My memory of the last few days is questionable, 8% lager and whiskey had a lot to do with it. I wrenched myself out of bed for the 5:30am boat ride, quite an achievement for somebody who savours every last second in bed. We passed a school of Brahmin children out for early morning mediation, bald heads sat regimental across the ghat wearing bright orange robes, their master instigating the rituals. A wonderfully interesting spectacle, one difficult to photograph...

Wow! What a couple of days Iv had in Varanasi. Yesterday I had a lazy day. Lounging around the hostel, chatting to different people, concocting a plan for the evening and generally taking a bit of time to soak in the surroundings. The evening however was amazing. Myself and Callum sought the Lotus Restaurant, as we approached a few voices from darkened alleyways murmured "no Lotus - closed". We wrongfully ignored them and were met by a building site and a few d...

After nearly being scammed by some local con artist insistent my train was delayed by 9 hours I eventually boarded my 14 hour overnight train to Varanasi. From therein it was pretty uneventful, I exchanged pleasantries with a few people, annoyed a small family because I refused to swap seats so they could all sit together. No way was I moving 2 carriages away so some spoilt 18 year old could sit with his mummy and daddy! Make a prayer/begging gesture at me all yo...