Wilcoxen fam: Agra/Day 2

When planning for the trip we tried to make arrangements to buy train tickets from Delhi to Agra (the city where the Taj Mahal is) and back. But our credit card didn't work with the Indian system. We very fortunately had a friend from China who is Indian and was back in India who graciously helped us to buy the tickets. The problem is that this is the summer season. Many schools have time off and it is the season when many people are traveling so, you guessed it, train tickets are really hard to find. We had been able to buy the trip to Agra, but not the return trip. So after seeing the Taj Mahal early in the morning, we then went to the train station in hopes of buying a ticket back to Delhi that night. The system was quite complicated and we were so glad that our rickshaw driver (who we had bargained with to drive us around for the whole day) came in to help guide us through. We got in line to determine our number. They were currently serving #20 and we were given #98. Yikes. No surprise, we waited for over an hour just to find out that there were NO train tickets back to Delhi that night. We opted to buy a waiting ticket and come to check later in the day to see if tickets would become available. In the meantime, we went back to our hotel, had breakfast and then rested. Keep in mind that it was only about 9 AM at this point.

We met up with our driver again early in the afternoon and then visited the Agra Fort, Itmad-Ud-Daulah's Tomb (also known as the "Baby Taj"), and then went across the river to see another view of the Taj Mahal. While we were on our way to the Taj, the wind started picking up and really looked like it was going to rain. Several drops fell, but the wind made the dust swirl and create quite the dust storm. At one point, I had my extra shirt wrapped around my face and my sunglasses on (even though it was getting darker) to keep the dust out of my face and eyes. We got near the viewing spot and then walked the rest of the way. As we were walking the dust storm got even worse. I must confess that two thoughts were running through my mind: "this is destroying my contacts" and "omigosh, what is going in my mouth from the dust that I am inhaling?" On our way back to our CNG (auto rickshaw), we came across some children who were herding goats. They wanted us to take their picture. Of course, they wanted a little money. Then they said something that surprised me: "chocolate?" I guess, kids are kids, no matter the country. ☺We gave them each some money, unfortunately we had no chocolate. We got some dinner, stopped back at the train station only to learn that we were still on the waiting list but only numbers 12 and 13. Still no guarantee that we could get on the train that was leaving in an hour. We decided to give up on a train and hire a driver to take us back to Delhi. What ensued next was the longest and most terrifying drive of my life. I just want to say an aside to our mothers: Remember that we made it back safely as you read the next couple sentences. Just keep that in your mind.

Imagine a 4-lane highway with buses, cars and trucks. Then you add in motorbikes zipping in and out of traffic. Occasionally you even have an ox pulling a cart. Yes, on the highway. The traffic seems to be constantly changing lanes, each jockeying for the best position. Midway through our drive, our driver asked if we were hungry and indicated that he was going to stop to eat. I imagined a quick stop, 15-20 minutes and then back on our way. An hour later, our driver returned ready to resume our ride. It took us over 4.5 hours (not including the hour long dinner break) to drive 200 km (124 miles). The traffic was insane. Later Andy and I confessed to one another that we each spent the entire time praying for safety. I was never more glad to get out of a vehicle.

Agra Fort

Somehow Agra Fort reminded me of Redwall Abbey from the book, Redwall

I was asked to be in several pictures. But Andy was asked to be in none. I'm guessing it is the hair. And the height. Don't I look like a giant next to her?

"Baby Taj"

These buffalo were just wandering in the street. As they got closer and closer to our CNG, I moved closer and closer to Andy. Of course, they were on my side. He just laughed at me and kept taking pictures.