Going to have to do an abbreviated post as time is getting precious. India was fascinating. The streets are full of people, cows, cars, motorbikes, dogs, little three wheel cabs and busses. There are no traffic lights or police to be seen. It is semi-controlled bedlam! While there are people everywhere, they all seem to be busy doing something and appear happy. Our hotel is again better than the last. We have direct views of the Taj out our balcony.
Sunrise visit to the Taj. I it is truly breathtaking. That first step through the gates just grabs you. Since we are here early we get to see it change colors as the sun rises higher in the sky. The craftsmanship is remarkable. This is all white marble. It was unfortunately plundered over the years but the British fortunately saved it. All the original gold and jewel inlays are gone but it's overall beauty remains.
We had an international incident! Our friend Flat Stanley was confiscated at gun point at the Taj. It was very disconcerting. Many in our group were as sad as we were. But our guide team came to the rescue. They went back and negotiated his release! We were all delighted. There wasn't a good explination why they took him but I suspect it was in retaliation for our arresting the Indian diplomat in NYC.
That afternoon we toured the Agra Fort. It had been in use since the 1500's. It's the site of the battle where the British East India Co. Was defeated and where King Jahad was imprisoned and eventually died. He was the king who built the Taj for his wife and he took comfort in looking across the river at it every day of his imprisonment. Really a true love story. After this we visit a museum/jewelry store. Beautiful art that has been shown around the world. And a lovely Jewelry Store where a nice little piece was purchased.
Next morning up early and off to Africa! Long plane ride on the jet and then a 1 1/2 hr flight on a 10 seat single prop. Nana not real happy. Then an hour plus ride in a Land Cruiser. But it was all worth it. The Serengeti is just awesome! The land, the animals, everything about it. The sounds. We saw many animals on our in via the Land Cruisers but will see many more from our safari today.
Sunrise visit to the Taj. I it is truly breathtaking. That first step through the gates just grabs you. Since we are here early we get to see it change colors as the sun rises higher in the sky. The craftsmanship is remarkable. This is all white marble. It was unfortunately plundered over the years but the British fortunately saved it. All the original gold and jewel inlays are gone but it's overall beauty remains.
We had an international incident! Our friend Flat Stanley was confiscated at gun point at the Taj. It was very disconcerting. Many in our group were as sad as we were. But our guide team came to the rescue. They went back and negotiated his release! We were all delighted. There wasn't a good explination why they took him but I suspect it was in retaliation for our arresting the Indian diplomat in NYC.
That afternoon we toured the Agra Fort. It had been in use since the 1500's. It's the site of the battle where the British East India Co. Was defeated and where King Jahad was imprisoned and eventually died. He was the king who built the Taj for his wife and he took comfort in looking across the river at it every day of his imprisonment. Really a true love story. After this we visit a museum/jewelry store. Beautiful art that has been shown around the world. And a lovely Jewelry Store where a nice little piece was purchased.
Next morning up early and off to Africa! Long plane ride on the jet and then a 1 1/2 hr flight on a 10 seat single prop. Nana not real happy. Then an hour plus ride in a Land Cruiser. But it was all worth it. The Serengeti is just awesome! The land, the animals, everything about it. The sounds. We saw many animals on our in via the Land Cruisers but will see many more from our safari today.
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