This is gift from India!

The rest of our time in Varanasi was beautiful and surreal. Walking along the Ganges river seeing the many women and men washing, bathing, praying, the goats and cows roaming the streets, all the while knowing that my grandparents ashes were scattered here. I am sure you all mostly know that I am not religious or particularly spiritual but being there was more than a little moving.

We went to the Burning Ghat and saw a few processions of bodies, heavily decorated with gold and colourful drapings, being carried down to the fires. Even though I felt like I was burning myself in the heat it was kind of beautiful and touching rather than scary or disturbing as one may think.

In the morning we woke at 5:00am to take an early boat ride across the ghats to Assi Ghat and watched the sun rise over the water. Once at Assi ghat (after much bargaining of the price of the trip) we met Ronit's friend Tessa for morning yoga. Definitely an all-white (or European...sorry mummy but everyone here who is not Indian is referred to as 'white' lol) crowd but still amazing.

The yoga instructor asked at the start whether either of us had any "problems with body". Ronit explained that she had been coughing a lot and he chuckled and responded "yes, many Europeans get this when come to India. This is gift from India!!"

Our train to Calcutta (old name)/ Kolkata (new name) was delayed by 2 hours so after much confusion and irritation we were on our overnight train. Top sleeper bunks and a pretty quiet ride. Got to see a lot of the rural India as we passed, lots of farm land, grass huts, and small (5-10 houses) towns. Beautiful lands!

Now in Kolkata, having sweated a few extra pounds off (don't worry mummy drinking lots of water...I may actually drink more than you do a day now xo), we have visited the Mother Theresa's Missionary house where we will be volunteering for the next two mornings at one of their hospices. Should be a very interesting experience. We have met up with Ronit's friend Tim and Eli and will be watching the final (or third place...we arent sure which) cricket match at a 'pub' later tonight.

Kolkata for the next 3 nights and then off on Monday night to Darjeeling for our 7 day trek!