The Taj

On Saturday we woke up really early and went to the Taj Mahal to see it at sunrise. Our driver dropped us off at a walkway at the back of the Taj. We had to walk a bit through the mosquito-infested walkway and we were sure we would come out with Malaria. When we finally came to the clearing where we could see the Taj and it was amazing. We were at the back so there weren't any people around and just a river that really wasn't much of river was the only thing that separated us from the Taj. It was just enormous and so beautiful. We took a lot of pictures and an Indian man assisted us in the picture taking. He encouraged us to get closer to the river so we could see the reflection of the Taj in the water. We were reluctant because of the mosquitoes, but we did go up to the water and it was beautiful. The sky was pretty overcast so we didn't ever end up seeing the sunrise, but it was worth to get up that early and see the Taj in such a peaceful environment. When we were walking back to the car we ran into a band of kids who took a liking to Alyssa. They followed her and we called her the Pied Piper. We got up so early to see the Taj at sunlight that we decided to go back to the Holiday Inn and take a nap. After a refreshing nap we went to Agra Fort. It was a big castle-like structure with two moats. The moats were dry, but our guide told us when the fort was actually in use the moats were filled with really dangerous animals like alligators and snakes. I could only imagine it. After the fort we picked up my coworker Melissa who had flown in that morning, and went to the Taj Mahal again. This time we actually went in the front entrance. The weather was pretty miserable. It was so hot I really can't even describe it, but seeing the Taj made it all worth it. We we walked through the entrance and saw it a ways away, it was amazing. It's just so big and almost breathtaking. We took several pictures and then went through the inside. The inside is almost a disappointment because there really is nothing to see. You just walk through a few rooms, one with a tomb, and that's it. We walked back outside and could barely see because the reflection of the sun on the white marble was blinding. The architecture of the whole place is amazing. There are optical illusions all over the outside and the four tours on the four corners of the platform actually lean out just a bit so if there is an earthquake or some other natural disaster they won't fall in and damage the dome. There were a ton a people there which only added to the miserable heat, but seeing it was something I will never forget. Walking back out to the street we saw a parrot in the tree and a camel pulling a cart in the street. It's all so normal to them, but incredible to me. We got back on the road to travel to Jaipur. I think it was only about 220 klm away, but it took what seemed like an eternity to drive there. In India they turn on their brights when they see a car instead of the other way around, so I had to keep my eyes closed for the six hour drive because the lights were hurting my head. I also became indigenous on the drive to Jaipur. The natives just go to the bathroom where ever they are. We actually saw two women get out of a car where were stopped for a minute, squat and urinate. I needed to use the restroom, but there was no chance of finding a real one, so I went in the bushes on the side of the road. I felt like a real Indian. It was great. We finally made it to our hotel in Jaipur after what seemed like an eternity. It was called Umaid Bhawan and it was a fantastic hotel. It was 100% Indian and I loved it. I would have liked to stay more than one night. It was lavishly decorated in Indian decor and every stitch of the walls were covered in paintings of carpets. It was wonderful.