Wake up call was 4:30am for the long ride to the Taj Mahal. All the trains had been booked well in advance. I tried to sleep in the car, but the driver drove with his horn, changing lanes constantly - two reqruiements for driving in Delhi. The sky was dark and covered with fog and smog - would it clear? The driver almost fell asleep at the wheel and hit the curb, but luckily he recovered quickly and we made him stop for some stron tea. Still two hours to go.
We finally made it - I paid $15 for admission and my local guide paid $.50. The first sight of the Taj Mahal was like the first time you see the Grand Canyon, Machu Piccho, or the Pyramids. Truly amazing with 50+ picutres to show for it.
Here's the cutest picture of me, holding the Taj Mahal in my fingers. Seeing the Taj Mahal made the long horrible drive worth it - but would I survive the return ride.
We left the Taj Mahal around noon and for the first 2-3 hours the traffic was fine. But when we reached the outskirts of Delhi the traffic stopped. Remember there are no rules - you drive where you want, even in the wrong direction. You ignore all lights. There are animals on the streets - see photo below, walking of just sitting. There are camel drawn carts, millions of motorscooters and taxis, all tring to merge from 8 lanes to 2 lanes. No one gives an inch - you are packed in like sardines. I'm sure you get the picture and after 4 1/2 hours I was back at the hotel for a well needed drink or two.
Here a picture of one of the taxis I took to dinner. After dinner I fell asleep around 7:30pm and woke up at 10am the next morning.
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