The Taj, Citar Gurus, and Street Dancing

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The city of Agra has turned out to be the most fun yet. Today began with a nice walk to the Agra fort. The fort provided some beautiful views of the very dry Yamuna river and the Taj Mahal in the distance. We then took a peaceful stroll through the Shajahan park which led to the Taj Ganj area in front of the Taj Mahal. We ate lunch on a rooftop restaurant with a wonderful view of the Taj and also were able to watch pigeon trainers at work on the adjacent rooftops. We spent the afternoon exploring the magnificence of the Taj Mahal and stayed until sunset. The detail that went into the construction is insane. We then made our way to a local music shop which provided a free citar show. The citar player was an old man called Swami Gee. He has given up worldly possesions for the sake of music. He played us some wonder tunes and even provided some insight into yogic philosophy, especially the yoga of knowledge. Bean payed for a lesson on the citar and spent one hour learning some of the basic techniques. While he was in his lesson, I had the opportunity to watch the preparations of a hindu wedding procession. Just as Bean finished his lesson, the procession set off and we began following it down the road. The groom rode in a huge glowing horse drawn carraige and was preceded by all of his family and friends, a marching band, and singer. There were fireworks and guns blasting. Some of the family pulled us into the dance area, so Bean and I had to lay down some red Love dance moves. We danced with them for about a mile down the street which was very exhausting. In the process Bean's toe got busted and my camera fell out of my pocket and smashed which sucks but we has a great time. We were invited to eat with the family and we happily oblidged. They shoved tons of food down our mouths and even a little whiskey too. We finally made it back to the hotel at about 11 pm and we both immediately passed out. This was by far the most exiciting day we've had and we've even been invited to a muslim wedding in Jaunpur tomorrow, so we may go at it again. Until next time...

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Comments

[Chad Stephens]

Mother Nature's Sons
Just a quick hello to my friends. It is 2am here in the states so that means you all must be eating some lunch right about now. Your trip sounds wonderful please continue to update us on your journeys and perhaps visit some Buddhist temples if 'time' permits. Farewell! Chad

[anonymous]

Questions.
Do the children of India have equivalents of Santa Clause, the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy and such? If so, do they grow out of these touching beliefs at about the same age as us Anglo-Saxons? In your posts, moorepants, there has been an obvious prominence of religious leaning, have you noticed any sort of resentment towards science and reason, or do the two stand harmoniously astride a hashish smoking, sitar playing, taj mahal building elephant that is standing on one foot and has 4 too many arms? Also, have you noticed the role of social anxiety in the country? or perhaps there is less of the feeling of quiet desperation that dominates in the US? Sure there are shy people, but are there people who are nervous and stand back and have to persuade themselves to do the simplest things like ask to use the bathroom? Does everyone pee outside? Are there trained monkeys? Is there a trained monkey liberation movement? Have you attended and danced at a ceremonius abortion? - John S.

[anonymous]

what time is it
Bean and Jason I can't believe that you are in India. Have you seen any effects of the tsunami? If so bean should give some of his missions $ to help. - matt

[anonymous]

How's the diarreaha
Hey friends. glad to hear everything is going well! The US isn't the same without you. When will you all become yogis? Do you guys mostly stay in hotels or hostels or religious places? Keep writing. And Matt, if your wondering, India's time is approxiamtly 12 hours ahead of our time. - Emily

[anonymous]

Hello Bean and Jason
Sounds like you are having a great time. It is 8pm here. We went to school 2 hours late because of ice. Miss you! Mom - Mom