Sitting in my room in Banaras I have a great deal of new experiences to digest. The train ride went very well and we arrived in the city of Light at 12.30 p.m. Not only did the wall of humid heat hit us once more but also the special atmosphere that only a place considered holy can create. The poverty I witness here in India really touches my heart. Poverty is everyday life here. Right next to the fancy clothing shop with AC lays the alley with people living in the dirt. One wonders if there is anything to do. At the same time I do get frustrated with all the beggars and salesmen that are following you. Of course I feel sorry for them but it makes me angry that a country doesn’t take care of its citizens. That they are forced to beg and try to squeeze out every rupiee they can from everyone. I guess the majority of the world doesn’t want an equal world. Because if it did, wouldn’t we have one?

The other perspective of pain in the chest I am going to write about is my heartburn. India has shown me why it is called that. I have had trouble with my stomach acid for some time now but these days in India have been tough. I hope that this kind of lifestyle and food will be something I can adjust to, otherwise it will be difficult for me on this journey. It is hard to appreciate all the new things you see when you are not feeling well. It has really made me put my health into perspective. Back home when your stomach is hurting you can get good healthcare anywhere. It is not as easy when you are on a train in the middle of India. I think I will learn a lot of things on this trip. I have been in India for five days now, it feels like five weeks.

God bless!