As a five-year old, I had this large fairytale book. It was square, about 16 by 16 inches and it contained a number of fairytales that Mom read to me. All the images in this book were hand drawn, one of those was of the Taj Mahal. I was intrigued by it, I could stare at it for hours. Later on in life I discovered that that picture in that fairytale book really exists, and is known as the Taj Mahal. I still remember and promised myself that I would visit the site. Well, here we are…!

Taj Mahal

I’m still getting goose bumps just thinking about my visit to the Taj Mahal. Those who know me a bit better knows that I don’t use superlatives all that often (actually– not at all). I have to say that the Taj Mahal is one of the most impressive and beautiful ‘things’ (by lack of better word) that I have ever seen. It is right there. It is beautiful. It is majestic. It is emotional. It made me more than humble. It is very peaceful. I went to visit two days in succession and I could just sit there and soak it all in– despite the 80.000 other people surrounding me, here and there was some quietness. At one side is the river, one can only imagine how the scene would have looked like, some centuries ago. I don’t think it has changed as much.

Fatehpur Sikri

Agra Fort

When Agra was the capital, Mughal emperor Humayun was crowned here.

A walk through the ‘hood.

In search of a container of Nescafé, it dawned upon me that I should not look for a super market (let alone a 7-11), but a General Store. This adventure led me through one of Agra’s neighborhoods. I had no idea what I got myself into…

I ran into this trouppe of kids dearly wanted to be photographed. Notice the ‘cool dude’ on his motor cycle.

This guy really wanted to show off. As motor cycle rider myself, I sadly forgot to ask how many CC the engine has. I bet no more than 300 or 400cc.

More kids wanting to pose. Maybe they believe I am connected with Hollywood…

mnmnm

This friendly chap wanted to know everything about me. Not sure if he understood anything I said, I tried my best though…

Finally, I found this hole-in-the-wall general store that sold what I was looking for: Instant Karma Coffee! I was helped by this friendly young lady.

This gentleman had a speech ready for me. Unfortunately, we did not speak each others language.

Today appeared to be a day of festivities in Agra. Lots of parades. Not that I minded 🙂

The parades continued their way into old-town Agra.

Agra by Night

My hotel room was next to a fair ground with a cozy amount of souvenir stalls and small restaurants. Music started playing after I checked in, so after dinner, it was off to those fairgrounds.

Even here I was approached by friendly kids wanting to say ‘Hi’ and ‘Where are you from?’ and all wanted their photo taken.

I was honored to witness this traditional community dance (which name escaped me). I was there just for taking some candid photos, but it appears that quite a number of people wanted me to join. Wasn’t it for the photo backpack that I was carrying, I would have joined.