India Day 8 - Agra & Ranthambore

Today was Taj Mahal Day! Our start time ended up being perfect. The skies were blue and the sun was shining. Today's weather conditions were so much better than yesterday's hazy skies. There were many people there of course, but it got much more crowded as we were leaving.

There are 4 huge, red sandstone gates. Again, we got an explanation, time for photography then moved on. It was quite breathtaking as we entered the complex and saw the Taj laid us before us with its pools of water in the foreground. A professional photographer followed us around and took photos of anyone who wanted him to. I had mine done and they were ready as 5x7 prints as we got on our bus. I know it is corny but I wanted a 'touching the top of the Taj' photo (to go along with my 'pushing the Leaning Tower of Pisa' photo!).

I thought there were only pools of water near the beginning of the complex, but there are many rectangular pools and fountains too. It was a great way to get good shots without people right in front of you. There was much jockeying for position though, and some people were quite rude.

Before you can go into the Taj, you must either take your shoes off, or wear shoe covers to avoid scratching the marble floors. The outside of the building is just magnificent. It took 10,000 workers 22 years to build this monument to the emperor's wife. She is buried underground I the very center and his tomb was added off to the side after he died. It is very dark inside and there are 'no photography' signs everywhere. However people were ignoring the signs and taking pictures anyway.

There are 4 tall towers on the 4 corners of the platform and they were in the process of cleaning them. The scaffolding wasn't very esthetically pleasing but 'it is what it is'. The towers were designed to lean outward slightly so that if they should ever fall, the main structure wouldn't be damaged. The monument was located on the banks of a river near a curve where the current tends to be slower.

I was worried that our allotted time wouldn't be enough. But it was. There are only so many photos you can take without repeating yourself. At 10:30, we left the area, bought a few souvenirs and headed out of Agra. With a population of 1.2 million, it was slow going.

For lunch we ate outdoors again and it was quite lovely. I find that the restaurant taxes here to be quite high and a tip is added onto that. But I'm glad to pay well for 'safe' food after me experience in Peru. So far, so good.

As we travel through the cities, countryside, towns and village I have noticed that the percentage of women out and about is very low. There are probably 10 men for every woman I see walking about. And when we pass a bus of one type or another, it's about 99% full of men. So different! Motorcycle/scooter transport is very common in India and there is usually one or two additional riders, sometimes even three (father, mother and two children!).

Another thing I don't see is cats, only dogs - LOTS of them. I've only actually seen one kitty cat since I got here. Monkeys are a common sight, even at the Taj Mahal. They seem cute to us but I am sure they are pests.

We've made a stop for toilets and another stop at some 'step wells'. There is water at the very bottom of a series of very steep steps in a square formation. There were pieces of statues around the outside of the courtyard. I climbed up to the top to take photos only to be told I wasn't allowed up there. It was fun while it lasted!

Instead of getting on back in the bus, we got the chance to visit to visit a potter across the way. He was a master at forming various types of pots. The women in this area wear very colourful outfits. The potter's wife was no exception and I got some good shots of them and their home.

We now have a long drive and KV has brought out some Indian rum! He is playing songs from people's phones. Party time!! We arrived at our Ranthambore Park hotel around 10 pm. Supper was an included buffet and we ate quickly and went to our rooms. Late night, early morning safari!