India Day 7 - Agra

After a good sleep my foot is better, and so am I. Start time was a pleasant 9 am today. We made a stop at an ATM machine as most everywhere we go takes cash only. There is a limit of 10,000 rupees per day that can be taken out. That sounds like a lot, but it is only about $200 CDN.  

We also stopped for a delicious morning chai. Chai means tea so there is no need to say chai tea like we do at home. That is like saying 'tea tea'. 

We headed on to Agra's Red Fort which is similar to the one in Delhi, but better preserved. It is quite extensive and is divided up into various sections. KV would explain what we were seeing, give us time for photos, then move on to the next area. 

Soon we got to a courtyard where we saw the Taj Mahal for the first time! Excitedly we all brought our cameras up to eye level, only to be disappointed with the results. It was so hazy, the camera couldn't record the spectacle no matter what setting was used. It is so dry here and there is so much dust in the air. It looks like air pollution but it isn't that. 

The architecture of Agra's Red Fort is wonderful and the history is fascinating. Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, who ordered the Taj Mahal built for his favorite wife, was imprisoned here. He spent his last days in the Fort, unable to see the Taj due to failing eyesight. 

The Taj Mahal is known for its pietra dura craftsmanship. That is where tiny pieces of various types of semi-precious stones are cut and inlaid into marble. We visited a shop that makes and sells this type of work and watched it being made.

After the demo, we were ushered into the showroom. There were large table-sized pieces on display only and not for sale. The owner showed us 2 coasters and asked us to guess the price. One looked fancier and more colourful so we guessed that was pricier. Of course it was a trick question. The price is dependent on how small the inlaid pieces are and how detailed the design is. 

It was difficult to choose something but I fell in love with the cut out holes that looked like lattice work and bought a small round container with a lid. I will either use it as a jewelry box or possibly for a tea light. 

Lunch was as a beautiful outdoor restaurant and it was most pleasant in the shade. I ordered a sample platter and it came with 7 or 8 little dishes filled with various meats, sausages, sauces, and a sweet treat that turned out to be pumpkin. It also came with lassi, a yogurt-like drink which was a combination of both sweet and sour. I liked it. 

We returned to the hotel for an hour's break, but first KV took me to a pharmacy as,I wanted to get some aspirin. There were about 3 shack-type of buildings with counters all along the front. You told the guy what you wanted and he went and got it for you. For 12 - 150mg aspirin, I paid roughly 18 cents CDN!

After a break, we visited Itimad-ud-Daulah's Tomb, otherwise known as 'Baby Taj'. It has been built with an eye to symmetry and the number 4. There are 4 entrance gate, although only one is used now. The main building consists of 4 imposing towers on each corner. The outside walls have inlaid marble designs which are appreciated all the more after the visit to the marble showroom earlier. 

We couldn't go to the Taj today because it is closed on Fridays but there is a park right across the river from it where you can photograph the entire structure. The atmosphere was still hazy but it was the Taj Mahal and it is magnificent! Tomorrow we go even closer!

I didn't go with the group for supper tonight because I didn't want a big sit-down long meal. Instead, Flat Stanley and I went across the busy road to...McDonalds! I had heard that their Big Macs are called chicken Maharaja Macs and I wanted to try one. It was surprising good and it was spicy too! There were lots of vegetables on it including peppers - the hot kind. My mouth was burning and I needed the Diet Coke to cool my mouth down.

After my supper, I discovered that the restaurant was attached to a shopping Center and there were a few stores open. I bought some tea for gifts, a pillow cover and a marble tea light holder. 

Tonight I am sleeping with a heavy chair propped up against my door. Last night, one person in the group did the same thing and heard someone enter his room at 5:30 am. The door locks with a key from the inside and there is no chain or other device to bar entry.