So I woke up and there before me were six Indian men just watching me sleep.... Bit weird! But obviously they were interested in where we were from so I gave them a big smile/grin and rolled over! The sleeper train was an experience, with all our bags locked to our bodies, Laura and I were not moving hahahah! All was fine and off we got and wondered into Veranassi (Home of the Ganges) Much like Delhi, Veranassi was busy, noisy, smelly and HOT! 41 degrees....! Hotel wasn't far and was nice, grabbed lunch and chilled! Time for the sunset boat ride on the Ganges. On the way we were warned we would be watching a traditional cremation, but never did we think we'd see the body just on the road waiting to be carried and put under the wood! I was obviously too busy to see where I was going and stepped flat out in poo, from which animal I could not tell you. So we got on our boat and cruised along the Ganges! Not the cleanest of rivers but a very respected one! We pulled up on the riverside to then watch the cremation and then shortly followed by a big ceremony for the locals which celebrated Ganesh and the other gods. Around 300-400 people gathered whether it be on boat or on foot or on the top of roofs. After the ceremony it was tradition to light a flower and put it in the river. So one by one we light our candles and dropped, placed, flipped and knocked them into the river. It was then time to hit the sheets for an early 3:30 wake up...!Â
