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My final morning in Japiur was a short one, after some toast and a drink I headed for the station. I stocked up on water and boarded. A much shorter journey than previously I simply read a book and considered my plans for the evening. Once in Agra I had to put a move on if I wanted to enter the grounds of the Taj, the last entry was at roughly 6 and the fact it is closed on Friday meant this would be my only option. After a pit-stop at my less than impressive guesthouse I hopped on a rickshaw and headed to the west gate of the Taj Mahal.
The surrounding streets, and Agra in general come to mention it leave a hell of a lot to be desired, probably on a par with those around the Bandra area of Mumbai. Everything is dirty, the streets have an enclosed and seedy ora, it feels unsafe. I didn't stop to explore but walked purposely to the ticket booth shrugging off valiant attempts by shopkeepers to engage me in conversation. After accepting my 'complimentary water' which I am sure my vastly over inflated entrance ticket more than covers, I proceed into the complex.
I wasn't in the mood to tolerate idle chit chat from the would be guides and 'professional' photographers wanting to take cliché photos of me jumping in front of the white marble mausoleum. So I walked briskly into the main entrance and there it was in all it's glory.
Built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his third wife, The Taj sits unapologetically perched on the horizon. A world wander and a tick on many bucket lists. I jostled and got some photos, experimenting with angles and perspectives. I couldn't help think how marvellous it would be to come here when nobody was around, for all the laughing, chatting, and the constant cries of 'excuse me sir' there was still a mystical atmosphere. I see my opportunity to ask a young Far-Eastern guy to take a pic for me, they do know how to take a good photo. Indeed he did, and I returned the favour.
I continued inside the famous 17th Century dome, choosing to go bare foot rather than look like a forensic investigator with strange netted shoe covers. I quite like being barefoot, I find socks and shoes restrictive! And people who sleep with their socks on confuse the hell out of me, I put them on a par with Hitler, Mussolini and Joey Essex.
I sauntered around slowly and as my camera ran out of battery I took a final 10 minutes to comprehend the views, before retreating to my rickshaw driver. I make no apologies for my next actions.
On the hectic journey to the Taj we passed a KFC. I wondered if they did 'normal' chicken. So on the return journey I stopped on the opposite side of the road and tackled the dual carriageway. It's kind of enjoyable that you have to cross roads based on reactions and common sense. It's amazing how capable you are as a human to not really need a flashing green light to help you cross. India makes you take responsibility for your actions, no health and safety, no adverts for "where there's blame there's a claim" ....if you trip up at work it's not because someone didn't fix the concrete slab, it's because your a clumsy buffoon! I much prefer the India way of taking self responsibility.
Whilst the menu was different, KFC was on the whole the same, chicken, chips, boneless strips. I had the lot! Who knows when the next bucket full of western food will come again. Cheers to Colonel Sanders!
I settle in to my room, plagued by Mosquitos and flies, I start to get agitated! The room only cost £1.98 a night but I'm not sure I can hack this, the thought of waking up bitten to death is frustrating me and I consider moving. A guy from reception came in and suggested as it had been raining so much, and it had, that I should turn my room light off. He was of course correct and the flow of creatures stemmed to the point I could feel more comfortable about going to sleep. There were storms throughout the night occasionally knocking out the power, leaving me to sweat profoundly under the dormant fan. Overall not the worst nights sleep, and probably the cheapest!
I look forward to meeting the guys from Udaipur. A newly forged plan of dinner in Delhi should be a good catchup. I note they have been on a camel ride in the desert. Whilst fun I am personally struggling with the animal cruelty her in India. I don't imagine the camels are treated well for one minute.
I'm kind of done with Agra now and not sure what to do today, I don't really want to spend any more money here so may slob around and finish my book; Praetorian, a story of Centurions and Legionaries - Rome in AD 51.
Life could be worse, much worse!
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