Northern India Journey - Day 19 Varanasi - 31/12/2010

I was kicked off by the hostel. Why? It's because the room I booked was 24-hour based. I arrived there at 4am last day. Therefore, they asked me to leave at 4am. With a bit negotiation, I left there at 5am. So I could only went to train station to wait the train.

The kids I met in the train station at Allahabad. They were really curious about me.

A classic old Indian couple in the train.

On the way to Varanasi.

This train was not as full as usual. There was quite roomy. While the train was running, a child using a broom, which was a cluster of green, to sweep the floor. I was pathetic to him. After a while, he came back and ask for money with his poor face. Usually I wouldn't gave anything to any beggars on street as to avoid any problem. But I did this time.

At the platform of Varanasi train station, I was targeted by an auto-rickshaw driver. He kept asking where I'm going where I stay and blah blah blah. He still followed me even I went into the tourists' ticket office room. In the room, there were many tourists booking tickets. I heard a man advised the other people to be careful to the rickshaw drivers, don't believe others easily and so on. How ironic it was. I was targeted at the moment. When I left the room, the man came again even I picked another driver to take me to Dasaswamedh Ghat. But he got on the auto-rickshaw as well! I did think all the drivers there were connected. On the way, they kept asking where I stay. I just picked a name and said I had already reserved a room. I just made a phone called shortly before. But they suddenly stopped the car and called the hostel! It made me mad here. I yelled at them and demanded them to take me somewhere near the ghat. So that the people from the hostel can pick me up. Dealing with these drivers was so difficult.

I was dropped off later. And, of course, no one picked me up as I didn't actually book anything. I walked towards the Ghat and tried to find a hostel. I nearly got lost as the signs on the streets were nearly none. A man approached to me and said he could help me. Definitely, he was coming to sell his tour service. I did reject him at the beginning. But I thought, at least, he could take me to a hostel. I could try to get rid of him later. I requested him to bring me to the hostel I preferred. Finally, I settled in a hostel. I asked the staff how could I send the guy away. The staff said they would handle it and told me not to worry. Oh! Thank God.

At night, I went to Dasaswamedh Ghat to see the Aarti. The whole ceremony was so impressive. I felt the richness of the Indian cultural. Really incredible. That day was the new year eve, the hostel owner invited the residents to join the dinner to celebrate. There were great food and some Indian music was played. At 12 o'clock, after the countdown, he shot off fireworks at the roof top!! Everybody was really enjoyed. Although there was a bit drizzling, the atmosphere was fantastic. This was also my first new year celebrated outside Hong Kong.

They do the aarti just EVERYDAY.

New year dinner.

Firework. My camera couldn't capture it well. But that's excellent if you were there.