Holy smokes, 5am comes early! I think the adrenaline of being able to see
the Taj Mahal pretty much kept me going.
We met Sunil at 5:30 and headed off to the Taj Mahal. Again, thank goodness for Sunil. We’re getting used to people coming up to us
all the time offering to take us places in tuk-tuks or give us tours of places
but we don’t know when to say yes. When
we got to the parking lot, a man came up to offer us a ride to the gates. Our first instinct was to say no but Sunil
said that yes, we should pay him because it was a very long walk. Sunil had also already found us a guide the
day before so he met us out there. I’m
very thankful for the guide as he was very knowledgeable and his English was
perfect. We set off for the gates. As we were walking up to the ticket booth, the
guide told us it would be 750Rs each. We
told him that we had our diplomat ID cards (this shows that we are now
residents of India). He then told us it
would only be 50Rs! What a
difference. We also bought shoe covers
so we wouldn’t have to go barefoot.
We had to go through security which is really strict. We had been planning on Stewart carrying a
backpack so we could keep water in it but our guide suggested that we just
carry the water ourselves because a backpack could create problems. We were lucky to be able to keep the water
though. Security stopped the Rays and
took S’s crackers and toy cell phone. I
have no idea why they took her toy.
Luckily, our guide took all of the stuff from the guards and went
outside and gave it to someone to take back to Sunil. I don’t know how it worked out but it was
waiting for us in the car when we got back.
Our guide stopped frequently to explain the history of the
Taj Mahal. I’m sure that every time we
go, we’ll learn something new. Stewart’s
comment was that maybe next time, he won’t be in such a state of awe that he’ll
actually be able to pay attention to the guide.
The Taj Mahal definitely did not disappoint! It was fascinating architecture and to think
that it was built in 1631 just blows your mind.
It is massive. We walked the
grounds and then headed into the Taj itself.
Everything was so elaborate; there wasn’t anything that we saw that we
thought was “okay”. I wondered before if
we would get tired of going but after this trip, I’m looking forward to our
next one. I’m sure that I’ll notice more
each time. We were there for 3.5 hours
looking at everything. And the weather
was PERFECT! Considering its monsoon
season, we got very lucky that it did not rain the entire weekend. Going at sunrise was great and there was a
breeze blowing off the very low/dry river.
After our tour, the guide offered to take us to one of the
descendents of the architects of the Taj Mahal so that we could learn how they
cut the stones for the inlays. I thought
it was pretty cool that this is a trade that is passed from generation to
generation. The man has a shop outside
the gates that sells all sorts of marble creations with stone inlays. He explained that since it was Sunday, it was
his day of rest so he wasn’t going to explain too much. Ok, we’ll go back on a Saturday! He did have beautiful items. Stewart really likes the marble tables. The man was showing us some items that
Stewart and I agreed that a member of my family would like (obviously, I’m not
going to say what it was). He showed us
different ones and I asked him in Hindi “how much?” He responded and Stewart tried to
negotiate. The man said that I had
already demonstrated that I am Indian by speaking Hindi so he was giving us the
local price! Thank you, Sunil, for the
Hindi lessons!
After the Taj, we headed back to the hotel for
breakfast. It was all you can eat, and
I’m sure we all did a great job of getting the full benefits! They offered Indian and Western dishes. I started with a masala dosa which is so
good. Stewart asked for three fried eggs
over medium. He hasn’t had fried eggs
since the states. Well it turns out
there was a miscommunication. The waiter
brought out three plates of fried eggs!
I don’t think Stewart minded at all.
After breakfast, we checked out and headed over to the fort
to meet up with our guide. S was tired
and it was hot so we asked for a highlighted tour. We’ll definitely be back and in cooler
weather so it was okay that we weren’t getting all the details and history this
time. The fort was amazing. Most of it is closed off to the public and
you can only tour a very small part of it.
Well, that “very small” part of it was quite large! Again, our guide knew fascinating information
and history. I am looking forward to
going back and exploring this place more.
S had her picture taken with locals several times at the fort. In the beginning, Stewart had her on his
shoulders and people were amazed at how tall they were together so they took
pictures of them together. And then
Stewart had his picture taken with other locals. Towards the end, someone came up and asked me
for a picture as well! I’m thinking
Stewart and I call attention to ourselves because of our height. S is such a beautiful baby with big blue doe
eyes, of course everyone notices her!
We had one more stop before heading out of Agra. Apparently, before Sunil left, Rita told him
that he better remember to pick up her favorite sweets! We all decided that if this was something
Sunil had to get, they must be good so we all bought some as well. I haven’t tried them yet but Teresa said that
they have a slight hint of rose to them.
I’m sure they’re good. We also
stopped in a small town that has mangos for a great price. Sunil said he could get them for 20-25Rs/kg
(basically 40 cents for 2.2 pounds). He
parked along the road and disappeared into the crowd. He explained that this was another place
where he would do all the buying because he was Indian. He came back with three bags and explained
that they were all 2 kgs - so a little less than $1 for 4.4 pounds. That’s crazy.
In the states, you’re lucky to get one mango for 69 cents! I’ll have to see about having John make a
mango crumble J
We got back home about 7:30.
It was such a long day. The dogs
seemed happy to see us but they were great for Rita. She even stayed Saturday night so that they
wouldn’t be alone. She loves the dogs
and they have warmed up to her quickly.
They know that when she shows up in the morning she’ll give them a
treat. Scout has already started to rush
to the kitchen to sit and wait for it!
They can sense that she genuinely likes dogs.
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