Third day in New Delhi and the first real challenge.
A bit of information you don't get in the Lonely Planet; in India you need to book trains well in advance, a week or more would be good.

[this is put in at the end of the day - Actually sorry, no you don't. You just shouldn't listen to people who say they will help you book train tickets and tell you stuff like that. The Indian National Tourist Board can get tickets on the day (if booked early enough) for tourists for trains through out India. Just make sure you go to the right tourist board. There is only ONE in New Delhi]

So today we left the guest house and navigated our way to the New Delhi Train Station. Here we were introduced to the unorganised waiting lines for tourist information and booking trains and transport.

"A little organisation goes a long way" I remember hearing that but can't remember from whom. I think it was my tutor in college. Thanks Andy! If only New Delhi Tourist Information Centre had met you.

Ps: if you wish to book a train, go to the ONLY real tourist information centre in New Delhi. It is at the train station up stairs, first door on the left.
Any other tourist centre in New Delhi is NOT the tourist centre.

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Just went for lunch. It was pretty good. Huge portion. But not bigger then yesterday's. The price though WAS bigger then yesterday's. Much bigger.
On the up side, tickets are paid for and we will be on the train in 3 hours time.

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The train was a big surprise. Sleeper beds crammed into the coaches made it comfortable and actually really nice.
We had the opportunity to meet some of the locals travelling out of New Delhi.
A nice cup of CHAI and good conversation always goes well together.
I must say though that the chai here is better then the chai at starbucks (blasphemy...sorry), but that don't mean I miss my soya chai tea lattes.

Arriving at Agra we were once again surprised by India. Agra, being populated by roughly 1.3 million people you would think it would be over run and havoc like New Delhi but no. It's the exact opposite. Well, bare in mind we arrived at 8.30pm. Tomorrow may be a totally different scenario.

Arriving at the hotel we were again, yes again surprised. Our hotel, the Saniya Palace, looks out over the Taj Mahal. An amazing view!!! I can see why it is one of Emmas' favourites in India. It's absolutely gob-smacking.

My favorite thing about the hotel is the restaurant. It is situated atop the building and the view of the Taj Mahal is amazing, and best of all, they serve breakfast at 6am!!! Photo time!!!

Agra has saved my perspective of India. I didn't want to categorise the whole of India in the same heading as New Delhi but the Capital really is not going to be the highlight of our trip.
Let's see how the very first day out in Agra goes and we will make our judgements then.

Can't wait!!! :)