Horizons Redefined.

Alone, and fed up with a failing work scheme whilst in New Delhi, I decided to leave the heat and monotony behind and embark upon a cross-country trip on India's famous rail network. I wasn't sure where I wanted to go, but had done some prior research into the main urban centres of India. I was keen. Unfortunately I didn't do adequate research into India's mysterious rail network. The volumes of commuters and travellers making arranging travel by rail much more intimidating than i anticipated. Nevertheless, I arrived at Delhi station packed with my rucksack ready to begin my mini escape. I scanned the departures/destinations board and randomly chose 'Varanasi', at the time unaware of its significance to India's 800 million Hindus. The ticket I purchased stated the duration of the journey; 12 hours. The reality of a 12 hour train journey on the most crowded and stuffy carriage in the world, which despite costing a mere 300 rupees (£5 roughly for a 400 mile trip) is not one I could sell to aquaintances at Delhi station. En route I crossed spectacular landscape from paddy field to enormous disused rail infrastructure. I journeyed over impressive ex British colonial bridges, sat with my legs dangling out the open exit of the train as it crossed the Ganges river, probably 400 feet below. This trip 400 miles south east of Deli, halfway towards Kolkata, would fully illustrate the beauty and diversity of India. The journey was long, everybody in my carriage was interested in my trip, as the only european on this coach (a definite health and safety nightmare) I found myself being asked why I wanted to go to Varanasi. Exhausted and dehydrated, even after numerous 5 rupee shots of milky sweet Chai -I didn't know myself.
After the 12 hour ride drew to a close, I was exhausted and just wanted to find a place to sleep. However, upon arrival at Varanasi's rail terminus I caught a second wind. I met a young man not much older than myself (24ish?) who offered to be my guide/chauffer for the day. After an agreed fare and his word on the best Varanasi could offer, he took me down to the Ganges river. On the way to its embankment, or Ghats, he would go on to explain that I had stumbled upon the place where Hindus frequent from all over the subcontinent to dedicate their deceased relatives and bathe in its waters. A short boatride along the Ganges river illustrated how sacred Hindus value ritual and life by the river. It was at this moment I had my horizons redefined.