Taj Mahal

On the way to Agra

View from the train to Agra

In front of the Taj Mahal

Mrs. Davila holding up the Taj

Mrs. Muscarello in front of the reflecting pool

We awoke at 4:00 for a 5:00 a.m. pick up. Our driver was waiting in the lobby and drove use to the Delhi train station to board the Shotabdi Express to Agra. The train arrived on time and we were off for the two hour ride. The train was fairly clean, and they served a small breakfast. We were seated next to a woman from Agra, who helped us by letting us know that the station was approaching. When we got off the train in Agra, our guide was waiting and walked us to our car. We then drove to the Taj gate and proceeded to buy our entrance tickets. The Indian government has an interesting system for admission to the site: 20 rupees for Indian citizens and 750 rupees for "foreigners". Yikes! After making our way through security, including a wanding and pat-down, we entered the gate.

I was hot, very hot, but apparently the monsoon rains had cooled down the temperatures. Unfortunately, those same rains sent the humidity through the roof. We thought Houston was humid, but this was a "whole 'nother level" of humid. Despite the heat and oppressive humidity, we continued on and were blessed with a stunning view of the Taj. In fact, the heat, coupled with free admission in the afternoon, kept the crowd level low and we were able to enjoy the beauty of the monument somewhat unspoiled by hoards of tourists.

We happened to be visiting on the celebration of the 90th anniversary of the death of Shah Jahan, the Mughal emperor who ordered the monument erected in loving memory of his wife. Because of the celebration, the tombs under the Taj were open to visitors. After visiting the tombs, our guide showed us the semi-precious inlay work that adorned the surface of the monument. The detail was astounding! The memory of adoring the monument will stay with us forever.

Tomorrow we are heading to Gurgaon to visit a middle school and observe mathematics teaching. We will then meet with a University of Delhi professor to discuss teacher education in India.