Yesterday was a busy, but I feel like it was a productive one. After seeing the might that is the Taj, my tuk tuk driver, and his brother, took me on a tour of Agra, including the baby taj mahal, the black mahal, the Agra fort, and a swimming pool!
The baby taj was build 20 years before the taj mahal, and is pretty much a baby taj...! Its in a very scenic location, next to the river, and beautiful gardens. There wasn't much to see in the building itself, but was fascinating nonetheless. I sat on top of the hill to the river front for, what must have been, an hour, watching the cows wallow in the river, and the local kids play. The thing that really stood out though, was the litter. It was everywhere! I can't say I'm not surprised, as I'm in India, not Chelsea, but there quantity was astounding.
Following the baby taj, we whizzed off to see the foundations on the black taj mahal. This is location on the other side of the river, opposite the taj. The reason for it only being a foundation, is due to the fact that black marble was almost there times the price of white marble when they build the two of them, and sadly the project didn't go ahead. However, it does make for a beautiful views of the taj mahal, with nothing but there sound of the birds. No bloody american tourists in their polo shirts, chino shorts, and white pulled up socks with trainers.
Having visited the black taj, it was almost 12, and was BOILING. We were planning on going to the Agra fort, but I decided against it, as I was struggling in the heat. I therefore decided to go and cool off at a hotel pool nearby. Its safe to say that it saved me. I stayed here for 4 hours, before leaving for the train station.
Arriving at a grotty, smelly and hot train station, I didn't have high hopes for my 5 pound train to Jaipur. But I couldn't have been more wrong. I had booked the chair class, which is air conditioned, but was much cooler than my first class trip from Delhi. My first class trip coast me 3 times the price, and all I got was a top bunk and a fan above my head. I also had to share with 2 others, who turned out to be very friendly, but I didn't enjoy the trip. My train from Agra to Jaipur, on the other hand, was delightful. I may sound a tad camp saying that sentence, but it really was. I had a comfy seat, with a table and lots of legroom. I was sitting next to and opposite three very welcoming men, who I actually felt I could trust. They didn't have an ulterior motive, like 90% of people you meet in India. We then got food! Free food! I got a bottle of water, chai, some orange wafers, nuts, and this yummy pastry thingy. I thought that was all, but I was wrong! We then got treated to curry and rice with chapati and some ice cream to finish it all off. Surely they must be making a loss. There were at least 100 people in that particular class, and this was all for 5 pounds. Makes the UK first class and train system look like a fool.
I arrived into Jaipur late into the night, at 11ish, and had organised a pick up from the station, but guess what. He wasn't there! Second time in 4 days. But when I got to hotel pearl palace, i was pleased with what I saw. I have a nice air conditioned room, with satellite TV and a private bathroom. Its also very comfy.
Today was a late one, and once I'd woken up, I got a taxi to the spa. Thought I'd treat myself. Was nice to relax and de stress. I then got a tut tut to take me to all the sights in the city. I went to the city palace, hawamahal, jantaar mantar, and the Albert's half. Yes,its called the Albert's hall. It's a museum..nothing exciting. Thee most impressive by far was the city palace. I got an audio guide, and t really brought to life the displays. Was an amazing building as well.
Tomorrow I am going to all three forts surrounding the city. I can't remember all their names off the top of my head, but I'm excited!
Wow, that was a long one today. Hope none of you fell asleep reading it! I've just finished ma curry and off to bed. See you back in Delhi!
H
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