I wrestled in high school and college and, like most wrestlers, thought I worked hard. We worked out in an air conditioned gym with weights, mats, and safety equipment. In Varansi, wrestlers embrace a whole new level of toughness. There is no gym, no mat, and definitely no safety equipment.

The “wrestling mat” is a 30 foot square patch of dirt that is hoed up before every practice session to make it soft – soft being an entirely relative term. As other wrestlers look on, two extremely fit young men will battle it out in the field. Occasionally they will stop to cover themselves in dirt. The dirt both cools them down and reduces the slipperiness of their sweat in the 110 degree heat.

At the end of practice, there are no hot showers. The wrestlers wash off using water from a hand pump near the wrestling field. The work ethic and dedication of these wrestlers is truly amazing.

Located at the intersection of the Ganges and Varuna rivers, Varanasi is India’s holiest city. While Buddhists and Jains all regard the city as sacred, the belief in the redemptive powers of the Ganges river makes Varanasi central to Hinduism.

Every morning and evening Hindu priests perform an Aarti ceremony on the banks of the river as an act of worship to the sacred Ganges.

Because cows are considered sacred to Hindus, and because Varanasi is a sacred Hindu city, there are cows everywhere. They have complete right of way and seem to wander the streets blissfully aware of their supreme status.

Settled over 3000 years ago, Varanasi is also believed to be the oldest city in India. Like any ancient Indian city it is filled with tight alleys, great colors, and millions of people.

The contrasts between the ancient and modern worlds are stark. One moment you can be walking down a 2000 year old alley filled with cows and chai vendors, and the next you can be dodging speeding Tuk Tuks – the ubiquitous three wheeled motorized rickshaw that terrorize Indian roads.

All things in Varanasi eventually come back to the Ganges. Transport, daily rituals, and funerals all draw millions of people to the river.

As much fun as Varanasi was, it was made even more enjoyable through the presence of three extraordinary photographers – Gavin Gough, Steve Gluskoter, and Lesley Fisher. Click through to their sites for some truly beautiful images.

While we were in Kilgoris we hosted a sports day for the local community. While it is common knowledge that Kenyans can run, seeing really is believing. The talent and athleticism on display was nothing short of amazing.

We also took about 50 soccer balls that we were able to give away to the local schools and teams. These were quite an upgrade from the local footballs – literally balls made out of wound up plastic grocery bags.