Varanasi!

This morning I woke up at the same time even though I knew I would feel a bit rushed; it was also pouring rain.  I finished typing up my final blog and got ready for a days trip to Varanasi!  I got all my things packed on time as well as printed out my boarding ticket and went for breakfast, never have I eaten so much food in so little time; I had an omelet, milkshake, pakora thing, toast, naan and fruit!  Wasn’t too sure when I would eat next so I ate as much as I could before I left for my flight.

My driver Vinny came and picked me up but before we went to the airport we went to get my Wi-Fi stick sorted out before it was too late.  I stayed for 15 minutes and Vinny was getting impatient… he thought I would miss my flight.  Even though there was a very good chance of me not making it in time I told him everything would be fine.  The people couldn’t get the stick working so I told them to call me when they have it fixed and then I left for the airport.  The whole ride there Vinny talked about all the traffic and the rain and how there is going to be a parade tomorrow and the streets are blocked making traffic worse.  I told him all would be fine and meditated while we drove through the rain.  Before I knew we were at the airport on time… I couldn’t help but say ‘I told ya so’ to him and laughed.  I shook his hand goodbye and was escorted inside to get everything organized.  The only thing that took time was paying extra for my fat bag and going through the female section of security, it still makes me laugh having to go through a FEMALE scanning room.  Now you’re probably tired of hearing about my problems with technology problems but I promise this is the last.  I couldn’t get the Wi-Fi stick to work again because I couldn’t get signal on my phone!  After much frustrating work and bad English I finally got it activated and working!  I was so relieved and it came just in time because my flight was boarding.  It was still raining but I was so hot from stressing out that I was just wearing a tank top… felt so nice, I loved having the cold rain and air cool me down.  The flight was just like any other flight… nothing interesting except you had to pay for drinks… I didn’t get anything.

When we landed in Varanasi I was warned it would be very cold but it was 22 degrees outside, very different to what I was told.  I got my luggage and headed outside to meet my driver right away, I also met one of my Dads friends named Dan.  He is from California and we became friends right away… I was so happy to make a friend.  When we finally made it to the hotel I changed right away and took a rikshaw to an ATM, the man who drove it was very nice and owned a silk shop, he told me to stop by and would give me special deals.  Not sure if I will go but it is always nice meeting someone so friendly.  Back at the hotel I was late for my first tour because I lost track of time ordering samosas… you can never go wrong with food.  I finally got to meet one of my Dads friends named Krishna; he will be my guide for today and tomorrow.  He took Dan and I to a silk weavers store that was just around the corner of my hotel.  I got to see the weird and incredible machines that are still used to make beautiful works of art made from silk, silver and gold thread.  Dan took so many pictures with his massive camera and then we were off to the showing room where all the final products are.  We were shown bedding and tapestries but when the scarves, wraps and sari’s came out I volunteered as the model!  I pretty much got to try everything on, I also helped Dan pick out a beautiful green wrap for his wife that matched the emerald pendant and earrings he got for her.  And at the very end of the showing the gentleman asked if I would like to try a sari on… I jumped with joy and could only squeak as my answer.  I was so excited that I finally got to try one I almost died from happiness!  It was time to leave sadly enough and I had to part with the gorgeous sari.

Where the silk weavers work.

How amazing are the colours... all done by hand

The first model machines used

Can't believe the colours...

So amazing!

My first Sari!!

Dan and I had dinner at a Kebab restaurant in the hotel and it was surprisingly really good food.  The menu was preset so I was given all vegetarian dishes and Dan ate the meat ones.  We stuffed ourselves until we couldn’t move and then ate dessert; the Indian Popsicle was probably my favorite… I don’t know what was in it but it tasted amazing!

 Now I’m chilling in my room with a food coma and can’t wait for tomorrow… I get to go swimming on the Ganges!