Taj Mahal Trip

The family we're living with were trilled when we decided we should all go to Agra to see the Taj Mahal together. They Love the Taj, and are always talking about it's beauty with such pride. So, we rented a car to pick us up at 7am to go to see it, and maybe another attraction, and then come back home that evening. We had no idea at the time what the day would entail.

Packed in the car were our family of three, our friend's family of six, their nephew and niece, and the driver and his son = 13 people in a five seater (with two little seats in the back) SUV.

The traffic was horrible, so it took us an hour or two longer to get there than it usually would. However, when we got to the parking lot for the Taj a group of tour guides and transportation guys practically attached us once they saw our white faces. We let the dad of the family and Neal handle the guys, and they chose for us a tour guide and a man to take us to the entrance...a man driving a camel.

There was a very long line to enter the big gate that led to the inside, but since we had a tour guide he took us around all the people. Women went through one group of bars and men through another - everything is segregated here. Once inside it was like a different world. The pictures will say everything.

The gate you entered through to see the Taj

The first sight you see once inside the gate. So beautiful, especially with the green surroundings

 Our tour guide did a great job taking pictures of the family for us (left below). The picture on the right below is the side column of the Taj and the guess house/waiting area. Whenever someone would come to visit that is where they would stay/wait. Everything is so elaborate!

These last two pictures are two of my favorites!

I love the green grass - hard to find here.

Although we enjoyed seeing the Taj, we were all very ready to leave. It was 107 degrees that day. So, after leaving the family decided we should go to a place called Dolphin, which is a water park. They apparently had this planned in their minds, but Neal and I had no idea and we didn't come prepared at all. We were very curious what we'd do once we got there since we didn't bring our bathing suits...and what they'd do for bathing suits. We've never been swimming with Muslims, so it would be interesting.

On the way there our driver knew that the turn for the water park was coming soon and there wouldn't be an opening in the median to turn. Therefore, to avoid having to backtrack he just went on over to the other side of the road and drove on that side in the oncoming traffic until we reached our turn. While driving the incorrect way he complained about the other drivers in his frustration of not everyone moving when he blew his horn. To him this was a big problem. However, I agree with what Neal said, "Honestly, I think we're the problem."

When we got there we were told we could rent bathing suits - long pants and shirt for the women, and a  mid-thigh speedo for the men. So strange! Basically almost everyone matched if they were actually wearing a swimsuit. Some people, however, just got in with their clothes.

Neal took Elijah in the water and there was a crowd of about 20 men following them at all times.

On one side of the park there was a big round room with loud music. Neal, Elijah, and the mom and I went over to see what was happening inside. They were tons of men with their speedos on dancing in some spraying water to the loud music. The mom said it was something very popular for everyone to do. Neal and Elijah went inside for a little while, but Elijah didn't want to stay long. Neal said it was very awkward. Afterwards, Neal got the dad and son to go on one of the big slides. The dad was very nervous and held onto Neal all the way down. I also got the mom to hike up her pants and walk around in the pools with me to cool down. She would hold my arm as we were walking so that she wouldn't fall. By the end of the day both the mom and I had our pants completely soaked from water. It felt so good!

On our way home the sun went down fast and a storm came up very quickly. There was dust and limbs  flying all over the place. The car was being pushed by the wind because it was so strong. Neal and I were praying for the Lord to protect us and get us home safely. We pulled over on the side of the road for a little while. The storm finally calmed enough for us to continue driving.

About 30 minutes before we arrived at home the mom asked me if we wanted to go to her mother's house for the birthday party of her niece. The niece was turning 2 years old and the whole family, all nine kids with their children, were gathering to have a meal together and celebrate - very packed house. So, we of course went and ate with the family and got to know them better, which was a blessing. They are always so welcoming, and it was good to get to visit the grandmother and grandfather's house.

Once the meal was finished everyone gathered into the living room around the little girl and her cake. They lit around 10 candles and counted to three then everyone blew out the candles...spit was flying. It made us smile because it was a lot like our own culture.

The cake was then cute for everyone to get a small sliver in their hand to eat. The adults apparently have a tradition of smearing the cake on each others faces, which is what they ran around the house doing. The dad of the family we stay with was one of the best at this game and got one of the aunts really good. Then he grabbed the big jug of water and dumped it over her head in order to wash the cake off. Everyone was laughing.

We had a wonderful day! Once we arrived back at home at 11pm we were exhausted and ready for bed!