Enjoy being a guest in lime-villa

People from Europe travel more than eleven thousand kilometers by air,or by road passing through countries like Afghanistan,Baluchistan,Iran ,Iraq,Turkey ans Pakistan (these are just naming a few)all the way to stay in LIME-VILLA ON GANGA GHAT VARANASI INDIA for three months or part of to enjoy with us.They book in advance through airbnb.com and make sure we keep the dates free for them.We started with two rooms but now we have four rooms and two dormitories always full in winter each year. We take our guests to a boating experience and show them the Siberian ducks that migrate for three months to Varanasi for the warmer weather.We show them the Chunar fort which is as old as 56 BC,and the Ramnagar fort where the Raja of Banares lived. The Jargoo damm and the potteries of Chunar .These are picnics and adventurous outings. So you are welcome too to be our guest in the villa.

The Ghats of Varanasi .....are from Varuna to Assi.

We here in LIME-VILLA ON GANGA GHAT VARANASI,INDIA get guests who come for bed and breakfast. All guests make it a point to visit the ghats and many go boating to see all the long line of ghats that border the length of the city along the riverside.As hosts we make arrangements for the boat and the program according to our guest because of the language problem.Sometimes i accompany them on their request.They take beautiful photographs of the ghats and it forms a very important part of their visit.Hindu guests like to visit the ghats in the evening too to enjoy the prayer service at sunset called 'Ganga Aarti'

Mobile Guests travelling in a well furnished van from Europe to India and around.

We have a small family with us now.A mother father and their fifteen year old son.They have a bedroom, a bathroom and a kitchen in the modified van. And stores of food of their choice sufficient for a year to add to the local food of each city they visit and make it exciting.They travelled about eleven thousand kilometers before arriving at LIME-VILLA ON GANGA GHAT VARANASI IN INDIA.Our place was the first stop and they will stay here for ten days in the villa sleeping in their own van.It was love and good guest reviews that brought them all the way from Switzerland to our guest house lime-villa in Varanasi.More than reviews new European guests trust the word of mouth.When their own friends and acquaintances inform them about a very nice place to stay they believe and trust the information more than any other source. This family have meals with us and go sightseeing during the day.They love to sit in the garden full of flowers and enjoy the view of the river.the birds and the boats. Its just wonderful.

Jannat on earth------yes that's what it is.

When we were babies if we go back to how far back we can recall we may remember our mother or father telling us not to tell lies or not to pick up things as that was steeling and if we do it we'll go to hell. On the other hand if we are good we go to heaven.We were told about the garden of Eden in our Catechism class. JANNAT is a heaven the garden of Eden where there is peace and beauty.Where there is nothing wanting nothing missing and nothing going wrong. Where you can sit for hours in retrospect seeking within you what you actually want and if its possible in this life of strong decision making.Where you can sit or lie and just stare at nothing explaining to your conscience that what we want is not always ethical. This Jannat on earth is the guest house for bed and breakfast --called LIME-VILLA ON GANGA GHAT VARANASI INDIA.The area itself is known as JANNATNAGAR--MADARWAN.

A World of dreams and a destination of fantasy.

You and I always want to move away to a place where nobody will find us ,a place far from everybody,where the sounds of breeze and birds are undisturbed by the hustle of human voices.To a garden of flowers where maids are at your service clothed in beautiful attire adorned with beautiful ornaments,waiting upon you.Serving you cold lemonade with ice cubes in the shade of a garden umbrella sitting in the sun near the river Ganga.Listening to the whistling of small chirping birds and the swaying of branches of trees with the gentle breeze.There is no better and more comfortable place than LIME-VILLA ON GANGA GHAT VARANASI INDIA a guest house for bed and breakfast.You can book from airbnb.

An Autobiography of a poppy.

In a closed dark box i lay,it had bee a good eight months since i saw the light of day. Plucked from the embryo of my mother i was put into a small plastic container and labelled.The small plastic container was then put away in the cupboard for the next year. One fine sunny morning in november i was thrown into a well prepared flower bed near Aloe-Vera cottage in a guest house for bnb called LIME -VILLA ON GANGA GHAT VARANASI. I then germinated and grew up into a fine big plant within six weeks, and now i am a beautiful poppy. My bright redness attracts everyone who passes by,many comment and many take photographs of me.Sooner or later my life will come to an end and my beauty will wither away, and i will dry up leaving only an embryo once again for seeds to be collected.'AND HISTORY REPEATS ITSELF'

As fast as the wind flies ANTI the fisherwoman on the river side.

'Phirinki','Uranki','Phirni','Phirangi''Purvi','Dadi' 'Maai' 'Bua', and 'Ammaji' are the different names they call her in the village.She cures people with herbs and flowers, she settles bone disorders, womens' problems are best cured by her,and even settles cases of men and women who cannot have children. She weaves mats with grass, does contract cooking for marriages and functions,and carries fish from the village to the heart of the city to sell twice every day,and also helps in lime-villa guest house in her free time.

The breeze ,the view ,and the flowers do magic.........

