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In Agra and getting ready to visit the Taj (as it is called here) early tomorrow. Had a potentially disastrous start to our visit to India when we staggered off a plane at 2am, were assured our driver would be ready to take us to agra today at 10.30am, only to have the travel firm deny all knowledgeat 11.15. However, it only took a phone vcall from KL at Barrhead Trvel for this to be sorted and off we jolly well went.
All the cliches about India are true; we saw cows and donkeys and the occasional horse grazing on the central reservation of the NH2 - National Highway 2. Saw a poor wee donkey pulling a cart loaded with at least 8 people. Saw a man sleeping between two lanes of oncoming traffic. Saw a wee boy of about 10 leading a buffalo cow and 2 calves on a bit of string.
The traffic is utterly unbelievable. Our driver Ranjith is a genius the way he negotiates his way through this ridiculous onslaught of vehicle mayhem (Craig's description).
Craig here - It's been a shocking eye opener, had my heart in my mouth on a taxi journey to an ATM before we even left for Agra. But, weirdly, you do kind of get used to this bizarre idea of how to drive around in India. The most overwhelming thing is the number of people on the roads and pavement.
Jean here: it's amazing to see a guy hanging on to a 'backie' (open-backed truck) wearing a shirt and suit trousers and carrying a briefcase. This is a very vibrant society - ambitious, hard-working, good with people.
Craig here again - Btw we have no photos of this journey because firstly, we were the only foreigners on the road and were being stared down anyway and secondly, it would have been extremely rude to point cameras at people going about their daily lives. We'll fill you on how the rest goes...
- comments
Frances Nisbet Hi Jean & Craig, sounds a bit hairy!! Hope you are both having a great time? See you soon. Lotsa love Frran xxxxxx
edna India is an amazing country of contrasts it was an unforgettable experience for me Enjoy! Edna x
Carolina Herrera Quiero fotos de la india, me encanta este país.
Muriel Reid It's over forty years since I was in India but I expect there are many things that haven't changed. Watch out for the creepy crawlies!
Linda Hair Hi Jean and Craig, The class liked Craig's new suit and wondered if he could wear his new suit when he comes to visit Ochiltree Primary! Peter wondered if you were going to visit the Commonwealth Games whilst you are in India. Aiden loves Indian curries and would like to know if you are going to try any curries there. Archie, Lyndsay, Chloe and Morven ask what is your favourite place in the whole trip and why was it your favourite place? Amy asked have you enjoyed your holiday and would you do something similar again? I hope that your travels have given the children a taste of adventure. This is our last message to you as it is the end of term today. We have thoroughly enjoyed sharing your adventures with you and hope to meet you in person. Safe journey to home!
Jean Nisbet Hello, Ochiltree! And enjoy your holidays when they arrive! About Craig's suit - yes, he'll wear it when he visits - along with his handmade shirt! Peter - we haven't seen much of the Cmmonwealth Games BUT we travelled from Singapore to Delhi with the Aussie rugby team, shared our Delhi hoel with the CWG security detail - and got held up at the Taj Mahal this morning when the athletes attended a reception there - I do mean held up - by Indian army people with big guns..... Aiden - we're just back from having the most fabulous curry at the best restaurant in Jaipur, the Spice House(?). I had mutton bunha with pillau rice (with veg) and the best chapatis and nahn you've ever tasted! Craig had the same as me but with chicken bunha - and ate like a pig! Archie, Lyndsay, Chloe and Morven - our favourite place? I can only answer for me...and I;m going to wait till Kathmandu before I answer!
Jean Nisbet Hello, Ochiltree! And enjoy your holidays when they arrive! About Craig's suit - yes, he'll wear it when he visits - along with his handmade shirt! Peter - we haven't seen much of the Cmmonwealth Games BUT we travelled from Singapore to Delhi with the Aussie rugby team, shared our Delhi hoel with the CWG security detail - and got held up at the Taj Mahal this morning when the athletes attended a reception there - I do mean held up - by Indian army people with big guns..... Aiden - we're just back from having the most fabulous curry at the best restaurant in Jaipur, the Spice House(?). I had mutton bunha with pillau rice (with veg) and the best chapatis and nahn you've ever tasted! Craig had the same as me but with chicken bunha - and ate like a pig! Archie, Lyndsay, Chloe and Morven - our favourite place? I can only answer for me...and I;m going to wait till Kathmandu before I answer!
Jean Nisbet Sorry, Amy - didn't mean to post so quickly there! The holiday has been fabulous and we'd do it again but I would certainly encourage you all at Ochiltree to think of travelling when you are YOUNG. You need energy to do the 4am starts and the 16 hour days! Craig has the energy sometimes - me not so much!