Varanasi calls to me

At first, it looked as if I wouldn't make it to Varanasi, India, for my 65th birthday.  I completely messed up my Indian on-arrival visa and the airline at the Bangkok airport took one look at my application and turned me away.  "Not today. Go back and redo the visa application," the ticket agent told me.

The next day, after finishing my application online and getting it printed at my hotel, I made the flight and then sailed through the "e" visa on arrival in Deli. However, Varanasi would have to wait until the morning.  So, off to the Holiday Inn for one night and what was to be my last good meal for awhile.

By midday, after an uneventful flight, I arrived in Varanasi, the ancient city on the Ganges River.  I was so excited I was ready to be shooting and not traveling.  I had booked into a guest house called the "Shiva Inn" because it was walking distance to the Gnats, or holy places, on the Ganges.  Bob Bozart, a friend from my days in Oklahoma, was waiting on me, and soon we were out making images.  It isn't hard to shoot in Varanasi, especially if you like photographing people.

During the next week there were many daily adventures.  Bob and I walked the banks of the Ganges and toured the city as well.  Varanasi isn't for the average tourist.  If you like noise, confusion, cattle wandering in the streets and alleys, and all manner of religious pilgrims, then you're in the right place.  I would love to return, with an assistant, a set of portable lights, and the chance to shoot a portfolio of the holy men there known as Sadhus.

Would you like to know how this image frame would look in living room or office?  Visit Fine Art America on line, search my name and check out prices