This is s guest house for bod and breakfast in Varanasi INDIA,named LIME-VILLA ON GANGA GHAT. The view of the river and the cool gentle river breeze is unforgetable.Its a wonderful magical experience which you must try once at least.

Varanasi---- is also called the city of Lord Shiv.

varanasi is also known as the 'Shiv City'People from all over the world come to worship lord Shiva.There are more than ten thousand Shiv temples in Varanasi,the oldest,holiest, and most famous is the old Kashi Vishwanath temple situated on the west bank of the holy river Ganges.It is believed to be more than 6000 years odl.It is one of the twelve of the jyotilingsa and considered the holiest of all shiv temples in India. Lord Vishwanath is the ruler of the universe.This temple was destroyed several times and has been reconstructed.It was last destroyed by Aurenzeb the sixth Mughal Emperor who built the gyanvapi mosque just beside it.The current monument was built by the Maharashtra ruler Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore in 1780.And in 1983 the Government of Uttar Pradesh took over. We in LIME -VILLA ON GANGA GHAT VAARANASI also have a small shiv temple for our hindu guests who come. They love to bathe in the holy river Ganges which is five minutes walk from here .And bring some holy water to pour over the lingam and perform parikrama before having their breakfast every morning.There are several Hindu guests who come every year for this only.

A native from the foothills of Nepal-------Kamal Tharu.

KAILALI is a small village in the dense jungle in the foothills of Nepal just about ninety five kilometers away from the border of India. His father Baburam Tharu son of Bhavna Tharu lived and workrd in INDIA from the age of seventeen before Kamal his first born son opened his eyes in this populated country. Kamal was just three and a half when he arrived in LIME-VILLA ON GANGA GHAT VARANASI (a guest house for bed and breakfast) Kamal lived and studied in the state of Uttar Pradesh travelling home every year in Dushehra to meet his mother and family.His mother Chinky his sister Hemsara, and the twin sister and brother Anjali and Veeru joined them five years later. Now Kamal Tharu is a college student also our Outdoor Manager. He takes care of The Foreign Registration Of all foreigners coming and going to the guest house. He fills form -C an on-line registration to the police. He also does all outdoor guest requests like Dr on call,Tours and travell co-ordination etc.

Flowers leaves and the river Ganges.

Sometimes our dreams take us to places we have never seen.Places we don't know even exist, where to go ,how to find them,who to ask,which website to check and so on.Have you imagined a quiet garden with flowers and butterflies.Roses Dahlias,Calendulas,Paupies,Chresanthamums,Easter lilies,Dianthus,Phlox,Portulaca,Pansies,Violets,Marigolds,and Hollyhocks all in one garden. With benches and swings to sit and relax------dreaming of prince charming or your princess, with closed eyes under the shade of a tree. One of these such gardens is---LIME-VILLA ON GANGA GHAT VARANASI. The view from the beautiful garden is intoxicating its a view of the River Ganges a wide and vast stretch of water that resembles the sea. The place has no sound pollution whatsoever.The only sounds of music are the sounds of the leaves of trees and the chirping of birds now and again. Ordering a cold lemonade or a hot cup of coffee and drinking sip by sip is an experience just out of this world. Its a place to sit in retrospect or a place to observe someone you love and want to know better.

Identity of women in the society in India.

In INDIA we have a male dominated society.Everywhere the man is given more importance.This originally began in those days when the boy child was educated and the girl child made to learn cooking and house work.Even the thought of a woman working was out of the question.From the age of four years the little girls help in the kitchen.If anything comes to the house to wear, to eat ,or to play the first choice is made by the boy then the girl gets what he leaves behind.This is because he is a boy,he is superior. Despite going through the same bad treatment during their childhood the grand-mother and mother in each home does the same thing.They keep up the tradition generation after generation.So much so that the opinions of sisters have no value at all.At the time of marriage the girl child is tied up with whomsoever the elders decide ,her wish or even opinion is not considered at all.In most states of India this tradition prevails even today. Keeping these sad situations in mind we in LIME-VILLA ON GANGA GHAT VARANASI decided to form a society for the well being of women and their position in the social sphere.A group of women joined up with me to form a society.We named it'Nari vikas Samiti'(Which means womens'development) I am the President and my daughter Jacqualine is the vice-president.We registered it under charitable societies in the year 2000 and have been functioning ever since. Throughout the year we provide wool and cloth for women to knit and stitch thus helping them to work and earn in their homes behind the curtains.This elevates their dignity and boosts their morale.They get some pocket money to quench their thirst of desires,small and big.Some have to use it for their daily food having drunkards as husbands who do nothing but hammer them every night. Jacqualine in Delhi does the same as i do in Varanasi under the same umbrella.She also provides potatoes for women to make chips and packet them.they make papads too.During the mango season she has them make pickle paying them and enabling them to earn some money in a dignified way.So doing she collects and sells the products throughout the year.With the profits so earned by the samiti we buy gifts and eats for the members and workers,and have a big party on WOMENS' DAY the eighth day of March every year.We male the women and girls play simple games and give them prizes.Those who qualify first second and third. Once or twice a year we call a party for just tea and snacks inviting everyone with compulsory attendance.This is when we call a professional lawyer to talk to them about womens' rights and inform them about the law which can help them to get a better life.We try to inculcate courage into them and help them to take help from the law. Since most of these women are little educated or not educated at all we call LADY DOCTORS to guide them about womens health problems and personal hygiene. What to do and what not to do for themselves and their children.Also how not to have children and all the free things the government provides.Family planning and birth control in a safe way.To keep distance between two children and how to use contraceptives. There are many in the crowd who wish to talk alone to the lawyer or doctor so we fix a meeting for them free of cost to help them improve.By doing this we not only help one woman but help the whole family.Its been sixteen years and we hope to continue in future successfully.If anyone who reads this blog wants to help us in any way please write to ------loolaloola62@gmail.com

