Taj Mahal

The only trouble with through trains that don't have any signs or announcements is that you've no idea where you are and when you are arriving. I thought that we might make up one hour of the three that we were late, but an hour after scheduled arrival time I was shaken out of my sleep by Mandy to say that we were pulling into Agra. Not quite as bad as Vietnam, where the guard just came along and yanked the sheets off everybody.

We were met at the station by our new guide, and taken back to the motel where we had breakfast and re-grouped. Amazingly they found us our room at 8:00am, so we freshened up, and it was off to the Taj Mahal before the crowds arrived. Actually, it wasn't as crowded as either of us thought it would be.

Well, what can you say. It's just a stunning building in lush grounds, with more intricate designs than any photo captures. We did the tour, stopped for lots of photo ops, and then had some free time to sit and gaze. The only spot with a queue was the 'Diana' seat immortalised by the Princess on her visit. All the girls had to sit just so, and look just so, as their better half took that photo.

After getting back to the car by horse and cart, it was off to see the 5 descendants of the original Taj Mahal craftsmen who are still practising the original stone inlay crafting. It can take several weeks just to complete a small flower. We were getting used to the pattern - a really interesting demonstration, followed by a 'no obligation' viewing of a huge range of marble tables that we might want to ship back to Australia. We can hand it down to out kids we were told!

Off to a nice restaurant for lunch, before our visit to the Red Fort where the great Moghuls ruled from, and which became the headquarters of every ruling group right up to the British, and now Indian Army. It's huge - about two square kilometres, and very impressive. Makes the Tower of London look like a pimple. 'Yes' said the guide proudly. 'We are Indian and they are only British'.

An unannounced visit to an embroidery, clothing and carpet weaving shop with really pushy salesmen, so we beat a retreat to the car, and finally back to the hotel where we crashed. Don't think we actually had any tea.