Ramadan or Something

Yesterday was the Jewish new year - Ramadan or something. So the town was empty as they were all eatings apple and honey and fish heads at some or other restaurant.

Day started off as normal - Muesli and black coffee and newspaper at the Ganges View Restaurant ... with a view onto the Ganges. Lots of people there that we see everyday. Then butter biscuits at one of the stalls at the hanging bridge. On top of his stall he has an oven made out of steel, with smoke coming out of the chimney. He makes biscuits all day, and puts them into little bags made out of torn newspaper.

Went to a Vedic palm reader. Actually went to a jewellery shop to get money off my debit card, but he does palm reading too for charity. I thought he was accurate. Sarita's future sounded all rosy. Mine too, but more boring.

In the evening sat in Elat's room (met him at the Vipassana course) - he was playing the guitar and singing songs in Hebrew. It was so beautiful - it really touched me. Another Israeli, who has been living here for thirty years; rough looking guy, with tattoos all over his arms and chest, and leathery face, and earrings, he'd suddenly harmonize and laugh and harmonize again - really well.

Off to Varanasi this evening - the holiest city in India, and one of the oldest living cities in the word.