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Bohemian lifestyle migrants in the city of Varanasi in India claim to be escaping the 'rat race' of their countries of origin. In Varanasi, they have found a more meaningful and relaxed life. In this paper, I, however, argue that although they claim to be escaping the capitalist economy and the stress that such economic system causes them, they are actually very dependent on capitalism and constantly stressed about how to make enough money in order to be able to return to India the following season. I discuss whether their escape to better life has been successful or whether they have ended up in another stressful crises situation. Moreover, what is the significance of India in this lifestyle? I also elaborate on how voluntary their lifestyle eventually is and what are their options in case they ever want to permanently return to their countries of origin.

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