You have to laugh,

Tonight is my last full night in India, and what better way to celebrate it, than to have a Gin and Tonic on the rooftop of the first 5 star restaurant in Agra, or the city where the Taj Mahal is located. I think that if I squint hard enough, it may be possible to see the Taj. I know it is supposed to be beautiful in the moonlight, and at sunrise, but the thought of running the gauntlet one more time, is a little daunting. I know before leaving Canada, I stated that if things got really crazy, I would hole up in a 5* and wait for my flight. I have to say, that at no time did I ever feel that this would be necessary, although, tonight I am staying in the hotel, and not venturing out for the "perfect views". Although, my roof-top perch has been set up for a private party, with all the necessary components, including a live band.

The trip from Brahatpur was uneventful, except for the last 15-20 kms, when we travelled on local roads. what a trip, I completely understand why Harnek was only going 15 or 20 kms an hour. I would not want to have to change a flat tire on that road, (and I mean on the road, because there really was no where to pull over). While I said I was done taking pictures of packed traffic situations, over-crowded buses, I had to add one more, I not only saw the gent run after the bus, but also climb on the ladder, and ride it down the highway, this deserved a picture.

The guidebook stated that you had to have a sense of humour when dealing with the "hawkers" on the way to and from the Taj. I now understand, they not only hit you up on the way in, where they try to sell you goods, (that you can not take inside), but also wait for you on the way out, (way to go Johnny Boy), I made a tragic error, I stated a price, that was obviously too high, and there was no way to get out of it, 500 rupees for a book about the stuff in Agra, and post-cards. Especially, since I bought 3 tee-shirts for 250 rupees. You win some, you lose some.

One of the scams in the guide book, was to be on the watch for "touts" who take you to special shops, to get "rock bottom", only for you prices. I figured that since I already had a driver, I would be immune to this type of situation, what I never bargained on was, my driver getting sucked in. Our guide at the Taj, who in addition to being very knowledgeable about the Taj, and where to take the best pictures, (Guiding is a family business), wanted to show us the "other" part of the Taj, specifically an inlaid marble shop, where I could white marble items, inlaid with precious gems, done in the same fashion and by the descendants of the original workers. I have to admit, that I was tempted, the prices were reasonable, and they were very nice pieces. THEN, I saw similar items, being "hawked" to the tourists who thought they were safe. Oh well.

However, the real adventure began, when we had to see a shop where they manufactured genuine silk carpets by hand, (3 persons, 3 months to create one carpet). On the way in, I passed a British lady who was on her way out, and she said "Be prepared", once again the strategy is to throw everything out, and eventually you may purchase one. In this case, I was pretty close, especially since he went from 26,000 rupees, to 10,000 rupees as his final price as I walked out the door. I guess I could have purchased it and shipped it back home, but what would I do with a hand-made silk carpet, if I could fly, maybe. (I just got the reference to flying carpet, so many of them came out so quickly, it was like they were "flying off the shelves".

Well, tomorrow is the start of a travel day, and eventually, I will arrive in my next country, without any big problems. I hope you enjoyed this part of my blog, and stay tuned for the next part, "Not another Fracking Temple", or "What do you mean, those are illegal here, I bought them at Costco, DAVE".