26 Nov 2023
Indrajeet's family was so warm and friendly! I felt like one of the family with my trip. I strongly recommend a Homestay type of visit - such as mine. Why? You get a more in depth immersion into life in India and Varanasi. I also suggest doing some homework - like reading the Bhagavad Gita before you go so as to develop a background for understanding. You will definitely build your knowledge and appreciation for this amazing country.
As a westerner, I needed time to reflect and rest too. My accommodations were perfect to take a rest or nap mid day. This allows for you to 'process' what you've seen and experienced. By avoiding the 'rush - rush' of a typical tour, this experience with this family really let me 'feel' India as much as see India.
I really appreciated the flexibility of staying here with the ability to see things at my pace and to truly enjoy them. I used some of my 'off' time to walk through the village and see normal life there. Watch folks work their gardens, run an automatic loom machine or harvest fresh vegetables - a real treat for a traveler to slow down and appreciate the experience. I got lots of smiles and questions too from the folks there. Very interactive and personal.