Our Adventures in Delhi/ Agra

Our adventure began bright and early Friday morning (well I guess not so bright because it was 3 in the morning) but our spirits were high with excitement as we hopped in the vans to take a two-hour drive to the Chennai International Airport. Despite the fact that we were very excited for this weekend, Jordan and I were also rather nervous for the long trip seeing as we both were feeling sick with stomach problems the day before. Even at 3 in the morning, we were amazed at how crazy the roads in India still are. Truck drivers barreling through bumpy roads with no intention of stopping (except if a cow happen to be crossing the road) was a common occurrence at this time of the morning. Every time one would pass us by we could see three or four people sitting in the bed of the truck fast asleep while still sitting up. I guess it was a pretty early morning for everyone.

After arriving in Delhi and being picked up by our tour bus, we toured through the nicest area we have seen in India.  This was where the embassies and government buildings are.  The Indian government has a parliament, and a woman leader for the first time in their history.  After that, we were taken to a little rickshaw business when each of us got to take a bicycle rickshaw tour through Old Delhi.  The old part of the city couldn’t be any more different from the government section. As we loaded on to the rickshaws, we were super excited for a totally new experience, and we had it.  You would have to know India to understand that riding anything on the streets is an adventure in itself, but especially when your mode of transport is a skinny Indian man trying to pull the two of us along on a bike.  We fit through bustling alleyways not wider than 5 feet, and through countless markets and bazaars.  We were really bummed we couldn’t get out, because they had some amazing stuff.  At one point, one of the rickshaws in our group made contact with a man pulling a cart full of sacks.  He was not happy, and approached the biker with fists swinging.  It broke out into a little street brawl, but was quickly diffused.  But it was enough to alarm us ever so slightly. 

We were then taken to the spice market, which contained hundreds of different types of spices creating a scent not escapable inside the market.  We picked up a few things, but also got to go to the top of one of the tallest buildings in Old Delhi and look at it all from above.  Think Aladdin and you got it.  One of the best things about these type of adventures is being on the street among all of the locals, walking among them, speaking(though limited) with them.  We are definitely a focus of attention.  After those few hours in Delhi we were off on the 6 hour or so bus ride to Agra.  Much of Friday and Sunday were spent traveling, though we did have good experiences along the way.

We arrived at our hotel in Agra around 10 o’clock.  When they call it the Jaypee palace, it isn’t an exaggeration, it really is like a palace.  One of the most beautifully structured hotels, with beautiful architecture and decorations.  The grounds surrounding were very large and gorgeous.  Having a larger bed, with Western toilets, and a hot running shower were paradise enough without all of the beauty surrounding us.  Unfortunately, we didn’t get to sleep much that night, because it was up and early again by 4 to get to the Taj Mahal early and miss the crowds/heat.

We began our day with the highlight of our trip, one of the seven modern wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal.  And a wonder it truly is.  We consistently marveled at it’s perfectly symmetrical(from all sides) design, the history that brought it forth, the work and sacrifice that was put in to etch each flower and cut each stone, and the beautiful white marble that defines it.  No amount of words could explain, you have to experience it yourself.  A brief history, it was built by the 5^th emperor in the Mughal dynasty for his favorite wife.  This wife he had married out of love, while the others had been arranged.  The Taj Mahal is a mausoleum that houses her tomb.  There was supposed to be a black one built across the river for him when he died, but it was never finished because of his wicked son, who was the 6^th and last emperor of the Mughal Dynasty. 

Following that visit we went back to the hotel to eat breakfast and rest, which was much needed and appreciated.  After we were all full and rested we headed back out to see the Agra Fort.  It served as a Palace to the emperor and his family, not to mention his 365 concubines. The craftsmanship and architecture was quite impressive, not being overshadowed by the Taj Mahal.  It was in the Agra Fort that the 6^th emperor imprisoned his father, the 5^th emperor, in a room that could look out upon the Taj Mahal, surely a daily torture for him. A funny thing that happened at both tourist attractions was that we turned into the attraction.  We were frequently flocked by Indians who wanted to take pictures of us, or even give us things.  They were very excited to see 26 Americans.

We then got to go shopping with varied success.  We tried many places, but both towns we have shopped in have been tourist towns, so we usually get the higher price.  But we always enjoy seeing what India has to offer and we had a great time! Afterwards we went to Pizza Hut!  That’s right, American Pizza!  Mmm, it tasted so good, and the crust was just the same!  We all enjoyed it and became friends with our waiter and the sub-manager.  After we were full, we headed back to the hotel fully satisfied with our day exploring the ancient city of Agra.

Sunday morning we hoped back on the bus and waved goodbye to the Jaypee Palace as we began our 6 hour trek back to Delhi.  Halfway through the trip, we had the awesome opportunity to get off the bus and take another mode of transportation. Elephant ride, anybody?  Miles the 10 foot baby elephant, provided a bumpy ride, and became Courtney’s new best friend, after me of course.  This fulfilled a goal we both had coming to India.  Too quickly, we got back on the bus and after another 7 hours of traveling by bus/plane/van we arrived back home at Rising Star at around midnight. It was a lot of travel, some sickness, and a lot of haggling, but we had a great weekend which we will never forget!