Taj Mahal, sleep train, Varanasi = very crazy!

Hello!!!
Yesterday we went to the Taj Mahal for sunrise and it was so beautiful. Though the gates didn't open until 7am, it was still so peaceful to be there with 40 or so others instead of hundreds! We managed to get some great shots, and even got some jumping shots!! I will definitely post when back home. It was stunning- how else can it be explained? Magical. Then we went to explore Fahetma(sp?) Sikri, the capital of Akbar the Great, which is 40 minutes outside of Agra. Akbar's Mausoleum is also spectacular. It is located in Agra and again adds to the amazing collection of architectural wonders in India.
In the evening we set off to Varanasi via the night train. We bought a sleeper ticket, which ended up being 3 beds to a side = squishy sardines!!! Cass and I bear-hugged our packs (I brought my bike lock and locked it to the pole) and tried to sleep. Emphasize tried. We are currenty running on about 4 hours of sleep in the last 36 hours so yea... kind of tired!! Do all men in India snore?? I swear, snores were heard round the train last night. My favourite was this one guy who was snoring, but it sounded like he was choking through his nostrils. It was so sporadic and very distracting! Thank goodness my iPod had a great snooze playlist, which helped me.
So we made it to Varanasi and our hostel is outside the Old City, which is a lot safer for women. The Old City is like a crazy maze and there are soo many people. While walking to the ghats today we saw (no lie) about 6 bodies being carried to th ghats. The bodies were covered in orange cloth and flowers are were getting ready for cremation. The Ganges River is te most spiritual place in India so many people are cremated here. Many people also come here on a pilgrimage. Tomorrow we will see the evening festival and will also take a boat ride along the ghats. I can't wait.
Tomorrow morning Cassie and I are going to volunteer at a school nearby that helps children learn the basics of English. It was created by the owner of a German bakery, and they now even have a program to empower the women of the community - very cool. I will let you know how it goes!!
Until then - good night and namaste.
Lisa xo