the moring i do not know? but...it is all good...less hassle in the streets that late at night anyways...Much Love and Peace to you all. Next stop Dharamsala. Oh, and I was thinking about starting a meditation group when I get home...something small and very informal...maybe some people to get together once a week, to learn about meditation and meditate together. Anyone intersted let me know. I know enough of the basics now, that I would be comfortable helping get anyone started who is intersted. kisses and long distance hugs, Martha