Ear Cleaning in Benares!

As the last post on the extended Meek family trip to India, it seems only appropriate to end with the following post: ear cleaning.



The tools of the trade

Now before you recoil in terror, or disgust, remember that ear cleaning is an important ritual in various cultures, and for good reason, we found out, given what this skilled ear-artisan found in ours!


Getting up close and personal with the musician's ear

I had been wanting to get my ears cleaned ever since we came to Benares with Jo's folks back in March. However, the renowned ear cleaner that was recommended to us was away in his village, and as a result no ear cleaning.

This time, however, it was less than an hour of wandering Benares back gulleys with an ear somewhat open (they were, after all quite filled with gunk), that we came across the ear-cleaning wallah.

Now how do you know, you might be asking yourself, how to spot an ear-cleaning wallah among the throngs plying Benares' back alleys? Easy! He has a piece of gauze behind his ear, and carries what looks like a shoe-shine box.



Jon filled with consternation at what was in his ears

Let's just say it was an "ear-opening" experience! Oh, that was bad! But seriously, it was amazing, albeit somewhat disgusting, to see what was lurking in those ears, and if you ever get the chance, remember what Nike says:
JUST DO IT!