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Our first true day of experiencing India began with an amazing breakfast buffet that truly encompassed the international business community that India is tied to. Chinese steamed buns, baked beans, tomatoes, donuts, congee, nan bread, various curries, cereal, fresh fruit, Yakult, breads, juices, ... the choices seemed endless. With full stomachs we set off to meet our driver and begin our two days of more tourist based activities.
Our tour of Delhi was led by a tour guide (Lalit) and driver (Rahm). Our busy excursion allowed us to experience Humayun's Tombs, the largest mosque in India, witness poverty next to prosperity, see a religious parade in honor of Shiva, ride in a rickshaw and walk through Old Delhi (where we visited small streets that specialized in selling silver, beads, lace/trim, wedding clothing/decorations, and fabric wares), and all got to enjoy a tasting a sweet treat from a vendor. Lunch was a feast filled with the tastes of Northern India.
The streets of Delhi contain all modes of transportation which flow together. One can see a motorcycle, pedestrians, car, bicycle, rickshaw, and a cow-pulled cart all together on one busy street. We were all amazed at how well drivers navigate what appears to be a traffic storm for us, but is simple reality to those that live here, with little apparent aggression.
Our 4 hour drive to Agra took us through beautiful farmland countryside. The monsoons (rainy season) arrived later than usual this year, resulting in crops being behind their typical growing stage. Rice fields, potato, lentils, and food stock for animals are the main crop fields we passed. The openness of the countryside was a stark contrast to the constraints of buildings of Delhi. Clouds rolled across the countryside bringing heavy rains during our drive, inducing sleep unto all of our group (thankfully not the driver). Arriving at a traffic jam at the entry to Agra brought us back to the realities of urban life. We even got an added aspect to this traffic jam! Every Monday this month brings floods of of people into town for a religious celebration. Trucks were parked along the highway, reducing the flow of traffic to a true standstill.
Tomorrow brings us the Taj Mahal and Red Fort!
Ty Thayer
- comments
Margaret Beenken A very good picture of life there (seemingly at a glance). It's hard to believe the change from home ,especially the traffic. Our thanks!