I’m sorry to hear there that. You must check lighters in your luggage in India, unfortunately, they are never allowed in carry-on luggage due to people using them on planes. Thanks for the insight on your Varanasi trip.

On my last day I met a really cool young guy, Sanu – who wanted to chat in the street. Normally I ignore these people but I felt a good vibe from him and told him I only had an hour before my taxi to the airport, which was true – and I was just going to the Wine store on the main road to get one last beer before I go. He asked if I would buy him a beer too, sure why not? He didn’t want to drink it there but wanted me to go to his nearby house. I was a bit skeptical at first but followed him. He was cool. He turned on the fan and had me sit in the best chair. We drank our one can of beer and chatted. He gave me a going away present of a costume jewelry bangle which he tied to my wrist with a rough piece of twine. I was truly touched. Then he walked be back most of the way to my hostel to catch my taxi. There is more to him but it was a great last day.

UNTIL I went to Varanasi airport to catch my flight to Bangkok. Bastards wanted to keep a very sentimental keepsake of mine – my father’s 60 year old lighter from his Air Force days in Turkey. Because it was a lighter. Same lighter has been to Kuala Lumpur, Amsterdam, Hawaii, Denver, Delhi – without even a mention, in my carry on bag. Never mind that I showed them it had no fluid, no flint, had not been used in well over 30 years and was just a useless hunk of metal that meant the world to me. I begged them and they let me keep the outside cover which is the most important part. But they kept the useless inside part. WTF for??? But after that – I cannot forgive India. It was way too personal and I vow never to return.

more than enough!

Youre welcome, I’m glad the post could help you before your trip!

YES! Absolutely. Actually, I didn’t see many tourists at all (foreign) & it was a legit spirital place, I mean to the point where I actually felt uncomfortable or like I was imposing being there. I have more posts coming so you’ll see more!

Yes, now I laugh! and when the cow headbutted me I did actually laugh them too while I cried a little from pain lol

True! This is the “real” India when it comes to backpacking. I always try to remind people that because living in Goa now my photos on IG and FB make it look like it’s a breeze!

Yes it is all in the past, and looking back it never seems as bad as it does at the time.

I’m sure it’s very different from a local’s view. I’d love to go back!

I don’t think I’m brave but thank you!

Great because I have 3 more posts for Varanasi!

I would like to think it was just a big fish too! But they’re are quite a lot of bodies floating around.. I wouldn’t have gotten in the water either.

Thanks for letting me know, I fixed that link!

haha well, at the time I don’t think my attitude was SO good lol but yes no looking back it is.