The first city we chose to see was Varanasi. Since Henning and I have different opinions in regard to the level of enjoyment of this city, I will use one diplomatic adjective that will encompass both of our views: intense. Very intense. Varanasi lies on the banks of the river Ganges making it the holiest city for Hinduism and Jainism. It is the place where Hindus come for pilgrimage because they believe to die or be cremated next to the ‘holy’ water of the Ganges would break the cycle of rebirth and attain salvation.
For me, however, it is one of a handful of places on earth where I feel I appreciate it more from a photograph than in real life. Henning on the other hand was thrilled by the temporary anarchy. A hundred stories simultaneously and continuously presented itself all around us as if we were trapped in a carousel projector. He brushed aside the pestering hecklers, ignored the grime of the tight, makeshift living quarters along the ghats (embankments with steps leading to the river where rituals are performed) all the while clicking away with his camera. However, after two days of breathing fumes from the live cremations and dodging vehicles and defecating cows on the road, we thought it was more than enough.