Third Day in Varanasi

Sleep in this morning. Ate at Aadha Aadha cafe with French and Indian owner. Omelet with toppings with toasted bread and dirty chai for both of us - 400 INR. Walked to main street to find a tuktuk to take us to Baranas Hindu University - 100 INR. University not as well kept as what we expected - lecture rooms very old with chalk board. Got chatting to a student who wanted to practice English and learn more about Australia - he took a unit in geography and studied Australia, PhD in mathematics doing modelling for food systems. Looked at library and temple on campus. So many beggars by the temple, using children. Got rickshaw to monkey temple (Durga Temple). Bargained for 80 INR and got our price because other tuktuk and rickshaw drivers approached its while bargaining. Enjoyed temple from outside - had to take off shoes to enter and lots of beggars outside temple - didn't want to lose hiking boots! Walked to Assi Ghat then back to alleyways near main Ghat to find a place for lunch. Went to Mona Lisa cafe - chicken biryani, garlic naan and plain sweet lassi. Busy cafe and met Frank who joined our table. He's from Armadale NSW, recognised us and remembered we are Canadian and Australian because had seen and heard us chatting with locals yesterday, he travels to India often since his 30s (now 60s) and is relearning Hindi. Ordered latte to share and an apple crumble. Lunch 400 INR total. Went out for a stroll towards northern burning ghat then walked back to guesthouse for a chill. Went to enjoy the views at our favourite spot in Varanasi, the rooftop of Shiva guesthouse. Then to Ginger Cafe (Shiva guesthouse rooftop resto) to enjoy a masala tea. Chatted with Shiva and Roddi. Shiva says Kailash had brought Jalebi for us to try this morning but we weren't there - will bring again tomorrow morning. Special Thali to share for dinner: jeera rice, dal, butter paneer masala, veg curry with bonus paneer (courtesy of Shiva), paratha, and plain lassi. Got 1L water to go. Total 360 INR. Chill in room for rest of night. Early night.Read more