The day started with Luke vomiting and Tim rushing to the toilet: The Maharajah's Revenge in full swing. Very thankful that we have nice accommodation and access to clean towels and fresh water and somewhere to lie down. Needless to say breakfast looked fantastic but we stuck to weak black tea and water!
 |
| Mule on the road! |
Annika and I went for a walk to buy some more Himalaya hair oil. My hair was so dry and straw like and dead that it was just breaking off. This is seemingly a common problem in India as the shelves are full of hair fall products and after a "treatment" last night my hair feels soft again and apparently the water is full of chemicals which dry everything. Our skin is also so dry and as the atmosphere is constantly dusty with not a drop of humidity, it is no wonder.
 |
| Camel carts are common around here. |
I love the art of tea making here. My daily treat is a masala chai. The tea is carefully made with ginger crushed in a mortar and pestle and other spices, even black pepper, and boiled with the tea and milk before it is strained and served. Usually it costs 10-20 Rupee. The stall owners love to have a chat with us and see photos. There is no such thing as hurry or rush in India, and the sooner you relax into their mode, the better.
The tuk tuk drivers are SO persistent and we just want to walk!!! I wa stressed about a little mule stuck in the middle of the road and tried to help him over to no avail. The vehicles just zoomed around him and the locals assured me he'd be alright. There are so many animals straying all over the roads. The number of dogs is incredible and it is a common sight to see mummy dogs wandering around with full teats scrounging for food for the hungry litter. Our veterinary friends' dog de-sexing services are sorely needed here!
As Annika and I are the only ones feeling like exploring today we walked to the Agra Fort. It is on the other side of the river which at present is a flat flood plain on which cows are grazing and people are living. We could see the hazy Taj Mahal from the balconies of the fort.
 |
| Red Fort from the outside, NB Drawbridge over moat. |
 |
| At the entrance |
 |
| Intricate designs |
 |
| Use of blue inlay |
 |
| More white marble |
 |
| Sculptured gardens |
 |
| Great spot for a jump |
 |
| Pole dancing? |
 |
| Taj Mahal from balcony |
 |
| (Be)holding the Taj |
 |
| The terrace, the Taj, the view... |
 |
| From the balcony - note the low balustrades |
 |
| Hand stand opportunity, under the arches |
The Agra Fort, is built from red stone and is by far the most intricate carving we have seen. Lots of beautiful inlaid stone as well and use of more blue colours which I love.
 |
| Imagine the hours and skill needed to make this, one of many hundreds of panels |
 |
| Each panel is carefully placed and carved. |
 |
| Irises in marble |
 |
| All inlaid marble |
It is surrounded by a dried up moat and we walked across a draw bridge!! The water supply was cut off from the city during a conflict and the water way to the fort remains blocked.
 |
| A genuine draw bridge |
 |
| These women wanted a photo with Annika so I took the opportunity, too! |
Within the fort was a harem where 5000 women were kept in separate chambers for the moghuls' pleasure.
 |
| Entrance to the library |
We could see inside some of the domes and arches that beautiful painting had graced the walls in rich colours. The internal areas have not been maintained and in the gloom the walls were hard to see. What we could see were pinks and blues in floral patterns. What constantly stuns us is the elegance and beauty of life in bygone days and the contrast of the squalor outside. Although, having said that, even the poorest women dress in colourful saris and seem to appreciate beauty. The West is so bland in comparison.
 |
| Faded and unmaintained painting on internal walls |
Thrilling for Annika was a tame chipmunk who ate from her hand!! They are so sweet.
 |
| SO cute! |
 |
| Indian green parrot |
We took a tuk tuk back and I enjoyed some more delicious masala chai and a chat with the vendor. It was interesting to discuss about his children. Two were born at home, quickly and unassisted which was good because he didn't have to pay 7000 Rupee. His other 2 children were born in a hospital where he did have to pay. Medicine is available without prescription over the counter and as doctors cost, people basically buy what they think they need and medicate themselves with all sorts of unnecessary and even harmful drugs.
Dinner tonight will be cheap as only Luke and Annika are going to attempt a bit of food! It is a day of travelling tomorrow back to New Delhi and familiar surrounds.
 |
| Masala Chai |
No comments:
Post a Comment