Blog 125

A panicked start to the day as we over slept the alarm by 20 minutes leaving us just 15 minutes to get up, dressed and to the train station which was a 10 minute walk away. Knowing that a wonder of the world was waiting for us, we didn't waste time with menial things like brushing hair or showering. Clothes on; out the door. Luckily train delayed by 5 minutes and we were 2 minutes early to the station! Phew, on the train and relax.

We watched the sun come up over the horizon with a cup of masala chai, bombay mix and a banana for breakfast as we made the 3 hour trip to Agra.

As usual there was a murder of rickshaw drivers awaiting our arrival. The prettiest one (or at least the one with the most teeth) was called Malik. Malik hooked us up with several things today, a roof for breakfast with a view of the Taj, a 'guide' for the Taj, and a lift back to the station.

Slipping through the East gate entrance to the TM we got our first close up of the seventh wonder, or sixth (not sure about the order). I think what makes the building seem so beautiful is its perfect symmetry and the white marble which illuminates in the Indian sun. Lady Diana picture taken (after a shoulder wrestle with the Japs) and an hour wandering the grounds was 'most lovely'. Our 'guide' enlightened us on the climbing facilities available at the TM, I was convinced it was adorned by a crescent moon on its back but apparently that's a climbing hook??

Taj mahal ticked, we headed back to the station, glowing and tired out from our afternoon of sight seeing.

Train late as usual we got back to Delhi for a late dinner. An attempt at a few hours sleep before our late night flight to Dubai was a fail, never the less into the taxi we climbed...

Bye bye India. Bye bye Asia!! Thanks for the best year of our lives!!

Bryn and Jo x