Dec 20th Pics

I checked out of the hotel around 9 AM and my driver and I headed towards Agra. I needed to stop and get some more cash, so we found an ATM on the way. It's very easy to get money here in India. I think that is true so you can give it to them.

The drive was pretty wild. Mr. Singh must be a good driver, because we aren't dead and we didn't kill anyone. Even though there are 2 lanes marked on the highway, there really is about 7 lanes. Mr. Singh likes to use about 6 of them. (Power just went off in the hotel. Common occurrence here in India. It will probably be back on by the time I get to the end of the paragraph. Yep, back on.) There are likes of bicycles, motorbikes, cars, trunks, camels, and people walking. Mr. Singh gets around all of them, with only inches to spare. Not a trip for the faint-of-heart.

Along the way, we were getting around a camel, and some guy acted like he was going to throw something at the car. Mr. Singh ain't taking that! He got out a yelled at the guy for a bit. I would have laughed and laughed, be he seemed pretty upset. He said the country people are like animals, even the cows are smarter. Pretty funny stuff.

Crusin' down the highway

We finally arrive at Fatephur Sikri and met our guide for the afternoon. You wouldn't believe the number of peddlers. They are everywhere and they are a pain-in-the-ass. You just have to ignore them. At least there was a bathroom I could use (20 rupees, please). Fatephur Sikri is another amazing place.

From Eyewitness Travel Guide India

Built by Emperor Akbar between 1571 and 1585 in honor of Salim Chishti, a famous Sufi saint of the Chishti order, Fatehpur Sikri was the Mughal capital for 14 years. A fine example of a Mughal walled city with defined private and public areas and imposing gateways, its architecture, a blend of Hindu and Islamic styles, reflects Akbar's secular vision as well as his style of governance. After the city was abandoned, some say for lack of water, many of its treasures were plundered. It owes its present state of preservation to the initial efforts of the viceroy, Lord Curzon, a legendary conservationist.

Fatehpur Sikri

After making our way through the peddlers again, we went to Jami Masjid, which is right next door. Because it is a mosque, we had to remove our shows (20 rupees to watch you shoes, sir). There are even peddlers on the inside. They are very persistent.

From Eyewitness Travel Guide India

Jami Masjid - This grand open mosque towers over the city of Fatehpur Sikri and was the model for several Mughal mosques. Flanked by arched cloisters, its vast congregational area has monumental gateways to the east and south. The spiritual focus of the complex is the tomb and hermitage of the Sufi mystic, Salim Chishti, as popular today as it was during the time of Akbar.

Jami Masjid

We then drove to Agra. Along the way, there were many men with Himalayan Sun Bear's. I guess you could take a picture with them and pay them something. I didn't take any pictures, because I don't think it's a good thing for them to do.

We made it to my hotel, the Clark Shiraz. Outside my room in the garden, they are setting up something big. I don't know what it is yet, but I bet it's going to be loud!

Another good day! Except for the diarrhea (but that's taken care off!)

Dec 20th Pics

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