Patna, Varanasi (Utar Pradesh) - March 1st, 2007

I packed very early and still in the rain, left to take a train to Patna, the next town in the Buddha circuit. I arrived to Patna and the rain was continuing to pour. The riskshaw driver took me to several hotels, and all were full. They said it was marriage weekend, so they wouldn't even look at a foreigner. Their rooms were for their people.
Finally, I told the rickshaw driver to take me back where I started, to the railway station and wait for another train to take me to Varanasi. I gave up on the Buddha circuit.
The train station floors were packed with Indians sat and lay down all over the place. I didn't know where all those people came from if the hotels were full. When I got inside the train, there was no space to walk by. They were all bunched up together, women and children on the floor and guys above where the luggage goes. So I decided to push my way thru all that and squish in with a bunch of guys. They were glad to make a little room for me.
The train left me 20 kms. from Varanasi, so I took a shared auto (which is like a 3 wheels without doors), with an Englush couple and all their luggage.
The road all the way was rosks and potholes. No ride in Dysneyland gives you such a thrill!! I was holding on the metal edge non-door for dear life, but surprinsingly we made it. I was delivered to the Yogi Guesthouse, and hoping for a good night sleep!