I have arrived!

I'm so glad I opted for a room at the airport hotel, Niranta. I was able to rent a comfortable room for 10 hours. That will give me a chance to sleep laying down, take another hot shower, and do some yoga before my flight to Varanasi later today.

I had grand plans of completing this post and making it live before I went to sleep. I didn't do that. In fact, I set my alarm for the latest time I could wake up and still check out in time. I didn't think I'd sleep that long. I was surprised to be woken by my alarm. I feel like a new woman after such a good rest.

It's great to be back in India! The smells and the sounds are deliciously familiar. The temperature is so comfortable mid-day. It's a great change from my last visit when I learned I couldn't take the heat. The temperature is in the upper 80's, but it doesn't feel like it. I'm sitting in the shade and there's a nice breeze. This is also a great change from the arctic chill we've been experiencing on the east coast.

I'm still at the airport. I've relocated to terminal 1 and am waiting for a friend to join me. We are heading to Varanasi, better known as Kashi to locals. You may recall I visited Varanasi in 2023. It was a very powerful experience, though not in a pleasant way.

One of the things that was most challenging was how alone I felt. Not having someone to share those powerful experiences with bothered me. That doesn't usually bother me, but it sure did in Varanasi. I've thought about that trip a lot since then. I'm looking forward to returning with a friend.

I dropped my checked bag off in terminal 2 at the Cloak room. They will hold my bag there until Sunday and bring it to terminal 1 for me to pick up when I return. My carry on from my trip to India becomes my checked bag for Varanasi. The weight permissions are different here. My personal item becomes my carry on. I packed my bags so that I could pull this off, and it's worked out very well. I've got everything I need for this side trip with me. I'll try not to strain my arm patting myself on the back. Lol!

I have some fun stuff planned in Varanasi. I'm taking a day trip to the Kumba Mela, which is a massive festival a couple of hours from Varanasi. It only takes place every 12 years and lasts 44 days. Over 400 million people are expected to attend. I'll be sure to get lots of pictures and tell you all about it, and my other Varanasi adventures. It may take a few days, but you can count on it! Until next time... Namaste 🙏