the Bond's and the Taj

Our final time with Neal's family was spent in Agra before we headed back to Delhi.

We arrived late in the afternoon to find the most wonderful weather (70's C) in Agra.

This experience was so much different than it was before (around 105 C, 40 F). 

They even gave us a bottle of water this time and told us we could bring it into the complex. We started to take the horse carriage to go to the Taj but it was too far for the horse and the security guards would not let us. It turns out that they also have a new ticket counter and golf carts to take large groups to see the historic site.

We decided to hire a guide and he helped explain much more about the history... the monument was put together for Sha Jahan's 3rd wife... the other 2 are burried on the sides (sad for them!).

Elijah and Mommy take a cute pose holding the tip of the Taj.

Our family together for a great moment in time.

All the boys, in flannel! See the resemblance?

Neal guiding Elijah to the correct path (he always wants to stray!)

This man was feeding the chipmunks from his hand! After seeing the man feed them, I thought that I would try! 

And it worked!

 Even with Elijah wanting to grab the thing, how simple!

 Elijah was constantly trying to escape as we approached the
monument. I think he really wanted to go and play in the restricted grass areas.

We had to wear the shoe covers when we got there, and he was really making it difficult!

Finally we got them on....


He looks like a mini doctor!

Neal's beautiful sister Rachel and Elijah.

Some men loaded onto a boat at the river's edge. It was a serene setting.

A picture of the most beautiful woman in the world (sorry Sha :)

GB helped Elijah stay above the crowd.

It was a beautiful evening sunset and a perfect end to a great day!

The moon was already visible as the sun was going down. The clouds looked like they were painted with all of the colors of the rainbow: blues, pink, orange, purple it was the most relaxed we had felt in months.     

Mimi watched Elijah for us to have a moment of relief, we were so grateful for it the whole trip!

  Mimi carried Elijah back to the car because he was tired (he loved seeing her).

We ended the day by going to our hotel (which ended up not being so nice - no hot water!), 

but the night was spent at Pizza Hut and then the coffee shop which was an enjoyable treat!

Overall it was a lovely and unforgettable experience, so hard to believe that the day of their arrival had finally come and gone! We miss you!