Arriving in India!!!!

We'll we've only been in India for 4 days now and lots has happened: I've had delhi belly; Colin has it in reverse; we've seen several street animals including, rats (1 ran right under our table while eating dinner), goats (a few are in human clothes), cows, chickens, buffaloes, and dogs; we've had cockroaches in our bedrooms and the list goes on and on.

Right now we are in Varansi. This is a very important pilgrimage city for the Hindu people and they all wish to be cremated on the ghats running alongside the holy river, Ganges. In two spots along the river, they cremate bodies 24 hours a day. It is a powerful sight. All around the holy sites there are touts trying to sell us all kinds of things. Some are just children. Tomorrow we head off to Khajuraho. This city is renowned for its kama sutra temple carvings. Can't wait! Some are life size!

The food has been great so far. We've tried lots of Indian dishes, our favourites include lots of paneer (unfermented cheese). When we are tired of the Indian, there are no shortage of Western options for all the tourists. We've also tried some Indian sweets. They are all sticky with lots of sugar but they are soooo good! Perhaps we will gain weight with all this food but we might not. Since Varansi is so holy, no menus have beers on them. A restaurant owner bought us some from a shop the other night and delivered them in a paper bag!! We've heard it may not be such a hassle in other towns. We hope not because Kingkisher is pretty tasty!!

Miss you all!!!

Patti & Colin