Jaipur, Tordi Garh & Agra

We left Delhi to head to Jaipur, the capital of Rajisthan state. Much the same as Delhi: loud, busy, and very "fragrant". Highlights of Jaipur included the best lassi (fresh yogurt drink) anywhere from Lassiwalla, Amber Fort and amazing textile shops with every print, colour and type of fabric you can imagine. We visited a hand block printing shop where they apply designs to the fabric and were wined and dined in the luxury of the shop. A delightful contrast to the street vendors who hassle you as soon as you step off the rickshaw.

In Tordi, a small village 2hrs out of Jaipur by exciting jeep ride, was a welcome and delightful respite from Jaipur. No horns honking, just kids who were ecstatic to see us and even more ecstatic to have their photos taken. We took a camel cart up to the sand dunes to watch the sunset and sip on homemade chai masala. Since we will leave India before Diwali, the inn keeper put on a small fireworks display for us to celebrate our own Diwali. The next morning, we did a small tour around the village, where local rarely see tourists. We were followed (politely) by endless kids eager to have their photos taken as many times as they could get. Tordi was a beautiful escape from the hustle and bustle we've been experiencing so far.

A slightly faster, bumpier return to Jaipur and then we boarded a local bus (perhaps the filthiest, loudest, most uncomfortable vehicle we've been in) for the short 10hr ride to Agra. We arrived late last night, haggard, hungry and tired, but were delighted to find a comfortable bed in the middle of tourist mecca. We've never been so happy to get to a touristy area.

At dawn this morning, we went to the Taj Mahal to see the sun rise. The Taj is made up with gems and semi precious stones inlaid into the marble, so it sparkles from all angles in the sun. We now can appreciate why it's one of the seven wonders of the modern world.

Later today, we'll visit the Red Fort here in Agra before boarding an overnight train to Varanassi. Should be interesting...

PS: Having problems uploading photos to the site. Stay tuned.