Lauren is supposed to be doing research on ayurvedic treatments while we are here as one of her school assignments so what better way to do this? Our guide found a place outside of the hotel and made the appointment for us. They sent a taxi to pick us up and off we went thinking we were going to have a spa like experience!! We walked in and there were two wooden tables
-no padding, just blankets on them. Needless to say, not too comfortable but the massages were incredible. First they pounded us with leather mallets soaked in oil heated over some type of propane heater. Next was the massage with about a gallon of oil. I asked what type of oil it was and she told me "Ayurvedic" but I am not convinced it wasn't Mazola or Crisco or some Indian brand of cooking oil!! I guess the bottom line is that it was a great massage and the price was right. $40 for 65 minutes. After that our multi talented therapists did henna tattoos for us on our hands. It turned out to be a fun experience and since we were so relaxed we decided to do another rickshaw ride. We went back to the River Ganges or Ganga as they call it here. This was a thirty minute thrill ride - especially since our driver only had one eye!! He, of course, had a friend who would show us the river, even though we had already been there, but we went along with it. It was actually fun to spend time with a non-professional guide. This one took us to where the bulls and cows live that roam around all day- I could have lived without this experience but animal loving Lauren couldn't wait to see it. Are there words to describe this experience?? NO!!! The crazier thing about just seeing it is that where they live is basically in front of peoples homes. But they are the lucky ones as they get the most cow dung to make cow dung patties to heat their homes!!
Another thirty minute life threatening thrill ride back to the hotel so we can catch an overnight train. Should be interesting!!!
Again, will add more pics later This day was actually two before the camel cart ride.
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Streets of Varanasi
Lauren's henna tattoo
Location:Varanasi, India.
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