Hello again, the last time I wrote I was in Agra on the way to see the Taj Mahal. I must say first that this is the second time I have written this blog as the computer chrashed last time. The Taj Mahal, what can I say, it was magnificant, one of the most amazing sites Ive ever seen. Anousheh told me that it was an Iranian Architect that had designed it. We went at sunset and some of the photos I have are great. If yiou ever get chance to go its worth the trip. Its in perfect condition.

I am really having trouble uploading any photos at the moment. I managed to upload 4 today so ill try again soon.

Having left Agra we head for Varnassi. This is described in Lonley Planet as being one of Hindu's Holy sites. The Hindu's bring there dead to the River Ganges where they burn the bodies at the side of the river, at places called Ghats. The ashes are then sprinkled into the river.

In order to see the ghats the traditions has been for tourists to take a boat upriver and witness the ceromonies from there. So we took a boat the next day at sunset and headed up river. I must say at this point that this is one the most overrated places I have ever seen in the world, what we saw was anything but holy.

As we arrived at the first ghat, there was a body already being burnt. The guide explained how they burnt the bodies and why, he stated that only certain bodies were burnt.
Women, children and holy men are not, its mainly only guilty people. As we looked closer we could see two more bodies wrapped in bandages. One was of an adult and I would say the other was a child about 6-7 at years old. Anousheh asked what would happen to the child's body, the guide explained that the body would be towed to the middle of the river and sent to the bottom. We looked at each other in shock, we had seen people bathing and actually drinking this water. The final straw came when we bothed noticed that child's body had a large blood stain coming from the head. What I saw there that day will stay with me for a long time.

On a brighter note, whilst in Varnassi we were told about a place called Kharjuaho. Its the place where Karma Sutra was founded. So I had to go there, never a bad thing to improve on your technique haha. There are temples very similar to Angkor Wat in Cambodia, although these temple have erm, somewhat more exotic carving should we say :) I really enjoyed Kharjuaho, the place was very laid back and it surprised us both that it was so unknown with having beautiful buildings, beautiful restaurants and people. As for the Karma Sutra well I bought two books and just look at the photos, I dont think I need to any more :)

From Kharjuaho we headed to Jhansi hoping to catch a train south. Unfortnatley it seems almost ever train in India is booked up for the next two weeks as its the Indian holiday season.

Having got to Jhansi a quick decision had to be made as Jhansi is not a nice city at all. Nothing to do and the hotel we had was really bad. So we opted to get a Tuk-Tuk to Orchha. That turned out to be a great decision, we loved it here. Its so laided back and very clean for India, they even have the odd rubbish bin here and there. There are a few temples to see and the hotel is great for £2 a night. So today we hired two bikes and went for a ride around the town and temples, it been a great day and I now have a lovely red nose haha.

The weather is so hot here at the moment, its about 35C. Hows the weather back home please do let me know :)

India is an amazing place, the sights ,the smells and people are like no where else you can imagine. A few people have asked me about having Delhi belly, well as so far, the food has been great and Ive not had a problem. I think if you are senisble then you will be fine. Drink bottled water, avoid Ice Cream and go veggie and hopefully that willl see you through.

Well Ill leave it for there now, we leave here tommorrow and head south on an overnight bus to Indore.

Catch you soon.