We arrived in Varanasi on the evening on July 11, and immediately headed to the homes of our host families, where we will spend two weeks. Cathy and I live with a sitar player, his wife, three sons, parents and sister in their home in a musicians’ neighborhood of Varanasi. They’ve been incredibly welcoming and kind to us. Our host father played his sitar for us and is a wonderful musician. We also heard our 13-year-old host brother play the violin. Our host family has a shower, which is wonderful news!
We’ve been spending our days at Nirman, a children’s school and NGO where we will work, take classes and eventually live. The staff and students are great, and it’s wonderful to be around kids. The brightly colored buildings and sounds of children playing make Nirman a nice retreat from the chaos all around it!
On Tuesday night we went for a boat ride on the Ganga River and saw the nighttime ceremonies at the Assi Ghat. Although our professor warned us that the ceremonies had been somewhat embellished for tourists, it was absolutely beautiful to see the city from the river at night!
I got sick this week, which was a bummer - probably heatstroke. Thanks to Anne Harley, a professor from Claremont McKenna College, for hanging out with me while I was ill. I stayed two nights at Nirman instead of with my host family, and spent a day sleeping. I’m feeling better, but am making sure to take it easy and consume lots of water in the next few days.
I’m enjoying my host family, but am looking forward to moving back to Nirman and being able to settle in here. India is so intense - hot, crowded, busy, chaotic, colorful, smelly, dirty. It will be great to have my own space and figure out how to make this crazy country my home for 5 months.
Pictures: Varanasi from the Ganga River, before and after sunset. Kids and the playground at Nirman school.
I love the photos of the children! Mom
ReplyDeleteSpent some time with your parents tonight and heard some about your experiences. It will be fun to follow what you are doing and seeing! I love the pictures and know that the sounds and smells are very different for you as well. What an experience you are having!
ReplyDeleteIt's a privilege to share a small part of your journey. It is fascinating as well as life changing!
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ReplyDeletethank you for sharing your blog with us. between the pictures and the fantastic photos we feel like I am there (minus the sweltering heat!).
ReplyDeleteJenna and Robert Leventer
Hi Britta! How nice is reading about your travel and seeing those awesome pictures of India. I'm glad you're sharing your experiences, and I'll be following your blog.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to see new posts.