In Varanasi

We left Gangtok yesterday and drove to Siliguri to catch an overnight train to Varanasi. The sleeper was for 6. Three levels of bunks on each side. We were lucky that our compartment mates were all Indian Military going on their annual two or three month leave. A number of them were standby but got on the train anyway and they slept two to a bunk -- foot to head. One was a Sikh that was neat and very nice. He had been in the Army 15 years. He was bigger than the others so had trouble double bunking and crawled onto the floor in the night. Susan woke up and saw something next to her in the isle -- he was sleeping half sitting up leaning on some bags. Susan reached over and touched him on the head to see what it was between the bed. When he started awake and kind of squealed she realized who it was.  We had to wake him around 3:20 so we could go to restroom.  I noticed the door of the train open and leaned out to look at the station we were stopped in.  The Sikh suddenly appeared on the platform saying .. Sir,  tea or coffee .. He had a marsala tea in hand.  I told him in sign language that I was going back to sleep .. No tea yet.  Then the train started and he got on board and waited for us to get back in bed then took his place on the floor.

We are now finished with breakfast overlooking the Gnats on the Ganges. Marsala tea and vege Paratha with curd. Really good.

Lalit has been a really good guide and now room is ready. It looks out over the river. Very nice. But getting here down the narrow back alleys was an adventure. All sorts of different sights with cows, pigs, dogs etc all mixed in.

Leaving now to get bags in room and start walking around.