First day at Kumbh Mela - Feb 15th, 2019

Sat under this tree just before enter the Kumbh Mela camps

I arrived in Prayaganj by train early morning yesterday and it has been filled with surreal moments. From the train station, I headed by foot to the camps for kumbh mela. When I got there, I was exhausted and couldn't find the place I was hoping to stay within this massive tent city. At this point, I couldn't walk far anymore without needing to stop and it was then that it decided to rain. Laughing at my predicament, I place my backpack in between plastic sheets from a sign and wedged myself in it which I would barely call being sheltered. A boy from a food stand motions for me to come over so I did and ended up passing out there soon after offering me food. Neither the boy nor his father would accept my money as he explains "you are my brother". After finally finding a place to stay for the night, my evening took another turn as I found myself in a hut with eight sadhu's talking and having dinner by the fire. Other notes from yesterday include being hounded to take selfies with as the only foreigner around, Indian porta potty difficulties, and being interrogated by the police. Everyday is filled with experiences here and although I am constantly challanged and in disbelief of the next situation, there is a steady level of excitement to life and I am appreciating every moment. Before entering into where this all happened, I sat under this tree wondering what was about to come.