Two weeks equal 2 months

Time is moving very swiftly for me now. I finally got my ticket to India, and I sit in Varanasi writing this to you. Just prior of coming here, I heard that one of my friends died swimming in the Ganges, in this very city, 2 months ago. Life is indeed short and fragile, and in this place this is truly so. I've sat for hours watching the funeral fires, sending Hindus to the next world, at the shores of the river. Extreme poverty and extreme wealth are on top of each other in this holy city.

I came to India some 2 weeks ago, and it has been a true roller coaster ride. Starting in Kolkata, trying to adjust to the climate, I was invited to a wedding in Jamshedpur by an Indian friend I've been chatting with for a couple of years. I had no idea what I was going to as I accepted. 5 days of celebrations, with food, dancing and rituals almost going around the clock. The indian hospitality is truly astounding, they welcomed me as a revered and long lost family member. I have a new father and several brothers, and my new name is Sekvender Singh...

Coming to Varanasi has been a contrast, meeting a friend I met in the Pyrinees. I've caught a cold that has moved into my lungs, so I'm taking it easy. The food everywhere is great, but my body has not adjusted, so I have no appetite whatsoever. Nice way of losing weight. =)

I'll be moving on to Bilaspur to meet two friends I met at the monastery I stayed at in France. We'll celebrate our birthdays, and make chocolate cake for everyone. After that I will seek out a retreat center, taking some true time off the hustle and bustle.


What I left in Norway


Indian traffic rules


Outside the Kolkata Book Fair, getting interviewed live on radio


The happy couple cutting the wedding salad


Me and the other western guest invited for drinks


One of my friends, the couple and me


The nephew of one of my friends