Varanasi, the holy city, the city of life, the city of Shiva, also named Kashi or Benares. It's one of the world's oldest settlements. Hindus come here on their pilgrimage to wash away their sins in the river Ganga. And dying and getting burned here is supposed to end the circle of rebirths.

Varanasi did not offer forts or palaces like the other cities we have been to, instead the Ghats, the stairs leading down to the Ganga are the main attraction!
Especially at dawn and dusk this is where you should sit and watch people! People doing their morning routine, women washing clothes, people bathing, lighting candles and praying, socializing, kids playing, boatmen repairing their boats, children selling flowercandles to tourists, holy men preaching to people, it's crowded and loud and colourful as India is!
Behind these Ghats, a confusing labyrinth of narrow streets, too small for cars and Tuktuks, but still fitting in bikes, motorbikes and cows, dogs, monkeys and hundreds of tiny little shops and eateries, not bigger than a hole in the wall, full of souvenirs, clothes, kiosks, taylors, workshops, temples, jewellery. Easy to get lost in and not easy to find your guesthouse!

So we just wandered through town, stopping at markets and ghats, taking pictures and enjoying delicious food. A special experience was Marnikarika Ghat, the biggest burning Ghat in Varanasi, where a priest showed us around and explained the cremation ceremony. There are fires at the shore burning bodies 24/7... A bit of a spooky feeling especially when he led us very close along the fires and we could see feet or heads sticking out of the burning stacks of wood. Phew!!
At night we followed a Puja ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat, with music and dance and huge candleholders. A spectacle for both believers and tourists.
Another sunset we spend at Assi Ghat at a festival where women were praying for their husbands' health and early one morning we saw the sunrise from one of the boats, offering the best views on the city.

Also on our last day, we went to visit the Back-to-Life Children's Home (one for girls and two for boys) where we made sure the donation of our wedding guests is in the right spot. And we are sure it is!! Had an interesting tour through all three homes and even though most of the kids were still in school, some were there and showed us around, explained their daily routine, their wishes for the future, their rooms and the games they play. A very nice afternoon and glad to be able to make a little difference in their lives!