Sunday 23rd March
We had our last Language class this morning and then packing up as we farewell our host family today, they have been very good to us all. We also farewell Mohit our co-ordinator and Ajun our driver, these guys have equally been amazing.
We are heading up the Daramasala this afternoon with Chris, Marisa, in the bus which is an overnighter (12 hours). Fiona flys up tomorrow to join us there. We are all staying together in the same home-stay.
We have seen so many sights too numerous to mention. However, I was fascinated to see people riding camels in the city, and an elephant on the side of the road, untethered and with no apparent owner. Young children trying to sell their wares in the middle of intersections and traffic. Very small children sitting or sleeping on medians. People washing themselves and clothes in very polluted waterways.
We have been surprised at the attention we are getting from the locals and the requests for photos, some of which are quite demanding, or just taken. There are very few Europeans here and we do stand out especially the younger woman and if you are blonde, Fiona has had them lining up and Jim was given a baby to hold!
Saturday 22nd March
Taj Mahal
After a three hour taxi ride, which we all expected to be at least five considering the traffic here, we arrived in Agra to be met by our guide. We headed to the entry point as far as our taxi was allowed to go and then got into an electric golf cart-like vehicle to ride to the point where you then have to walk a short distance to the main gate. There are three main entrances to the outer complex, with servants' quarters along each side of the pathway, and then the main arched gate from where you can see your first glimpse of the Taj Mahal.
It is as impressive as you might imagine, and today was a beautiful clear day which gave a lovely contrast of white marble against the azure sky. You are able to go inside and view the tomb of the 3rd and favoured wife of the king. Story has it that he ordered another Taj Mahal to be built in a mirror image of the first in black marble for his own tomb , however one of the princes imprisoned the king just as its foundations were laid and cut off the hands of the architect, because of the huge cost and extravagance. You can see the foundations still today.
I managed to sit on the Lady Diana seat; however, they refused to clear the 'Taj' for my own individual photo session, surprised and slightly disappointed I accepted this.
After taking heaps of photos and a thorough look around we headed back. Thanks to our very aggressive and maniac taxi driver we were back in about four hours, a long day but well worth it.
We have been surprised at the attention we are getting from the locals and the requests for photos, some of which are quite demanding, or just taken. There are very few Europeans here and we do stand out especially the younger woman and if you are blonde, Fiona has had them lining up and Jim was given a baby to hold!
Saturday 22nd March
Taj Mahal
After a three hour taxi ride, which we all expected to be at least five considering the traffic here, we arrived in Agra to be met by our guide. We headed to the entry point as far as our taxi was allowed to go and then got into an electric golf cart-like vehicle to ride to the point where you then have to walk a short distance to the main gate. There are three main entrances to the outer complex, with servants' quarters along each side of the pathway, and then the main arched gate from where you can see your first glimpse of the Taj Mahal.
It is as impressive as you might imagine, and today was a beautiful clear day which gave a lovely contrast of white marble against the azure sky. You are able to go inside and view the tomb of the 3rd and favoured wife of the king. Story has it that he ordered another Taj Mahal to be built in a mirror image of the first in black marble for his own tomb , however one of the princes imprisoned the king just as its foundations were laid and cut off the hands of the architect, because of the huge cost and extravagance. You can see the foundations still today.
I managed to sit on the Lady Diana seat; however, they refused to clear the 'Taj' for my own individual photo session, surprised and slightly disappointed I accepted this.
After taking heaps of photos and a thorough look around we headed back. Thanks to our very aggressive and maniac taxi driver we were back in about four hours, a long day but well worth it.
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