| Weekend at the Taj, Fine Dining and restful sleep! |
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On Saturday morning, Rick and I met in the lobby for our getaway to see the #1 Wonder of the World - Taj Mahal. There was a little delay in Vineet and Sugit arriving at the resort, as they'd taken a few wrong turns, they arrived and we had breakfast. By 10 a.m. we were off! It took us about three hours to reach Agra, and the weather was very warm. When we arrived, we decided to eat lunch first. Met by Hasan's cousin, we were escorted into the most amazing five star hotel. We were greeted with wooden bracelets & bindi -The woman's mark is most often called a bindi. It can be worn as a decoration, by women of any religion, or as a Hindu religious observance. We got lots of picts for those back home. Peshawri - was the name of an exquisite Indian Authentic Cuisine restaurant. The servers allowed both Rick and I separately in the kitchen, I even got to help make the buttered naan - we captured this on video! We had Tandoori Chicken, naan, and dal.
After a filling lunch we were on our way to the Taj. When we arrived, we had to park a distance away. As we pulled in the parking lot, both Rick and I sighted a camel with carriage. We asked if that could be our mode of transportation (our options being, horse & buggy, bicycle & buggy or battery operated shuttle or the camel) You got it! We not only were escorted to the gate of the Taj, and both rode the camel, but Rick rode camelback right up to the entrance!!!!!
We had two very nice tour guides while inside, and spent the better part of two hours amazed by the elaborate marble structure. It's interesting that it took 22,000 men, 22 years 24 hours a day to build it and it was built with such precision and symmetry!
After we left the Taj, we rode on onbe of their battery operated jobees. And you guessed it! More shopping! To all the girls back home, this place was a little to rich for my pocket book. However, while we were inside, they showed us how the marble was inlaid with the precious stones of jade, ruby, pearl and other fine jewels. Vineet captured this process for us on video. From this location we went into a more reasonable souvineer shop. By the time we were finished we were all exhausted - Rick slept the entire way home. We were hosted by the most gracious men - Vineet P Singh & Suchit Bhalla - we are most grateful for an amazing day!
Sunday was meant for rest and relaxation and I did just that! All day long! Ate and slept, and started watching Bride and Prejudice but fell asleep. I did get the chance to watch it from beginning to end before work this morning! If you haven't seen it, it's a must.
Miss you all and will see you Friday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! |
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