Birds of various species surround the area.

One couldn't imagine how wonderful and amazingly exciting it could be to sit in the garden and watch the different varieties of birds in their natural surroundings.Have you ever thought of planning a short holiday in a place where you could be surrounded by natural vegetation,birds and animals.Listening to the whispering sounds of grass and leaves blowing in the gentle breeze and the birds chirping in different notes of music. BIRDS CAN BE OF VARIOUS SIZES, SOME ARE AS SMALL AS A PLUM---even the small two and a half inch bird is ready and about his business on a bright sunny March morning.It is surprising how such a small creature find food for himself and his family and twigs to carry back to make a nest. One small twig after another till hundreds of twigs of straw make up a nice padded nest for the eggs. At any time of your life if you ever feel like a holiday close to nature you can think of LIME-VILLA ON GANGA GHAT VARANASI because there are more than seventeen species of birds at a time in their natural habitat every morning.Sparrows,Doves, Seven sisters, Mynas,Pigeons(grey), Pigeons(whi te) Blue Jays, Green Parrots, Crows, Ravens, Chickens, Geese,Turkey, and many more of which the names are not known to me. On the river side there are many more varieties like King-Fisher,Bu oglers, and many species of Siberian Ducks. In the silence of the night the beautiful sounds they make are unforgettable.

My friend Paulina and i met in 2012 on a fine autumn evening.

The cool wintery winds were blowing into the garden when a couple walked in to inquire about a place to rent for three months. the lady was pregnant nearly full time.The gentleman had long hair tied with a hair band and a thick beard touching his chest.He was smart looking with big black boots and a waist coat.His name was Grillon Jean Marie (switz)and her name was Paulina (african) They saw the cottage liked it and booked it for the first of December 2012 and drove away after having tea and biscuits. Then they promptly arrived on the first day of December at ten a.m.sharp.Very soon they had their things unloaded and unpacked.And on (12-12-2012)the twelfth day of the twelfth month in two thousand twelve Paulina delivered twins,one boy and one girl. The following year in November they came back. The twins were one year old. Then year after year they come to India to stay in LIME-VILLA ON GANGA GHAT VARANASI and we have been friends ever since.

Our Group of Winter friends from Europe

We have Grillon Jean Marie with his wife Paulina, from Switzerland Gill, Francis a German with his wife from France in 2014

A student from Sri Lanka lived in Eva Cottage four years ago.

It was the third day of July 2011 there was a knock on the door. A couple walked in the gentleman had long grey hair and the lady looked smart and cultured.She introduced them as parents of a boy admitted to the faculty of fine arts in Banares Hindu University. They were looking for a room for their son Shakiya who was refused in the hostel and sent to me by the hostel warden Mr Patrick Jacob. Of course i was happy to see them as i always want LIME-VILLA ON GANGA GHAT to be fully occupied. Soon i showed them the room discussed the rent and electricity payments and it was decided.The boys name was Shakiya Tennakoonmudali first year student of fine art. Then Mr and Mrs Tennakoonmudali went off to the market after paying me to buy him a water purifier and a bicycle for commuting up and down to the university.Next day Shakiya arrived with all his luggage and settled down in the room. He was a good boy very respectful,well-mannered,helpful,honest,jovial and sincere Shakiya then stayed for one full academic year after which he got a room in his hostel.We had happy times together and will never forget him.

One winter evening we had a bon-fire dinner party

Every year in winter we get many European guests and its a great pleasure hosting them. Many come into the category of friends who come every year and every alternate year.Friends from France,Holland,Germany and Switzerland. We host friends ,their friends and relatives and their acquaintances. It becomes a big big friends circle. About two years back we had a dinner party,a friend Polina from Africa made the chicken and rice.Simorae from France made the salad and soup with the help of her husband a German whose name was Francis.Grillon Jean Marie from Switzerland and my husband  Rajiv managed the barbecue. There was another friend Gill who brought and served the drinks and juice. My daughter Jackie and i cooked the main course and served it,and made all the other arrangements Elliot a Switz boy brought wonderful Switz chocolates and offered us as dessert.