Silk Route

Day 24 - Tue 8 Apr 08

Varanasi

Phil awakes unsure of the time, but instead of checking he goes about his daily ablutions, including all sound effects. It's only when he's ready for breakfast with shoes on does he check the time. 07:20. Breakfasts don't start until 07:30! We head up onto the roof and enjoy some spectacular view of the river, or we would if it wasn't for all the other buildings in the way. The third floor is an open shell that they appear to be still building. Breakfast beats last nights slow service. Phil orders scrambled eggs and toast, I just go for the toast. His eggs appear with the two slices of toast that come with them, and I have to wait for that 'course' to finish before the 'pure' toast round appears. So that's 40 minutes for four slices of toast.

Out for a walk down the Ganges to see the Ghats - bloody hot and it's only 09:30. Some interesting sights, a dead cow in the water, waste water flowing into the river, and the drinking water inlet all within about 200m. Plenty of "hello, hello's" going on, back to the room by 11:00 to put the aircon on.

In the 'cool' of the afternoon took autorickshaw up to the Golden Temple, had to leave all our stuff outside, phone, camera, wallet due to security. The pat down on the way in was pretty comprehensive. The whole place is surrounded by heavy security - Armed guards, barbed wire and watchtowers. Not conducive to a relaxing atmosphere, to got out pretty quickly.

Made it back down to the Ghats via a large shopping area. Got to see a couple of burning Ghats, and a fire show at 19:00. India is an assault on all the senses.