Posted by: Jenn
After a four hour train ride we arrived in Agra, excited to be able to get out of Delhi to see a new part of India. We hired a rickshaw to take us to the 'backpacker area' of Agra, which happens to be about 100 meters away from the Taj Mahal entrance gate. We found a hotel quickly, and YAY! it was a million times better than where we were staying in Delhi, not to mention cheaper. Six dollars got us a clean room walking distance from the Taj. We grabbed a quick meal at one of the many roof-top restaurants claiming to have the best view of the glistening white marble structure.
After a four hour train ride we arrived in Agra, excited to be able to get out of Delhi to see a new part of India. We hired a rickshaw to take us to the 'backpacker area' of Agra, which happens to be about 100 meters away from the Taj Mahal entrance gate. We found a hotel quickly, and YAY! it was a million times better than where we were staying in Delhi, not to mention cheaper. Six dollars got us a clean room walking distance from the Taj. We grabbed a quick meal at one of the many roof-top restaurants claiming to have the best view of the glistening white marble structure.
Once our bellies were content we decided to catch the sunset over the Taj Mahal. A rickshaw took us a few minutes away to the other side of a river that runs along the backside of the Taj. Our first glimpse of the majestic white building against the colorful horizon was breathtaking. We couldn't put our cameras down!
After the sun went down our rickshaw driver drove us back to our hotel where we ate dinner and retired early. We set the alarm for 5:30 AM so we could beat the crowds at the Taj and watch the sunrise inside the complex. The next thing I remember is Jonathan saying "Crap! Jenn, it's 6:30 - the alarm didn't go off!". We quickly scrambled to get our things together and rushed down the street to the entrance gate. We knew we had missed the sunrise but we were still hoping to see some morning colors beaming down on the white marble and were hoping to beat the tour groups. Once inside the gates we were gasping for air again at the sight of the Taj. Of course everyone has seen photos of the masterpiece and you think it will pretty much be like looking at a photo. But when you are there staring at it from across the green grass, manicured bushes, and reflective pool, the feeling is indescribable. It is just so beautiful.
I think the Taj has been the most beautiful man-made creation I have ever seen. It is just so majestic looking and the white marble exterior is not something you see everyday. We really enjoyed touring the complex and playing photographer. Interesting note: Car traffic was banned from being within two kilometers of the Taj because the pollution was turning the building yellow. Only electric and battery powered vehicles are allowed to take tourists to the site.
After we were sure we had our fill we walked down the street to grab lunch. It was one of the best Indian meals we have had thus far and it was also one of the cheapest.
We were catching the train that night to go to Udaipur so we had a few hours to spare before needing to head to the train station. We decided to stroll through a non-touristy part of the city so we could see some of the local life. After wandering around and snapping photos of anything and everything I must say that India is one of the most intriguing places I have been simply because it is so different. Every corner I turn I find that I have to pick my jaw up off the ground. Even though it was immediate culture shock for me as soon as I stepped off the airplane, I have come to find that I love India. The people are extremely friendly and the culture is absolutely fascinating. A few reasons why I think India is such an experience:
- I'm sitting in an internet cafe and look outside and see 3 goats, 2 cows and a camel walk by.
- Cows beg like dogs. We watched a cow stop in front of a doorway and stick its head inside. Two seconds later a head of cabbage is thrown out. The cow eats it then wanders to the next doorstep.
- I'm sitting in an internet cafe and look outside and see 3 goats, 2 cows and a camel walk by.
- Cows beg like dogs. We watched a cow stop in front of a doorway and stick its head inside. Two seconds later a head of cabbage is thrown out. The cow eats it then wanders to the next doorstep.
- There are cows, water buffalo and goats everywhere. I know Jonathan said that before but I don't think we can stress it enough. There are no fields or pastures, just streets and alley ways.
- Monkeys also roam the streets - although they have the advantage over dogs and cows for begging because they can climb up into people's windows. It's not uncommon for a roof-top restaurant to have signs posted that reads be aware of monkeys.
- Everyone stares (not only men, but women and kids too) like we are aliens. They want photos of us. They want to hear how we talk and watch how we move. If you got stared at this intensely in the states, you would probably try to start a fight. The following photo is at the train station while we were waiting to leave Agra. Jonathan and I were playing cards and as soon as we sat down this family swarmed us.
- There is no sewer system. I mean, there is, but there isn't. Kids are potty trained by being held over the open sewer ditch. When they are old enough they just squat over it. I'm not sure what age they switch to a toilet. Well, actually that comment goes for girls. Boys whip it out ANYWHERE.
- The people are so friendly. Everyone is always willing to help us out if we have questions or need directions. Several times someone would call us over and just want to talk. They wouldn't even try to sell us anything. On the overnight train ride from Agra to Udaipur two ladies asked me to join them for dinner. They didn't speak much English but they wanted me to try all their food and they just smiled and watched. They were so excited to have me sit with them and I felt honored. Not to mention, everything they let me try was so darn tasty.
- The attire is so different than at home. The men usually dress nicely - slacks, button up shirt tucked in, and dress shoes. The women wear saris and have nose piercings, tons of bangle bracelets, toe rings and usually a bindi on their forehead. The bindi is a red dot in between their eyebrows that signifies that the woman is married. This is true for some parts of India, while in other parts it is said to retain energy in the human body and control the various levels of concentration. The women always look so decorated!
- PDA is a no no here. We feel uncomfortable holding hands, much less kissing in front of anyone. You never see an Indian couple showing affection in public. In fact I have seen more men hold each other's hand than a man and a woman. It's not that they are gay; it's just what they do.
Anyways, all these things are just so different than anywhere we have been that it is incredible to just soak it all up. I can't wait to see some more of this indescribable country. The overnight train ride is taking us to Udaipur which is supposed to be a laid back, lake-side city with a couple of palaces and temples to visit.
Anyways, all these things are just so different than anywhere we have been that it is incredible to just soak it all up. I can't wait to see some more of this indescribable country. The overnight train ride is taking us to Udaipur which is supposed to be a laid back, lake-side city with a couple of palaces and temples to visit.