We arrived by train at 3am, tired and cold after another extremely long train ride. That evening we went to an Indian bazaar where the locals hang out, no other westerners in sight. The smell of hot food was enticing but we stayed away after recent illnesses! We wandered down a side street and came upon a lively area with large statues of Hindu gods on a stage. Families were talking excitedly, children were weaving in and out of the small crowds. We were pounced on and welcomed and interrogated in a friendly way as only the Indians can do. The locals were thrilled we were there and very proud of their culture. Everyone wanted to shake our hands and then they wanted us to go up on the stage. John went up and I tried to keep out of that one but they were having none of it and pulled me up there and then insisted they have a photo with us. Out of nowhere appeared a local photographer with a large camera and snapped our photo. As we left the children were all asking our names and shaking our hands and then running away giggling.
We got up before sunrise the next day to visit the Taj Mahal before the huge crowds. I can see what all the fuss is about it is an amazing wonder of white marble rising from perfectly kept gardens and surrounded by equally elaborate gates. Jewelled designs and words from the Quran decorate the building's exterior. Inside light filters in through the lattice work to cast a glow in the building. We then visited the Fort and John made friends with the squirrels and I was harrassed as usual by locals wanting to take photos of me!
No comments:
Post a Comment