Varanasi is huge city (2.5 million people) in the northeast part of India. I tell people it is close to Nepal - kind of like we might tell someone from India that Boston is "close" to Nova Scotia. All things are relative, right?
It is also really really old. People have been living in this city on the banks of the Ganges for thousands of years. In a way it is like Mecca or Jerusalem because all Hindus should go to Varanasi sometime before they die. It is also kind of like Athens, if the Parthenon and the public markets were still in use.
I cannot wait.
I think what you are doing is amazing...can’t wait to see how your adventure unfolds. Enjoy every moment, my friend! —Heather
ReplyDeleteI've always been fascinated by Varanasi (Benares) and the religious rituals
ReplyDeletepracticed there. What a journey of a lifetime. Safe travels. Ellen
I’m so excited for you little brother!
ReplyDeleteThat is so great!! I had a good friend who spent a lot of time in India and he always said that his favorite place there was Varanasi. He spent months there, although it had not been originally planned that way, but he just fell in love with the place. Ended up living in a small guesthouse and taking Hindi lessons from the kids who lived there with their family. I can totally see you doing something like that!
ReplyDeleteI am so excited for you, Chip! There is nothing like traveling. I can't wait to see your pictures and read about your experiences. Enjoy!!
ReplyDeleteA bold move, Chip. I'm very impressed and thrilled for you. This will be life-changing.
ReplyDeleteSafe travels! Take lots of pictures.
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