Buildings of India

After almost 17 hours of traveling, I finally landed in New Delhi, India!  HIP, HIP, HOORAY!  I found the pre-paid taxi stand and climbed into the craziest "taxi" I have ever seen.  The incense burning on the passenger seat was enough to push me over the edge after such a long journey.  However, the incense quickly became a non-issue since I was actually afraid I may fall out of the taxi since the door didn't close or latch.  Luckily, I arrived at the hotel in one piece.  I learned that many of the hotels in India (and all of the ones in which we stayed) have guards who check your cars for bombs before they even let you through the first gate.  Once you pass the first inspection, you are allowed out of the taxi. You must then put your luggage on a conveyor belt so they can scan it for dangerous paraphernalia.  Next, you must walk  through the metal detector and only then may you finally enter the hotel.  

Thanks to Beth's many hotel points, we were able to stay in very fancy schmancy places!  I think this made all the difference in my trip to India.  After being surrounded by honking horns, a variety of animals, and commotion all day, it was wonderful to be able to escape into a world of serenity each night.  So maybe it wasn't the authentic Indian experience, but it worked for me! 

During our time in India, we toured Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur. For most of the time we were traveling, it was cold....so cold that they closed schools! There was also a lot of fog, as you will see, unfortunately, in many of my pictures.  

Fatehpur Sikri



The Red Fort in Delhi constructed by Shah Jahan



Indian Gate in Delhi
A monument for the unknown soldiers of WWII.  
There were so many "hawkers" outside trying to sell us trinkets that it 
was difficult to really enjoy this visit.

Along this street are all of the buildings 
for the President and his peeps. 

Agra Fort in Agra, India. 
Back in the day, the country was governed from this site.  
Once inside, it resembles a city with walls.

Not sure if you can see these bright green birds, 
but they were everywhere! 



We saw this hut while driving through a village
on our way from Agra to Jaipur.

Another stop along our way from Agra to Jaipur.  
This entire structure has steps built into the walls.  
Many, many years ago people held competitions to see who could run the entire
building the fastest.  Although it may not be evident in this picture, these steps are very steep and there are no railings!  
I was scared to climb down them...it was a long fall to the bottom!

The City Palace in Jaipur.  This is where royalty used to live. 
Once inside it was almost like a mini-city with beautiful gardens.

Jal Mahal Palace is located in the middle of Man
Sagar Lake near Jaipur.  Back in the day, it was considered a
"pleasure palace" but now stands empty.  However, rumor
has it that a rich business man bought the property and is opening
it is a restaurant.

Next up:  Taj Mahal!