Cows nosing into shop doors, dogs snoozing in the sun, goats nibbling on short blades of grass, squirrels running nimbly up trees, monkeys running along power lines and oxen and horses pulling loads are some of the memories I have of Agra. From the people side Agra begs the question how many people can you get on a motorcycle (at least 4), on a tuktuk (at least 9) and on a cart built for two (4). Road safety rules seem non existent. Although the traffic is hurrying along I wonder where everyone is going. Nothing else is going fast. Men still huddle in groups anywhere anytime - and we think we have too many meetings at work!! Women are few and far between I get the impression behind the scenes most of the time keeping the home and country running.
After a breakfast of curry, toast, bananas and hashbrown (seems ok in India but probably not something l will have in NZ) we took our bus to the Taj Mahal. Magnificent building and photos don't show its real magnificence. Beautiful marble inlaid with gems. Inside I was expecting a peaceful meditative haven but no the security guards whistled every few seconds yelling orders to the orderly crowd to keep moving. I felt transported back into a Delhi street. I took a deep breath and tried to ignore the noise. Outside every one (except me) wanted there photo on the Charles and Diana bench.
Then it was the red fort. A magnificent place where the 16th century emperor lived with his 3 wives and 300 concubines. Back in the day it would have been covered in carpets and curtains and the hooks where they hung are still there. Architecturally a front runner in modern design. Hollow walls allowed for cold water in summer and hot in winter to be poured into the walls to moderate the temperature. Even had a water infiltration and re cycling system. Marble was used that filtered the sun light and mirrors helped to lighten the darkest rooms.
After a very late lunch (glad I ate such a hearty breakfast) at the hotel we went to see Baby Taj. Built about the same time as its bigger and older relation it stood proudly by the river. Down below women wsshed clothes and it suddenly occurred to me they may be contracted by our hotel. So you never know the clothes I am wearing tomorrow may have been washed in the Yanuma river. Except they came back nicely folded, damp and smelling of too much soap powder (hopefully hanging on chairs over night might do the trick).
After that dinner at an outside balcony restaurant and then bed.
After a breakfast of curry, toast, bananas and hashbrown (seems ok in India but probably not something l will have in NZ) we took our bus to the Taj Mahal. Magnificent building and photos don't show its real magnificence. Beautiful marble inlaid with gems. Inside I was expecting a peaceful meditative haven but no the security guards whistled every few seconds yelling orders to the orderly crowd to keep moving. I felt transported back into a Delhi street. I took a deep breath and tried to ignore the noise. Outside every one (except me) wanted there photo on the Charles and Diana bench.
Then it was the red fort. A magnificent place where the 16th century emperor lived with his 3 wives and 300 concubines. Back in the day it would have been covered in carpets and curtains and the hooks where they hung are still there. Architecturally a front runner in modern design. Hollow walls allowed for cold water in summer and hot in winter to be poured into the walls to moderate the temperature. Even had a water infiltration and re cycling system. Marble was used that filtered the sun light and mirrors helped to lighten the darkest rooms.
After a very late lunch (glad I ate such a hearty breakfast) at the hotel we went to see Baby Taj. Built about the same time as its bigger and older relation it stood proudly by the river. Down below women wsshed clothes and it suddenly occurred to me they may be contracted by our hotel. So you never know the clothes I am wearing tomorrow may have been washed in the Yanuma river. Except they came back nicely folded, damp and smelling of too much soap powder (hopefully hanging on chairs over night might do the trick).
After that dinner at an outside balcony restaurant and then bed.
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