Well, I jumped off the train (got off it). And went back to this place I didn’t expect to see again. It’s a bit off the track.
The train was taking its time and had a lot off “pauses” along the way, so I had plenty of time to look at the map and I realized I’m about to pass by this place/town. So I got off the train.
I started writing this morning but after a few bites of my breakfast I suddenly cramped up and immediately new what it was. – Food poisoning (or onions). Lots of fun that one.
I have medicine with me but that took a few hours to kick in. 3-4 hours actually.
So it was about noon before I ventured out on the streets again. Better now.
My hotel has really bad online connection, so I had to get to the train station to book tickets for tomorrow. I wanted tickets for the 4pm train, but no such luck, got tickets on the 05:10 am train. So I’m off at 3:30 am.
I was expecting to have another half day here but plans do change.
At the moment I’m sitting at the cafe with the macchiato yesterday. Contemplating my next city to visit.
I’m soon off to the hotel, do the packing and settle the bill so I don’t have to worry about that in the middle of the night.
Morning.
So I have finally arrived and woken up after 4,5 hours of sleep.
Had a cold shower, that’s what they have, and sat down for breakfast. Let’s see what they have. The first few things I ordered “not possible”. So I have chai (tea) and pancake on eggs that haven’t seen a chicken for their life.
Plastic in consistency.
So I arrived at the hotel around 3am, after wandering the alleys for a while. Finally found it and the gate is locked. Took those 40 steps down to the front and another 12 steps up to the front gate Locked !
I saw a woman in a window of the hotel, so I asked her… is it locked, she asked.
Yes. Ok hold on, I’ll tell them.
She came down and said. He’s coming to the back. So I had to haul my stuff down 12 steps and back up those 40 steps of the Ghat.
Finally after banging more, he opened.
When in thru the door he said; sir no rooms available.
I just said ok, but I have a reservation.
– yes, but no rooms.
If I have reserved there should be a room.
– many people reserve rooms sir
What ? Hahaha.
Ok. Is there a place somewhere I could I lay down for a few hours and keep my bags?
– yes. You can take this room .
Don’t take this as if I’m complaining or anything like that. I’m just telling you how it is. It always sorts itself out.
Heard in India: India is a byrocracy nightmare, and should always stay that way. Because when you finally get thru all that red tape you feel like you have accomplished something great.
Enough of that.
Now. I’m in marvelous Varanasi/banares. So let’s explore… but not before i get a permanent room.
Temp when arriving 12 C and now about 18 C and sunny.
It’s now 8am and I’m eating breakfast,Indian style.
So what’s going on today?
Well I woke up at 5am. Got finally up at 05:30 as the mosque started their call for prayer.
Worked out got packed and checked out from this lovely Broad Lands hostel after 4 nights.
For those of you who are not in the know, I’m allergic to onions. I’ve had some problems finding onion free food here so I haven’t eaten as much as I should. Working out every day and not eating enough. Not good !!
It sounds worse than it is.
Today: juice, water, chai, coffee, dosa so far.
Todays schedule. At 1pm I’m off to Varanasi. It first a trainride for 36 hours.
The weather is a it different in Varanasi. 11-12 degrees C during the night/mornings. Up to 24-25 during the day. Here it’s around 33 C today
