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Published: December 10th 2011
Orphanage Children
Some of the kids we met at the orphanageWe exited Delhi stage left although not without a train station glitch on our part. Pans out Delhi has several train stations and our train left from the other one. Which other one we are not sure but we made it there.
After 4 hours in 3rd class, a visit from some mice and some interesting sights along the way we arrived in Agra, home of the Taj Mahal.
Most people spend at best one night in Agra. We had been warned it was a hole which could have been problamatic as we had four nights booked. After four night we can only conclude that we have seen all Agra has to offer and much more than most. We didn't get bored and are definately glad we had the time we did.
Last time we travelled it occurred to us that we receive so much from a country by way of experience and hospitality that we felt it was important to give back. We felt a positive and constructive way to do this was to make a donation to a local orphanage. Prior to leaving we purchased an assortment of clothing, books and pens.
We sought advice
Taj Mahal
I'm not sure we would have been a true tourist if we didn't take this photo from our hostel on where to find an orphanage and they offered the help of Manush who was a hostel staff member. Manush guided us the 4km walk to the orphanage. We were greeted by Ralph, the German missionary who had set the orphanage up 11 years prior. Our gifts were appreciated and we were invited to spend time talking and playing with the children.
The children are incredibly lucky to be where they are. Apart from receiving the basic living requirements they are all educated to university level and some are even working on masters degrees. It was humbling to hear the dreams and aspirations of children who have grown up in this environment.
On the return journey Manush invited us into his home to meet his family including his parents, brothers, nieces and nephews. We were greeted warmly and shared tea with the family. Despite communication being an obvious barrier we thoroughly enjoyed being welcomed into their home.
The events of today are probably the most genuine and humbling experiences we have had in India so far.
The next morning we surfaced at 5:30am. Alarm clock not required thanks to the super loud broadcast
prayer call from the local mosques.
In the dark we walked up to the west gate of the Taj Mahal to be one of the first 100 odd people in the queue.
We entered the outer courtyard and then the inner courtyard. The fog was thick and visibility was around 50 metres. As we walked down the courtyard the Taj Mahal progressively revealed herself to us.
The monument can only be described as incredible. No matter how well any review describes the Taj it does no justice to the sight in person, even when obscured through fog it was stunning.
The monument itself was built for Mumtaz who died giving birth to her 14th child. We worked out this was 10.5 years spent pregnant so she probably deserved the monument.
We stayed for around four hours watching the fog slowly burn off. The experience was like watching a beautiful lady reveal herself from beneath a cloak. Every minute we saw the Taj in a different light. It's no wonder it's one of the seven wonders of the world and it was a privledge to experience it.
Equally enjoyable was the sanctuary that the Taj
First view
Our first look at the outside of the Taj. Maybe 7:00am offered. Despite the touts waiting beyond walls, what the Taj represents has never been exploited and the experience was incredibly intimate.
We have also been educated on the way of the cow. We already knew that cows were important although I don't think we comprehended perhaps how much. If a cow is in the road you drive around it, if it wants to eat produce from your stand then you let it and if it wants to walk into your house you welcome it. It you dare to hit the cow then you will not have favour with the gods. And best not one request beef in a restraurant or the likely response is a request to leave.
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Mum Riley
non-member comment
The Cows
Sounds like having great experiences - wonderful. I think the cows are holy - hopefully not holey. Mxx