The majesty of the Taj Mahal!

Hi everyone!

It is now 8:30 p.m. in Agra, India. We've had a very full day and I am so happy to have my fellow tour leaders creating the blog with me tonight. Since I have high-speed, wireless in my room, we no longer have to resort to sitting in a bar, or in the business center, ha ha! Now, we write in comfort...........enjoying a glass of wine and comaraderie. (the wine did not come from the hotel)

It's been an eye-opener for most people as we drive around Agra. Having been here last year, it wasn't such a culture shock for me and I felt prepared for the throngs of people, the cows in the middle of the road, the noise, the pollution, etc. However, I was watching the faces and the eyes of my fellow travellers, and it is truly an experience that everyone should have at least once in their lifetime! We arrived mid-day yesterday, and arrival at the airport went very smoothly. As we pulled into the parking lot of the hotel, we received a very warm welcome (which you will see in the pictures). Actually, most of this blog will be pictures because words just cannot describe what life is like here in Agra. We are so very blessed in North America!!!!!! (especially as women!!!!).

Dinner last night was at the famous Taj View hotel, with Kathak dancers. We are staying at the The Mughal Agra hotel (www.luxurycollection.com/itcmughal) It was a Sheraton hotel last year (and therefore my friend, Kate Ashton, was following along with great interest as I posted pictures and stories about the food and service here), but now it is in different hands. I just love the internet in my room. Brenda, on the other hand, LOVES her room which faces the pool. Fay got slippers! Carroll got chocolates. I got a smoking room...........

Dinner was by the poolside and I was in my glory because it was just a tad cool outside. I loved that, while others pulled out their sweaters, fleece jackets, pashminas, .......whatever they had! The setting was quite beautiful and relaxing. We had another buffet; food was lovely for most, challenging for some and just downright strange for others. (I loved it all; the spicier the better!) There was some entertainment.......dancers and a magician. We left at about 9:30-ish and headed back for sweet dreams!

This morning, back up and at 'em .....on the bus for the Taj Mahal. Well, that's where the adventure began as we worked our way through traffic........both man and beast. Pictures will describe, but not really give you the true sense of what it sounds like and feels like. Entering the Taj Mahal was like trying to get into Fort Knox........security was incredible. No gum, no chocolate (not that I had any anyway!), no big bags, no video cameras, no cell phones, no nothing..........but cameras. At first sight, the Taj Mahal takes your breath away. I heard many people commenting on the splendor of seeing it in person, after reading so much about it. What was most spectacular was the screen around the tomb of Queen Mumtaz Mahal. Awe, serenity, majesty, love, unbelievable, beauty, peace, .....all words used by people visiting the Taj Mahal.

From the Taj Mahal, we were back on the bus and off to a carpet factory where we were treated to a demonstration of single and double knotted silk carpet making; tea was served too. There were other areas in the building where they sold jewellery, pottery, cashmere sweaters, etc. Purchases were made! It was an interesting and worthwhile little stop. We also visited a marble factory which, again, was interesting and where many dollars were left behind.

Back on the bus......and off to the Red Fort. The man who build the Taj Mahal for his beloved wife (who bore him 14 children!!!! in 18 years....!!!!!) was actually imprisoned there by his son. She died during childbirth because she wasn't anywhere she could get medical attention. Thus, the Taj Mahal as a symbol of his love for her! (ahhhhhhhhh)

Back on the bus........and to the hotel for some rest and relaxation before dinner. Dinner was a quiet affair in the hotel restaurant. Everyone (I believe) was pleased to just have a low-key dinner, visit with each other and get to bed early. I, personally, rush to my room to do this blog (now, with the help of my committee). In the process of writing this blog, I get a personal phone call from "Princess Fay" to please come to the lobby, now, and get a picture of Betty Legenhausen who was in the lobby wearing her custom made punjabi outfit. She looked "booooooo-ti-ful"!!!!!! On the way back to my room, I saw another blog opportunity.......none other than the Bradleys, Williams and Ripleys (with Joan) doing what they do best.......having fun and laughing lots! Gotta love that!!!!!

Ok, time to end the blog and post the pictures........and oh ya, here comes Ben! Now I have the committee and the Chairman of the Board helping me with this. It's bound to be a best seller!!!!!!!!

If you love it, let me know. If you don't, contact the Complaint Department.......

Bye, bye.

(Good night, Mom. I love you!)

There are more than 40 pictures on this blog. Be sure to scroll all the way down, and then click on the "2" at the bottom of the page to take you to the next page of photos. They are all so interesting, I think.

Happy Pat (and Ben, Carroll, Brenda and Fay!)

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