August 1

We left our beautiful Oberoi Hotel and flew to Varanasi.  Our hotel is modest this time, but the grounds are fabulous.  They were once part of a royal family's estate.  The river Ganges is so high that the famous steps are covered with water.  Our plan was to include a boat ride, but that is not possible due to the high water and heavy monsoons.  We have not been to the river bank yet.  We will be doing so.  We have been doing a lot of intellectual processing to prepare us for what may be the most emotional experience of our lives.  Varanasi is very significant in the Hindu cycle of death and rebirth.

Let's look at these beautiful photos of the Oberoi for some light thoughts and images:)