Happy Christmas (english version)

First of all, merry Christmas to you all and let me also wish you a happy new year, cause the change that Ill speak to you before 2011 is over will probably be very unlikely.

I’m spending my Christmas in Varansi with two great people from Australia, so I feel very fortunate. Before I tell you more about intense, mind-blowing Varanasi, let me take you back to Bodhgaya on December the 4th, the last time I spook to you.

I just arrived and was going to start a 12 day meditation retreat at Root Institute. I again really enjoyed spending time learning about Buddhism. We spend around three hours a day meditating and five hours teachings.

The only thing that really bothered me was the mosquitos. There were so many of them and we were not allowed to kill them because of Buddhism philosophy.

I never kill animals or insects but I always made an exemption for mosquitos, but you know what they say?! Karmic potential increases by time, so the karma of killing a mosquito after 14 days is the same as killing a human being!! It sounds crazy I know, but that also shows how serious they take the life of each living being.

After the retreat I stayed a few more days in Bodhgaya. I could rent a bike from a the Institute. I loved being part of the hectic traffic. The village is very sandy and therefore the air is very dusty and dirty. It also started to get very crowded because of the upcoming teachings of the Dalai Lama. Beggars, disabled and street children from all over are coming to Bodhgaya begging for money. It is heart breaking to see.

Five days ago Sarah and me took the train to Varansi. Sarah’s boyfriend has been here already for two weeks so he knows the way around a bit. The guesthouse we are staying is very clean but is gets very cold at night. I have to wear so many layers of clothing in order to stay warm, it is almost ridiculous.

Varanasi is an amazing place and has no shame or what so ever. Daily I see things that are just to wild to imagine. The Ganga river with the cremations for everybody to see, the ashes from the bodies floating in the water, while not even 20 meters ahead people bathing themselves or washing their clothing, including my cloths that I brought to the laundry service yesterday hahaha.

The traffic is quite intense with the only order they have is honking their horn. The main centre is one big maze of small dirty, stinky streets and a sense of direction is almost impossible here. The people are sweet but most of the time people are only interested in getting some rupees.

But sitting next to the river with the sun in your face, looking at all the kites kids are playing with in the air is just breathtaking.

Sarah and I are leaving today to Khajuraho, which is known for its World Heritage Temples and erotic carvings. It will be a 12 hour train ride. Her boyfriend is joining us a few days later.

I uploaded a lot of photos. It goes back a few months ago. You please enjoy!! Till next time.