So, today I completely lost my marbles…but that is a story for later in this missive.
At 5.30 am today we set of for a sunrise at the Taj. We bussed to a certain point then we had to get in electric cars to take us to the entrance. At this point most people in the group were still half asleep and we were all operating on remote. We lined up for the security check…millions of woman in one queue and a few men in the other!! Monkeys running all over the place!!
Now, I’ve seen the Taj before, I knew what to expect, but when you walk through the arch it blows you away. It truly is one of the wonders of the world. It blows you away with its splendour. There isn’t much more you can say. Everyone has seen the images but nothing can capture the true splendour. We wandered around and absorbed it all. We had ‘official’ group phots which is great to have as a record.
So, because I haven’t got the words I’ll move on. But suffice to say everyone should see the Taj in their lifetime. Back to the hotel for breakfast and a bit of a break then we set off again to a marble inlay factory…and this is where I lost my marbles (ha ha pun!!). I just loved the work and the hours and hours that went into it all. Anyway the long and the short of it all is that I bought a small table top for $500…OMG!! I did!! It is being shipped home. What can I say???
On the way back from the factory a small group of us (ringleader might, but just might, have been me), got the driver to take us to “The English Wine and Beer Shop”, Then a few of us rebels got off the bus with the tour guide who was very supportive and stocked up on wine and gin (at huge expense). We are right for a few days now!!
We then went of to visit the Agra Fort. That was also really a delight. Not much more to say but more lovely carving and splendid harems and royal residences of the Mughals. I became vaguely hysterical when 2 people asked me, within the space of 100 Metres whether I needed a wheelchair (for 200 Rupees)…shades of Sri Lanka!! My response to the second one was not pretty!
Back at the hotel. Half the group went off to a song and dance show but the other half of us stayed back as it was an optional extra. Sally went off for a swim and I stayed with my NBF Laureen and had a couple of stiff G&Ts. That was relaxing and a bit of ‘time out’. Then back here to write this and drink some more red wine. This is a real bust out after days of abstinence.
Now we have to go down to dinner. One of the party has a birthday (there are many on this trip) so we are meeting up for dinner.